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
aisasami
Oh my, that castle is so beautiful! I love everything about it: the interior, the gardens, the built! It is so majestic!
Natalia Vorche
Such a breath taking view I love all the pictures and it makes me want to go there
Steph
From your pictures,the place looks really beautiful.no doubt you enjoyed yourself.
Raksha Nagaraj
I have been to Malahide Castle and I agree that it is absolutely stunning there.
blair villanueva
What an amazing trip to Dublin, and those castle are very picturesque.
BTW, you look like Angelina Jolie in this picture. 🙂
Shelley from BeyondPennies.com
Love the sailboats and the scenery. Your pics are great!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
Gorgeous trip! You’re so lucky to have been able to go! I am craving travel so badly right now!
Jessica Collazo
This place is so stunning and beautiful .I would love to go there someday after this is all over.
Renee
That’s beautiful! I’ve always wanted to go here
Lavern Moore
I would love to visit Malahide castle in Dublin. It seems like a picturesque place to be!
gigissudsintheshower
Enjoyed your pictures! Looks like a great day!