Malahide Castle is a medieval tower house that was home to the Talbot family for nearly 800 years, making it one of the longest-continuously-occupied private residences in Ireland. The oldest part dates to the 12th century; the Great Hall and round towers were added in the 15th and 16th centuries. The result is a rambling, attractive building set in 100 hectares of parkland that feels genuinely historic rather than heritage-restored.
Guided tours of the castle interior run most days. The rooms contain an important collection of Irish historical portraits and period furniture, including several items related to the Talbots themselves. The grounds include the Talbot Botanic Gardens, developed in the 20th century with a focus on plants from the southern hemisphere, and the Casino Model Railway Museum in a separate building nearby.