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Baily Lighthouse perched on Malahide Head cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea

Malahide Itineraries

Half a day or a full weekend. Here are the best ways to spend your time in Malahide, planned step by step.

Whether you have a few hours off the DART or a full weekend to explore, these itineraries give you a local’s route through Malahide. Each one links directly to the restaurants and activities along the way.

Half-Day Castle and Village·3-4 hoursFull Day: Coast, Castle, and Dinner·7-8 hours

Half-Day Castle and Village

3-4 hoursYear-round

The classic Malahide experience: castle tour, a stroll through the grounds, and lunch in the village.

First time visitorsFamiliesHistory lovers
  1. 1
    10:00·30 min

    Arrive by DART

    Take the DART from Dublin Connolly to Malahide Station (22-28 min). The station is right in the village.

  2. 2
    10:30·1 hour

    Malahide Castle Tour

    Walk to the castle (15 min) and take the guided tour of the state rooms and great hall. Book tickets in advance.

    View Malahide Castle and Gardens
  3. 3
    11:30·45 min

    Castle Grounds and Walled Garden

    Explore the 260-acre parkland and the botanical walled garden. The Butterfly House is worth a stop if you have children.

    View Malahide Castle Grounds Walk
  4. 4
    12:30·1 hour

    Lunch in the Village

    Walk back to the village for lunch. Old Street for something special, Townyard for a relaxed bistro meal, or Gibney's for pub food and a pint.

    View Old Street
  5. 5
    13:30·30 min

    Village Browse

    Walk the village streets. Independent shops, a coffee stop, and the general atmosphere of a place that has not been overtaken by chains.

Full Day: Coast, Castle, and Dinner

7-8 hoursYear-round

A full day combining the coastal walk, the castle, and dinner in one of Malahide's best restaurants.

Active visitorsFoodiesCouples
  1. 1
    09:30·30 min

    Arrive by DART

    Take the DART to Malahide. Start at the marina.

  2. 2
    10:00·2 hours

    Coastal Walk to Portmarnock

    Walk the 4km coastal path from the marina to Portmarnock, with estuary views and Martello towers. Take the DART one stop back to Malahide.

    View Malahide to Portmarnock Coastal Walk
  3. 3
    12:00·45 min

    Coffee and the Village

    Back in Malahide village for coffee. Browse the shops and the Saturday market if it is the weekend.

  4. 4
    13:00·2.5 hours

    Malahide Castle Tour

    The castle guided tour and the grounds. Allow extra time for the walled garden.

    View Malahide Castle and Gardens
  5. 5
    15:30·45 min

    Casino Model Railway Museum

    A quirky detour: Ireland's only model railway museum in a restored thatched cottage.

    View Casino Model Railway Museum
  6. 6
    17:00·1 hour

    Pre-Dinner Drink

    A pint or a glass of wine at Gibney's beer garden. Decompress before dinner.

    View Gibney's
  7. 7
    18:00·1.5 hours

    Dinner

    Old Street for Michelin-recommended modern Irish, Siam Thai for the best Thai in north Dublin, or Greedy Goose for tapas-style sharing plates.

    View Old Street

Ready to plan your visit?

Check tide times, live DART departures, and the weather forecast before you head out.

Planning Tips & Packing GuideGetting to Malahide