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Why visit Malahide Castle?

There are over 30,000 castles in Ireland, and over 30 that might be recommended on any itinerary through the Emerald Isle. We did not want to spend our days at the castles, but rather in nature or in small downs. However, Malahide Castle made it to our list because it is touted as a kid-friendly castle due to it’s fairy trail, diverse food choices, and small castle (which is easy to navigate in a tour). The playground at Malahide is also extensive and suitable for kids from all ages.

How to get to Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle is about 35 minutes from downtown Dublin by car or a little over an hour via public transportation. We visited Malahide the day before we left Ireland on the way back to our airport. You could visit Malahide as a day trip from Dublin, or at the beginning or end of a roadtrip around Ireland (if you are flying in or our of Dublin).

Malahide Castle Tour: for the grown-ups

While we visited Malahide Castle for the kid-friendly features, but we also purchased tickets for the tour, which is offered at specific times throughout the day.

The tour guide was excellent, and offered interesting stories about the family who owned and lives at Malahide. Our daughter had a hard time paying attention at the tour, and there were many people, but this might be great for older children and adults.

Read about our favorite place in Ireland: the Dingle Peninsula

Playground near Malahide Castle (Free!)

Down the wooded trail from Malahide Castle and gardens you will see a large playground with lots of options for toddlers to 10 year olds. When we visited, we saw at least two summer camps visiting the playground, too. It’s a great space play and have a picnic lunch after a visit to the castle and fairy gardens.

Malahide Castle and Gardens: Fairy Trail

The fairy trail at Malahide Gardens is a great way to explore and read stories. We spent most of our time here. At the gift shop/entrance you can buy tickets that give you entrance to the fairy gardens and a booklet for your child to fill out. Since our daughter was 5 and could not read yet, this became my job. But, the booklet kept her entertained and she was motivated to move to the next location, even when it started raining.

Malahide Castle fairy trail near Dublin Ireland — Malahide Castle and Gardens: Fairy Trail

Read about our tips for visiting Dublin with kids

Malahide Castle and Gardens: Fairy Trail

Eating at Malahide Castle

Next to the visitor center is the Avoca store, cafe and food market. There was a great variety of baked goods and sandwiches for the whole family. There’s not room to eat inside, but there is plenty of room outside in the courtyard.

Where to eat dinner near Malahide

Malahide village has many restaurants. However, we were staying a bit further away, so for our last night in Ireland, we wanted to eat at a traditional pub. We chose Man o’ war in Fingal, which was recommended to us by our hosts that night. Our meal was wonderful, and the kids’ menu came with an ice cream at the end of the night.