Things to do in Donore

In 1991, a terrible fire ravaged the castle, destroying much of the interior and requiring an extensive 10-year restoration project to bring back its former glories. The work was meticulously carried out and much of the original detail and design lovingly reimagined.

If you’re here with older children why not head to Tayto Park Farm, where you can get up close to farm animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys and cows. Alternatively, you could also visit Tayto Park’s woodland safari, where you’ll be able to see some more unusual creatures including wolves, foxes, exotic birds of prey and even some big cats.

Malahide Castle itself has been in the Talbot family for over 800 years. An exhibition on the ground floor takes visitors on an interactive journey through the history of both the family and the castle itself. Malahide Castle’s landscaped gardens are another of its key features. Over 5,000 different species of plant grow here, making this one of the most varied and luxurious botanical gardens on offer in the Replublic of Ireland.

For more than 5,000 years, the ancient tomb of Newgrange has stood on the banks of the River Boyne. This huge burial mound was built by Stone Age farmers and is surrounded by a ring of large stones. Step inside the prehistoric structure and learn about the Neolithic society that built it.

Trim Castle, a well-preserved Anglo-Norman fortress, dominates the small town in which is sits. Take a tour of the castle interior to learn what life was like for the Anglo-Norman family that stationed themselves inside the castle amid the hostile local Gaelic Irish population.