Malahide is a  charming village situated on the coast in North County Dublin and is accessible by DART. The Dart station is situated right in the village so it is only a couple of minutes walk to the main attractions. Malahide Castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland and is set upon 270 acres. It has been both a fortress and a private home for nearly eight hundred years.The grounds of the Castle are freely open to the public, with a number of entrances and car parking areas. The West Lawn is open Monday to Sunday from 9.30am until 4.30pm, where there are many species of plants from the Southern Hemisphere. The Walled Gardens of the castle is open daily, all year round from 9.30am and is self guided . There are also walks, playing fields and near the castle and a fantastic children’s playground. Malahide Castle also has a wonderful Avoca café & store along with a Gift Shop.