Day Trip from Dublin: Malahide Castle and Howth
When I spent a weekend in Dublin, I wanted to take a day trip but wasn’t sure where or how I would go. I visited the tourism office and browsed the available tours. There was a Sunday afternoon tour to visit Malahide Castle and Gardens and the nearby village Howth! Both are not far from Dublin and can easily be visited in an afternoon.
Malahide Castle and Gardens
The tour began at Malahide Castle and Gardens. The medieval castle was gifted to Richard Talbot by King Henry II in 1185. The castle remained in the Talbot Family until 1975 when it was sold to the State.
The Castle is only accessible via a guided tour but it is absolutely worth it! (If you are visiting through a tour company like I did, this is likely included in the cost for the tour.)
It’s really interesting to hear about the changes made to the Castle over its 800 year history. The medieval building also has several ghost stories!
The gardens include the Walled Garden and Butterfly House. I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the pathways in the Walled Garden and exploring all that is inside! The Walled Garden is one of just four botanical gardens in Ireland.
Howth
This charming Irish fishing village sits on the Howth peninsula. There are some stunning trails throughout the peninsula with views over the coast.
Additionally, there are plenty of great places to eat! Fresh seafood galore!
Our stop in Howth was quite brief, so after popping into a local inn I spent the rest of my time at the harbour. I sat and watched the sailboats come in for quite some time!
Funt fact: the footprints (pictured above) at Howth Harbour are from King George IV in 1821! This was where he first stepped foot on Irish soil.
What day trips have you taken from Dublin? Share below!
XoXo
20 Comments
Shilpa
Getting a travel itch during these times. Lovely photos will have to add to my list!
Elizabeth O
Such a lovely photos. Dublin Malahide Castle and Howth are really beautiful places to visit. Such a fun trip for sure.
laurentrivison
I LOVE Ireland! What a fun trip 🙂
CJ
We were hoping to go to Dublin this summer but that is clearly not the case now so I am saving this for until we can go!
Goldfish and Gin
I want to go to Dublin so bad.It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl. I can’t wait until I have the chance to visit Ireland. I love all of your pictures. They make me want to go even more.
mainak biswas
Lovely photos.. hope to visit there some day! 🙂
Capri
Looks like a lovely trip! Great photos!
Anita
My husband would love to visit Dublin!
chirpybrains
Wow this place looks so beautiful and stunning. Even I would love to be there some day. Waiting for this lockdown to be over soon so that I can travel back!!