Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle is a short drive from Dublin City - approximately 25 minutes and I opted for the tour which included a double decker bus.  Despite my foot injury, I had to be on the top - open air with gorgeous temperatures and a light breeze. I grabbed a seat on the shady side, completely forgetting that the bus would drive on the left ... you know, the same shady side!   So while I ducked branches, I also marveled at the nature, architecture and groups of people enjoying the day at outdoor cafes.  

 

Arriving at Malahide, I was surprised to see so many different options of things to do and see.

​

Of course, I had already signed up for the Castle Tour, but I really would have loved to see the walled garden, the butterfly dome and other areas of the grounds.

​

Malahide Castle was family occupied as recently as 1972 but when you enter, you feel like you have stepped back centuries.  

​

The fabrics were luscious, especially in the bedrooms and the mullioned windows were perfect! The ceilings (yes, I know...me and ceilings) also had the handcrafted plaster that I appreciate, but the wood - WOW.  

​

There were chests and large pieces intricately carved with so much talent but the pieces that really drew me were the ones where you could see the burl of the wood, the textures and grains.

​

Everything looked as though the Castle were awaiting their Lord and Lady's return.  Oh, my imagination went wild. There is even a Reubens painting, "Judgement of Paris" hung in the drawing room.

​

There was a child's nursery, complete with toys, bedding, stroller and potty chair!

​

Speaking of potty chairs, the main bathroom was by no means 'primitive'. 

​

Outside the lawn, trees and paths beckoned you to take a break and enjoy all that nature offers - and then there were the roses. Roses everywhere!  I think I may add a page of just flowers to this blog.  June was the perfect month to visit!​

​