Round off your guided tour of magical, medieval Malahide Castle in County Dublin with a unique whiskey tasting experience.
Dating to the twelfth century, Malahide Castle is one of Ireland’s oldest and most magnificent castles.
Located in the picturesque village of Malahide on the beautiful North Dublin coastline, the stunning castle is surrounded by 260 acres of parkland offering a tranquil retreat just a short trip from the buzzing Irish capital.
A guided tour of the castle will take you through 800 years of fascinating history. Owned by the Talbot family since it was gifted to them in 1185 by King Henry II, the castle is a window onto Ireland’s social and political upheavals and its treasures tell the story of the Irish nobility.
Malahide Castle’s ornate rooms present opulent furniture and fittings, ranging from stunning copies of Raphael’s Vatican frescoes to vintage Victorian toys. Alongside its treasures are displayed more recent works on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland.
And you will hear about, and perhaps catch a glimpse of, the castle’s famous ghosts who include the lady in white and the court jester, Puck.
Now the castle is offering the opportunity to round off the tour with a unique five-part whiskey tasting experience. Showcasing a range of local whiskeys, the comparative tasting is delivered by an expert from the whiskey tour company Whiskey Island.
During the experience, you will get the opportunity to sample and compare the premium, craft Irish whiskeys, and discover how they differ from Scotch and American whiskey. You will learn about the history and journey of Irish whiskey from its earliest times up to the present day.
This engaging whiskey experience and castle tour take place every Saturday at 5 pm and advance booking is recommended.
Irish whiskey has undergone a renaissance in recent years and there are now some 40 operational distilleries across the island with many offering tours and tastings. These provide a fun way to see behind the scenes of the distilling process and hear the stories and inspiration for each blend and brand.
Whiskey Island offers a range of whiskey tours across the island while Irish Whiskey 360o provides details and downloadable maps on the various Irish whiskey distilleries and regions to visit.
Visitors to Malahide Castle should also not miss the chance to stroll through its beautiful walled garden and butterfly house or to follow the magical fairy trail through the enchanting woodlands of the west lawn.
