Malahide Castle

Being the oldest in Ireland Malahide Castle tells us about the long history of prominent family – the Talbot family. This castle was in their possession from 1185 to 1975. But before it became home of this family, the Viking King of Dublin was in charge of it in 1169. His name was Hammund Mac Turkill and it was when Anglo-Normans invaded the territory.

In 1185 knight Richard Talbot received Malahide Castle for his devotion to the king of England Henry II. Richard Talbot escorted king on his way to Ireland in 1174. The remaining part of the Irish province Leister was given to Richard de Clare known as Strongbow.

Its oldest pieces were built in the 12th century. The castle belonged to the Talbots for 791 years, though there was time, when the castle was taken away from the family. It happened when Oliver Cromwell conquered Ireland. Cromwell presented the castle to Miles Corbet. But after his death, Miles Corbet was executed and the castle was returned to the Talbot family again.

The castle has undergone changes when Edward IV was at power. New towers were constructed then.

There were many historical events, which witnessed the walls of the castle, for instance the Penal Laws or Battle of the Boyne. 14 people died then after breakfast in Great Hall.

The 20s James Boswell’s documents were found in the Malahide Castle by his great-great grandson, which were later sold to collector from America Ralph H. Isham.

At last the 7th Baron became the owner of the Malahide castle and when he died in 1973 his sister inherited it, but 2 years later she sold the possession in order to be able to pay the taxes.

Many items from it were put up for sale prior to it and this fact provoked many disputes but government managed to return them back partly.

Location:	Malahide County, Dublin
Hours:	April to September: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun & Public Holidays: 10am-6pm; October to March: Mon -
Phone:	+353 1 846 2184