Tour Details

Castles of North Dublin with Private Transportation

On this Dublin tour with private transportation, you will be picked up at port in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and whisked away to see two of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, Malahide Castle and Ardgillan Estate. Then enjoy the freedom to explore the beautiful Malahide Estate on your own.

This is a great tour for your group of up to 40 guests to see the charming country and castles near Dublin. The village of Malahide has history dating back to the arrival of the Vikings around 800AD, but it is thought there were people living in this area even before that time. Around 1180 AD, the Talbot family were granted extensive lands in the area and over the centuries that followed, they developed their estate, with Malahide Castle as the main residence and the small harbor village that was home to the people who worked the estate.

Today, Malahide Estate consists of approximately 260 acres, a mere shadow of its former size. The castle, with parts that date back to the 12th century, is still the center of attention. It remained in the Talbot family for more than 790 years, with the exception of 11 years in the mid 1600s when Oliver Cromwell granted it to loyal followers. It was finally sold in 1975 after the death of the 7th Baron of Talbot.

During your visit of the castle's halls and rooms, it is possible to see one of the best collections of Irish period furniture, and a unique collection of Irish historical portraits in oils from the collection of the late Lord Talbot de Malahide.

Outside is the 20-acre garden, which was largely created by Lord Milo Talbot, the last Baron de Malahide in the 25 years before his death. There are in excess of five thousand species and varieties of plants and trees in the gardens. Follow the information panels in the garden and find out about the Victorian Greenhouse, the Old Rose Garden, the Peach House, the Alpine Yard, the Pond and much more. You will have approximately 2 hours to spend at the Malahide Estate.

After your visit to the castle, you will drive to the 200 acre Ardgillan Estate to visit its castle and gardens. Although referred to as a castle, the residence at Ardgillan is a large country-styled house with castellated embellishments. Originally named "Prospect," the central section was built in 1738 by Robert Taylor, with the west and east wings added in the late 1700's. The home remained in the Taylor family until 1962. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to see the ground floor rooms and kitchens of the Castle. The gardens include a walled herb garden, rose garden, Victorian conservatory or glasshouse, and tea rooms. You will have approximately 90 minutes at Ardgillan Estate. After your visit, you will be driven back to the ship.

Please Note: The tours of both castles are provided by castle staff. Private guides are not permitted in the castles.