The gardens here are exactly what I would have expected when I visited Ireland-lush, green and full…read moreof so much history! I'm a sucker for a romantic staircase and we saw one that led up to the castle. I'm sure many brides have had their photos taken here over the years. I expected larger crowds, but I guess a cold day in October doesn't draw the tourists out like a warm summer day would. So if you prefer to visit without so many people, keep that in mind. Be sure to take a tour of the castle-it's amazing to see how well it's been preserved and just how much you can enjoy all these years later.

Malahide castle offers guided tours through the castle. Our tour guide knew the ENTIRE history of…read morethis castle and the people who have lived here. He described why each room looked the way it did and had what it did. The garden was breath taking. The butterfly pavilion was a treat. It was really a great experience. The castle has so much history and ghosts and it was beautiful inside and out.

Having grown up with amazing Australian beaches on my doorstep, I often long for a deserted sandy…read morebeach to escape to, to indulge my sand and surf addiction. Howth doesn't cut it, nor Dun Laoghaire, and Bray doesn't have the answer either. For me, the only Dublin beach that even goes halfway towards holding the answers to all of life's problems is Malahide. If you're lucky enough (go on a weekday!) you might even get the entire beach to yourself. There's nothing more enthralling than being alone with a vast expanse of beach infront of you, and being free to skip, dance, sing or scream, whatever floats your boat at the time. Malahide Beach is also good for a sit down. It offers a lovely vista out to Lambay Island, Howth and Island's Eye (depending on how far you walk, that is..) Also look on the ground.. there are some lovely shells for the finding if you look hard enough. From Malahide Beach you can take the coastal walk all the way to Portmarnock (but beware, it's 5km away so is no stroll through the park.) Malahide is definitely my pick of Dublin beaches.

I love this beach on my doorstep. The views are amazing across to other beaches such as Donabate…read more It's s short beach but links to portmarnock beach by footpath which is a great length for walking and running in the evening...... 5km each way. Unfortunately no swimming on malahide beach due to dangerous tides.

I lived in Donabate for about 10 months, and one thing I really loved was Newbridge House and…read moreDemesne, or The Newbridge Estate as it might also be called. This is a historic site in Donabate, and if you're coming in from Dublin by train it's only a 10 minute walk from the station to one of the side gates. The Dublin Buss 33B (from Portrane to Sword) stops by the main gate here. And if you have a car there is lots of parking. There is over 400 acres of parkland and trails and I loved coming here and going for a walk. Of all the things I miss about living in Donabate this is at the top of the list. I'd see people walking and running on the trails here. There were often families, and some people would bring their dogs (must be on leash of course). The Newbridge House is a Georgian style home and it's one that you can visit. They have guided tours of the house where you'll learn of of the Cobbe family that built the house and lived here until the 1980's. Apparently there was a portrait of William Shakespeare discovered at the house, but when I was visiting it wasn't on display. Along with the house there is a working farm that is run like it would have been in the 1800's. A ticket to the farm and house is €10. The farm has several breeds of different farm animals, including some Irish specific breeds like Connemara Ponies and Kerry Cows. If you are here after the house and farm has closed for the day (but while the park is still open) walk the trail behind the house toward the farm and you'll be able to see some of the animals. If you have kids a visit to the farm only is €5.50. And there is a playground by the house for kids too There are also Irish Red Deer in a pen on the path close to the entrance on the east side of the property. Sometimes the deer will come up close to the fence, but often they stay back. There are ten does and a buck in the pen. Don't feed the deer and be careful because they are animals and not Disney cartoon characters who will be your friends. There's often goats in this pen too. Beside the Newbridge House is the Coach Cafe. It has coffees, teas, juices, minerals, and a variety of pastries and sandwiches to enjoy. The cafe is nice, but can get quite busy especially on weekends. I didn't have lunch here, but did enjoy a coffee and a muffin. Anyway I loved all of my visits to the Newbridge House. I think the only downside is that it isn't open 24 hours a day (hours vary season to season), and that I'm back in Canada and can't just walk here in 10 minutes like I used to. I know one day I'll come back to Donabate and this will best the first place I visit.

this is a great little gem of a place. it has lovely wide open spaces to sit, relax and picnic…read more it has a playground in which you can lose the children for about an hour and it also has a farm and coffee shop. the farm is rather cool, when i went in it had lots of poultry, pigs and piglets, goats, cows and an interesting little hatchery. i even seen the eggs moving around as if ready to hatch! pity i did'nt stay long enough because i'd have loved to see if them break out of their shells. there is lots of ye auld farm machinery to see, makes you see how far technology has moved on from the plough and thrashing machines. its a great place to go if you want a bit of peace and quiet from the city and it only takes about 25 minutes to get there from the city center on the M1.

Get yourself to Malahide Marina Centre on Dublin's next sunny weekend. It is such a peaceful,…read morebeautiful area just 30 minutes north of Dublin and it is well worth the visit. For those into boating there are 350 berths at this marina, but I definitely recommend it even if you're not planning to set foot on a yacht. There is an amazing park right next to the marina which is great for family fish and chip expeditions and for relaxing with friends. The walk around to Malahide Beach is wonderfully picturesque and well worth the effort (and it's not far - only about 15 minutes). Malahide itself is a very relaxing village, with loads of cafes, bars and clothes shops to admire. A day at Malahide will make you feel like you've stepped right out of Ireland and into some Mediterranean seaside village. And anywhere in Ireland that can trick the mind in this way is definitely worth seeing!

This is a lovely place to visit and look at the boats and walk along the sea and take in the…read morerelaxed atmosphere or just having a coffee or ice cream and just enjoying the lovely view from the benches at the green! Easy to reach by bus or Dart! Malahide Castle just 5 min away, great for walks and big adventure playground for the kids.

I've been able to visit lots of castles across Europe, but very few have been preserved in such a…read moreway that the interior decor and furniture remain and continue to tell the story of their inhabitants. It's extra cool to be able to see things just the way someone would have back so long ago. The rooms are staged with artifacts and replicas and they are pretty true to life. The ornate designs in the wood are original and each one tells a different story. Be sure to ask your tour guide about the term "being plastered" and where that originated. This is one castle you don't want to miss out on.

Wish I had more time to do more! We had a wonderful guide…read moreon the day trip! She was so knowledgeable and fun! What amazing history! SO glad the government kept this gem as it was in its hay day! Please always keep this protected! The gardens are outstanding! Kudos to the grounds keepers! The butterfly garden is a MUST see! I had a great time shopping in the deli and shoppes....I regret not having time for the cafe...the food smelled yummy!

The Ward River Valley Park (Jacko to locals) is a beautiful space to explore…read more It is very unfortunate that Fingal County Council have spent thousands of taxpayers money on erecting an unwanted and unnecessary cage as an off leash dog area, instead of putting the money to good use maintaining and cleaning the park. The park has been frequented by dog owners for years with little or no problems, now they feel isolated and marginalised. As the largest and most frequent users of the park this is unjust and unfair. Reverse the byelaw Mr Halfpenny.

This park has it all. Lots of open, green space. A large pond covered in lily pads. And an…read moreinteresting and troubled history. This area used to be part of a palatial house and gardens constructed in 1703. The house fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, was damaged by fire in 1947, and was finally demolished in 1959. In 1998, the county council voted to rezone the 225 acre area. What used to be a large forest with many trees in poor condition is now developed buildings and this 72 acre park. There are fewer trees than before, but a wall of trees shields this park from the major surrounding roads. Footpaths take you throughout the park, with wide open, grassy space all around. There are some people here, but not many. It's mostly quiet solitude everywhere you go. There are play areas for kids, exercise equipment that uses your body weight as resistance, and a community garden. The garden was unfortunately close when we visited. The northwest corner of the park connects to a shaded trail that continues for 800 meters (half a mile). There are no parking facilities at the park, which enhances its seclusion. Which is great if you are a resident or staying in a hotel nearby.

once upon a time this place was known as Santry forest and was a place of wilderness. Now it is a…read moreplace of beauty and peace with its little walled garden, ornate lake with resident swans and moorhens, walkways and little forest areas. It also has a lovely playground for the wee ones which even has a toilet block which is a great benefit as most parks don't have facilities anymore. One thing missing though is the amount of trees as when i used to walk in the forest it was wall to wall trees but now has a very small amount and is a park now rather than a forest which can sometimes be a pity in a build up city but the demesne is a worthy gem for the northside of the city. It does however lack parking and i find having to park in the apartments visitor spaces a bit of a nuisance as i feel im intruding. The park needs to offer proper parking for visitors the same as any park n Dublin does.

This is the first Softball Dirt Diamond in Ireland. It was created by ALSAA sports club and 2Pak…read moreSoftball Club in March of 2012. It is the home for the two 2Pak teams , Batpak and Dublin Bay Packers, however it is open for any one to rent out. It is continually being improved and gets better all the time.