Malahide Castle, Dublin re-opens to the public and the top ten thing to do in the area

Malahide Castle, North County Dublin

Malahide Castle and Gardens has recently re-opened following a €10 million refurbishment by Fingal County Council and Failte Ireland, which will restore its ranking as a first class visitor attraction and preserve it for future generations.

A popular and most valuable amenity in North County Dublin, Malahide Castle is surrounded by 450 acres of manicured park lands, managed walkways and mature trees and state of the art children’s playground which is free to the public all year round.

Up until 1975 Malahide Castle was the oldest and longest inhabited castle in Ireland, with the same family having lived there almost continuously since 1185 when Richard Talbot was granted ‘the lands and harbour of Malahide’ by King Henry II in return for rendering "one archer with a horse and coat-of-mail forever". When the last male heir Milo Talbot died in 1973, the estate passed to his sister Rose, who unfortunately was forced to sell the castle and its contents to pay the death duties. Thankfully the Irish Government had the foresight to buy the property and open it to the public and now that it has been completed restored and updated it should last another few years.

Malahide Castle has had a long and colourful history which will be further explained to you on a guided tour of the castle, which takes in the magnificent 600 year old Great Hall. Poignantly, a huge painting of The Battle of the Boyne fills the back wall for it was here in this very room that the Talbot family sat down to breakfast that fateful morning in 1690 not knowing that fourteen of them would be dead by nightfall. But, somehow the family survived that tragedy and evidently prospered, judging by the various additions that were made to the castle, including the twin round towers and the banqueting hall panelled in same Irish oak that graces Westminster Abbey in London. With the original gothic style tracery windows still letting in a strained light, Malahide castle is very atmospheric and not short of a few ghosts which is hardly surprising considering?

Open all year round except 24th,25th & 26th of December. Admission Adult €12 Child €6 Family €26 Concessions €8 Phone 01-8169538

For more information on Malahide Castle and Gardens or to book tickets online please click here

Ten other things to do and see in the area are -

1. Take a tour of Malahide Castle, re-opened October 2012 after major refurbishment, new interactive exhibition and project centre.

2. Visit the Castle Gardens, renowned garden and plantsman's paradise, over 5000 rare species, beautiful carpets of cyclamen under the Lebanese Cedar on the West Lawn in early autumn.

3. Avoca in the Courtyard, enjoy tea, coffee and homemade cakes or a light lunch either indoor or outside in the pretty pergola leading on to the garden or browse their famous home-wares, clothing and gift shop.

4. Blow the cobwebs away with a bracing walk and admire the mature trees throughout the 450 acres of parklands, which remain much the same as they have always been for the last 800 years.

5. Let the kids loose in the Castle Playground which was a real favourite of my kids, when they were young.

6. Take a stroll around the pretty village of Malahide, with its smart shops (the Village Bookshop on Townyard Lane is particularly delightful) bars, restaurants and marina.

7. Have a 'grand' carvery lunch or afternoon tea in the Grand Hotel, good old fashioned luxury with a modern twist.I would highly recommend the silver service luncheon in the restaurant for sunday lunch or a special occasion.

8. Drive the coastal route out around by Portmarnock strand and Golf Club to Sutton Village.

9. Take a left to drive out to Howth Harbour, have a walk along the pier, or enjoy any of the many great seafood restaurants out there.

10. Or veer right, back into Dublin to visit St Anne's Park and its famous rose garden, the Casino at Marino or a stroll on Dollymount Strand.

For more information visit http://www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/ and eBook Travel Guide Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2013

Enjoy an Irish Shindig at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin this summer

This sounds like fun! The Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin are hosting an Irish Shindig Night every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 7-11pm throughout the summer. Tickets are priced at €60 (€47.50 if you book online) which includes a guided tour of the distillery and whiskey tasting session, followed by a three course meal and live entertainment by the Jameson Players and the Claddagh Irish Dancers.

The distillery tour (is the same as the daytime tour) which could you save you some time if you are on a lightening visit to Dublin, is excellent as it not only takes visitors through the seven stages of whiskey making but also grounds the whole process in the tradition and social history of this interesting and special, cobbled corner of Dublin city.

The menu is obviously inspired and liberally laced with Jameson whiskey throughout with Jameson infused smoked salmon for starters and marinated Wexford strawberries on fluffy pavlova with Jameson chantilly cream for dessert. Mains include Irish chicken stuffed with sage and white pudding or seared fresh fillet of cod and lemon caper butter from Kilmore Quay, served up with fresh seasonal vegetables. After that, it is time to ‘raise the rafters’ with a mixture of traditional and contemporary Irish songs and rousing dance, which you are welcome to sit back and enjoy or join in by all means...

Book online at www.jamesonwhiskey.com

Read a review of the Old Jameson Distillery Tour http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/jamesons.html

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

Aras an Uachtaran in the Phoenix Park - President Michael D Higgin's new home

Susan outside the Aras an Uachtaran

Aras an Uachtaran, in the Phoenix Park is the house where the ninth Irish President Michael D Higgins, who was inaugurated on Friday in Dublin Castle, will live for his seven years in office.

Not many people know that you can actually visit Aras an Uachtaran yourself on Satrudays, unless it is being used for official state business, which means tours can be cancelled at short notice. While admission is free, tickets are limited to about 100 which are allocated on a first come first served basis from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, close by at Ashtown Castle.

Visitors are then transferred by coach and given a guided tour of the state rooms and a short history of the building itself that used to be the Vice Regal Lodge when it was occupied by the then governing body of Englands various Lord Lieutenants, one of whom the Duke of Marlborough who was Winston Churchill’s father.

Elegant corridor at Aras an Uachtaran

It’s a wonderful opportunity to take a peak behind the familiar scenes being played out in the media today, to be part of a living history so to speak. The boardroom, where new governments are sworn into office, under the watchful eye of former presidents, whose portraits line the walls.

The dining room is laid out in crisp white linen with fresh flower arrangements (from the Aras’ own garden) mirrored under the crystal chandeliers.

The lounge used for meeting and greeting visiting dignitaries and royalty so familiar from news footage you almost feel at home, with a final glimpse into the President’s own office, which they are allowed to personalize for their term of office. In fact, I was amazed at how homely and lived in the Aras felt, with fresh garden flowers everywhere and polished brass fire irons beside the grand marble fireplaces set with peat briquettes waiting to be lit in welcome for the next guests, which could be you.

For more information visit www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/aras.html

9/11-- how the Irish are remembering the 10th anniversary

While people all over the world are certainly mindful of the terrible tragedy that occurred on that sunny September morning in New York City, the Irish have a special interest in paying their respects it seems, as the Ground Zero 360 exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Dublin is seeing huge footfall since it opened on August 18th.

Poignant reminders of that fateful day, forever etched in our lives, are portrayed in Nicola McClean’s haunting panoramic photographs.

Clear evidence of our long history of emigration to the U.S. is there to be seen on the roster of Rescue 2, FDNY, Brooklyn which lost 7 men that day including an M O’Rourke and the many, many others who died that day. Whether they were worked in the World Trade Centre or were ‘just doing their job’ in the Emergency Services, as many of their heart broken comrades have commented since.

There is not an Irishman or woman alive today that doesn’t remember where they were when the news of the terrible tragedy started to unfold, I was collecting my children from school and immediately went to light candles in the local church.

Ireland lived through the agonised wait for news of survivors that didn't come and an incredible sadness hung like that pall of smoke from the towers, all over Ireland. I visited Ground Zero a couple of years later and tears just streamed down my face like many others around me, visiting the St Paul's Trinity Church (miraculously untouched) and learning about the efforts of all those involved in the aftermath was a humbling yet reassuring experience of the man’s humanity to man when it’s needed.

Which is what makes people great and nations great, that will to survive, rebuild and prosper, the Irish wish America well on that journey.

Click here for more information about the Ground Zero 360 Exhibition visit

Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

The Old Jamesons Distillery - home to Irelands favourite whiskey

I have to say I prefer the Old Jameson's Distillery as a visitor attraction to the Guinness Storehouse for the simple reason that the tour here is guided whereas in Guinness’s you are left to your own devices. Which can be very pleasant, especially above in the Gravity Bar with a view of the city and a pint in your hand, but for me I want something more?

I like to leave a place a little bit wiser and in Jameson's case (a little bit tipsy) having learned something. Properly guided tours will do that for you and at Jameson's it’s very well done, just the right length of time and information to hold your attention, finishing up with a genuinely, convivial tasting session in the Jameson's Bar.

Perhaps, when you understand how something is made you appreciate it more? It’s quite amazing how three simple ingredients, barley, water and yeast can be turned into ‘uisce beatha’ or the water of life? And interesting too, how each of the processes, whether it was the malting of the barley, the marrying of the whiskey in casks or the vatting into bottles, shaped the lives and social history of such a small part of Dublin. Surely they could never have imagined Jameson's whiskey becoming the global phenomenon it is today.

Situated in an historical part of Dublin, Smithfield market is surrounded by cobbled streets. The original building is lovely with a theatre, bar, shop and restaurant, which seems to be very popular with ‘legal people’ (which must make for some great people watching) from the nearby Four Courts.


Old Jameson Distillery, Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7.


Phone 01-8072355 /Open 7 days a week


Admission Adult €13 Senior & Student €9.60 Family €29 (online discounts)


Website: www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/jamesons.html


By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/index.html

Where Queen Elizabeth II will stay in Dublin - Farmleigh House

Farmleigh house in the Phoenix Park was purchased from the Guinness family by the Irish government in 1999 for €29 million. A fantastic mansion on 78 acres, albeit in need of refurbishment the purpose was to provide a venue for state occasions and a place for visiting dignitaries to stay.

It is next door to Aras an Uachtarain, home of the Irish president currently Dr Mary McAleese and her family which you can also visit for free if you are lucky.

A limited amount of tickets are issued each Saturday at the Pheonix Park Visitor Centre. However Farmleigh is open all year round unless it is hosting government functions and its also free If you visit around Christmas time the house is beautifully decorated but a pleasure year round nonetheless with beautiful staterooms, a magnificent galleried Jacobean wood panelled library and Victorian conservatory complete with potted palms.

Outside there are very well maintained formal gardens including a Dutch sunken garden which has three descending terraces to an oval pool with a carrara marble fountain as its centrepiece. There are regular free events for children including storytelling and puppet shows at Christmas. And for adults free ticketed musical events, artisan food markets, gallery exhibitions etc. Or if you fancy letting someone else do the cooking a contemporary restaurant in the Boathouse on the lake.

For more things to see and do in Dublin visit www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/dublin.html

Glasnevin Museum - tracing your Irish roots

Glasnevin Cemetery is not where you might expect to find Ireland’s only Thea award winning visitor attraction and in fairness, not what I would normally recommend as a family day out? But the new museum at Glasnevin is so good, it’s hard to put into words.

Death is something we all have to face at some stage and far from being macabre or morbid, the Trust’s imaginative, sensitive and respectful handling of a difficult subject is to be applauded along with all the other accolades it has picked up since it opened in 2010.

Every Dubliner has some connection with Glasnevin and their excellent new online genealogy service is helping people from all over the world retrace their Irish roots. And to celebrate their first birthday the Glasnevin Museum are giving away 10 free vouchers to their Irish American friends for the best comments on this post.

Over a million people have been buried there, many in unmarked graves, since it was founded in 1832 by Daniel O’Connell, who believed every citizen had a right to a proper burial regardless of their religion which is why it remains secular to this day. Modelled on the Pere Lachaise in Paris, it doubled as a pleasure garden in Victorian times with elaborate mausoleums and clipped yews lining the maze of pathways, which are in constant need of repair and upgrading which the Trust hopes to have completed for the anniversary of our Independence in 2016.

The new museum (just inside the main gates) is on 3 levels with the tour starting underground in the Necropolis (City of the Dead). A scrolling screen displays the names of all the people buried there on a loop which takes 10 hours to complete. There is a small theatre where the filmed introduction is shown and a charming, nostalgic display of items categorised by the professions of people that might once of owned them.

Innovative displays (interactive headstones) lend a fascinating insight into the social history of Dublin, you can even eavesdrop on the gravediggers conversations. Upstairs there are further interactive displays (with great views) including a 10 metre timeline with a detailed history of the great and good (and not so good) buried at Glasnevin and an exhibition about Daniel O'Connell. The iconic new building is stunning, with good facilities (of course) a shop and a nice restaurant.

Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

To enquire about the online genealogy facility visit http://www.glasnevinmuseum.ie

Dublin Castle - a once forbidden visitor attraction

Dublin Castle is quite the fairytale inside and out. Massive medieval fortress walls protect an inner sanctum of majestic staterooms, filled with enough fabulous artwork, furniture and crystal to please any King or Queen ?

The only thing is we Irish don’t do royalty, we even managed to mislay the crown jewels! The nearest we got to a truly noble figurehead was Michael Collins who received the keys of the castle in 1922 ending some 800 years of British rule and tenancy. The question then was, what would we do with it?

Apart from being used as a centre of intelligence, Garda headquarters is still there it is now mainly used for elaborate state occasions. The last visiting dignitary to stay there was Dame Margaret Thatcher, who incidentally turned 85 last week just as the Chilean miners emerged from their incarceration......

And while it is open to the public with excellent informative guided tours conducted daily, including an underground tour of the Viking ramparts, not many Irish people seem to visit? Perhaps, because it has always being deemed more of an English institution then an Irish tradition, and an interest in anything with an English association was certainly frowned upon when I was a child. The chapel royal has only recently been reopened and has a very special ornate gothic interor. There is even an enclosed medieval knot garden on the site of the original Dubh Linn or black pool at the epicentre of the original city where the castle cat still reigns peacefully over his minions.....

But the real jewel in the crown, see I told you we still had some, is the Chester Beatty Library in the grounds of Dublin Castle. It houses a wonderful collection of oriental art and rare manuscripts and is a million times more interesting then the Book of Kells and its free! In the same building is the wonderful Silk Road Cafe whose cuisine is based on the delights of the Far East....its a 10 out of 10 place to eat or have mint tea, coffee and turkish delight.


For more information on Dublin visit http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/ or download my free iPhone app guide My Dublin by Susan Byron

Dublin City, an insider's guide to the capital city of Ireland

Welcome to Dublin, I was born and bred here so I should know what I am talking about, right? Possibly of Viking descent? my maiden name Doyle means Dubh Ghaill or dark stranger and we can trace our roots back to Font Hill, right next door to the Guinness brewery which kind of explains a lot?

Never mind, Dublin is steeped in history from medieval times to the present day with an 800 year chunk of British rule which hugely influenced the built environment and of course our culture? We Dubliners are fiercely proud of our city and its history, especially the rebel bit? And although it has seen enormous changes in the last few years with the rise of the Celtic tiger, now extinct..... we all have our favourites, places we grew up with that are much the same as they always were, full of real history and character and well worth seeing if you want the real deal....

The following are my Top 10 attractions in Dublin most of which are free listed alongside each of these are 10 other interesting things to do and see in the area that you wont find in many of the guidebooks. The city is very compact and easy to get around, you can always, hop on a city tour bus, the Luas tram or just pick an area and walk around and Go n'eiri an t'adh leat - Good Luck !

Susan's Top 10 favourite attractions in Dublin

1 Dublin Castle
2 Guinness Storehouse
3 Collins Barracks, National Museum of Decorative Arts.
4 Hugh lane Gallery, Parnell Square
5 Christchurch Cathedral.
6 IMMA, Irish Museum of Modern Art.
7 Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park.
8 The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle.
9 The National Museum, Kildare Street
10 Dublin Zoo

For more information on each of the above visit http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/dublin.html or download my free Iphone app guide My Dublin by Susan Byron