Historic Fingal

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Ardgillan Castle & Demesne, near Balbriggan, was built in 1737. Now beautiful restored and furnished in Victorian style, the principal rooms, kitchens and the Down Survey Exhibition (a series of survey maps from 1654) are open to the public. The park commands views of the coast and contains a rose garden, a walled herb garden and Victorian conservatory. Tel: +353-1-8492212

Malahide Castle & Demesne was built in the 12th Century by the Talbot family, who remained in residence until 1975. There are many period rooms on view and the castle contains the National Portrait Collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. The Fry Model Railway Museum, in the castle gardens, houses a unique collection of hand-made models of Irish trains.

The courtyard accommodates craft workshops and Tara's Palace, a spectacular display of dolls, antique toys and doll's houses. The 109ha park encompasses pleasant walks, play and picnic areas, a cricket pitch, tennis courts, 9-hole golf course and a pitch and putt course. Also within Malahide Demesne lie the Talbot Botanic Gardens, home to over 5,000 different species of plants. www.visitdublin.com
Tel: +353-1-8462516

Newbridge house & Demesne, Donabate. was built in 1736 for Archbishop Cobbe. Original furniture, paintings and objets d'art are a feature of this gracious Georgian house. The extensive 150h demesne includes a walled garden, a wildlife and Deer Park, playing and walking areas and a 19th Century working farm, where animals, machinery and old farming techniques are on view.
A museum of 19th Century rural life is contained in picturesque old buildings around the 18th century courtyard. Tel: +353-1-8436064 / 8436535 email: bd@dublintourism.ie

The demesnes' parks and gardens are maintained by the Parks Department of Fingal County Council.
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