Malahide Castle, set on 250 acres of parkland in the pretty seaside town of Malahide, was both a fortress and a private home for nearly 800 years and is an interesting mix of architectural styles. The Demense has much to offer visitors of all ages: an award-winning children's playground, a fairy trail, a butterfly house, old Abbey ruins, walking trails, Avoca handweavers & café, guided tours of the Castle interior and the Talbot Botanic Gardens with unusual specimens. It is a 10-minute walk from the Malahide DART station, or take Toots the Malahide Road Train.