As the final weeks of summer loom, it’s time for a final hurrah with lots of fun family activities. Even as we enter Back To School territory, the thoughts of weekend day trips and October mid-term break will keep us going!
Explore the Majestic Castle
Brimming with history and heritage spanning centuries of the Talbot family, Malahide Castle & Gardens will equally leave adults and children alike in awe thanks to its dramatic exterior and decadent interiors. Enjoy viewing the many portraits of the Talbot family through the years, exploring the 260 acres of parkland, and much more.
Stories of ghosts and frightful sightings connected to the history of Malahide Castle & Gardens will provide for a spooky mid-term day out this Halloween.
Discover the Fairy Trail at Malahide Castle & Gardens
Experience the enchanted interactive fairy trail in the wooded west lawn. Full of hidden gems, nooks and crannies, the fairy trail is filled with fun sculptures and fairy doors. The trail takes 1.5 hours to complete, the interactive booklet with clues and questions will keep the little ones filled with excitement.
Learn About The Butterflies
Malahide Castle & Gardens is home to the Republic of Ireland’s only Butterfly House. Experience the delightful creatures and their kaleidoscope of colours amongst the tropical plants in Cambridge Glasshouse. A day trip to the Butterfly House is the perfect opportunity to educate the kids on this magical species and their benefits in pollinating and contributing to the gardening ecosystem. The Butterfly House is open day all year-round from 9.30am and last entry at 4.30pm.
Enjoy Malahide Playground
Let the kids loose in the state-of-the-art playground. After all their energy is burned off, it’s time for the adults to enjoy some well deserved retail therapy with a potter around Avoca Store, Cafe and Food Market. Discover homeware, outdoor clothing, local design pieces and much more.
Pack a Picnic
Arrive prepared and make memories with a teddy bears picnic this summer. Maximise the great open space in the sprawling 20 acres of lawn or unwind beneath the balmy trees on warmer days. Don’t forget the essentials; a blanket, picnic basket full of refreshing drinks and wholesome treats, and a raincoat will come in handy for every eventuality. It is Ireland after all!
Cost
There are a variety of options depending on the type of ticket you want, places to visit, etc. Example of cost : Fairy Trail, Gardens and Butterfly House Ticket for a Family 2+2 costs €24* [*as of August 2021]
Top Tip: For families living nearby, an Annual Membership Pass for 2 adults and 2 children is priced at €95. Enjoy day admission to Malahide Castle and Gardens and an array of additional discounts and VIP perks. Find out more here.
Have recommendations? We’d love to hear your tips for family-friendly day trips. Submit your tips and reviews in the comment section below or share with us on Instagram @thefamilyedit
