Wonderful day out last weekend and like many, we’re already reminiscing about the weather, fun with the kids and the thoughts of facing back into work for another week!

Our family day out on the June bank holiday Monday was to Malahide Castle. (It’s the second bank holiday weekend this Summer where the weather has been fantastic). Hope I haven’t jinxed it now by saying that! Malahide Castle is situated in North Dublin and it’s a large expanse of green space, wooded areas, walks and the Castle grounds itself. There’s also a large outdoor playground and indoor Avoca store at the visitor centre so as we like to say, it really is a day out for everyone!

We got there before 1pm which was good because within an hour of arriving the traffic was building. It’s a popular place with families and they know it well. The park is in prep mode for the upcoming Kodaline concert Friday 8th June and many areas were cordoned off, however the car parks were operational and it was good to see many marshals and park wardens visible about the place.

So we all met up and we just relaxed on the grass embankment beside the car park, it was glorious. My son commented that “the last time we were here was for a football match” on the pitches close to where we were. That day the rain was torrential and the water was up to our ankles in places. Same place, different time but ‘today’ it was shorts and shades all round. 

In writing about family days out, I read many articles online about family activities and there’s always reports that say as parents, we’re not doing enough. ‘One third of kids have never climbed tree’, ‘X percentage have never played in a forest’ etc. Days out at Malahide castle include all these basics – the greenery, beautiful walks, wide open spaces and generally just enjoying being outdoors.

There were 4 kids with us – roll a ball out there a see what happens! All along the embankment, there were kids chasing, kids flying kites, kids playing hurling, it was just lovely and it was timeless – it could have been 20 years ago, lets hope it’s the same 20 years from now!. The simple things are the best.

We strolled into Malahide village for ice cream and wandered down along the marina. Everywhere there were couples, families and friends just enjoying the day and the company. People sat outside cafes and pubs and there was a real buzz around the town. We strolled back to the grounds of Malahide Castle to give the kids a go in the playground. There’s a large playground, again popular with families but even though it was busy, they got to go on everything they wanted. There was a lovely flow to the day, no trouble, no irate parents, kids happy and taking turns. The only concern was the sun cream and taking on water!

Must mention the great job done by Malahide Castle management and park wardens. The grounds were very well maintained, no litter and any officials we did encounter were courteous and helpful. You expect these things of course but just wanted to say well done given the volumes of people, BBQs, traffic and activity going on. 

We highly recommend a visit to Malahide Castle for you next family day out!

Things to do:

• Visitor Centre
• Castle Tour & exhibition 
• Gardens 
• Avoca store
• Forest walks
• Cycle paths
• Playground
• Large outdoor areas
• Malahide road train

Check out Malahide Castle

days out in Dublin