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Castle History

King Henry II gifted Richard Talbot the lands and harbour of Malahide for his services to the crown in 1185.

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A simple light yellow four-petaled flower reminiscent of the blooms found in the gardens of Malahide Castle, set against a pristine white background.

History

Interactive Timeline

Hover over the years to view more information 

A simple light yellow four-petaled flower reminiscent of the blooms found in the gardens of Malahide Castle, set against a pristine white background.

History

Significant Moments

1185

12th Century onwards

Talbot family became intertwined with Malahide’s history.

for his services to the crown in 1185.

King Henry II gifted Richard Talbot the lands and harbour of Malahide for his services to the crown in 1185. From that point on, the Talbot family became intertwined with Malahide’s history and development. The earliest believed stone fortress at Malahide was an Anglo-Norman tower house. From the 12th century onwards, this stronghold was continually expanded by the Talbot family. Rooms were modified, fortifications developed and many embellishments to the interior were added until the castle took on its current form.

Malahide Castle, with its ivy-covered stone walls and large, ornate windows under a blue sky, stands proudly. A vintage illustration of the castle with horse riders is displayed below, alongside a circular coat of arms featuring lions and a knight.
‘the interior of the mansion affords many objects of gratification’.

– J.N Brewer, 1825

1649

12th Century onwards

The Talbots family held many roles of power in church and state as well as being Hereditary Lords Admiral of Malahide, historically a booming seaport.

Over eight centuries their tenure at Malahide Castle was broken for only a brief interlude between 1649 and 1660 when their lands were seized by Cromwellian soldiers and the castle was occupied by Miles Corbet, Regicide and Lord Chief Baron of Ireland.

A split image showcases a black and white sketch of a man in traditional 17th-century attire on the left, and a painted portrait in 18th-century clothing on the right. "Miles Corbet" with an asterisk graces the bottom right corner, reminiscent of portraits found in places like Malahide Castle.

1976

the 7th Baron Talbot

A vintage wooden bookshelf contains an assortment of old books, evoking the charm of Malahide Castle. On top, a floral vase with purple flowers, a framed portrait, and a small decorative box complement an old framed photo leaning behind the vase, adding a nostalgic touch.

By 1976, Malahide Castle was one of the oldest inhabited houses in Ireland. But after the sudden death of Lord Milo Talbot in 1973, his sister Rose was faced with a substantial bill for death duties, forcing her to sell the Castle and lands

In the course of eight centuries my family have built up here something which, I think, is unique both historically and aesthetically and thus worth making a serious attempt to preserve’ – Lord Milo Talbot, 1973

Malahide Castle, Gardens and Demesne were acquired by Dublin County Council (now Fingal County Council) in 1976 and opened to the public shortly after. Since then, Malahide Castle has continued to play an important part in Ireland’s political and social landscape, hosting international leaders and summits, and welcoming thousands of local and international visitors each year.

Two ornate chairs sit by a large Gothic-style window with patterned glass at Malahide Castle, casting intricate shadows on the floor. Outside, a view of the lush green landscape is beautifully visible.
A simple light yellow four-petaled flower reminiscent of the blooms found in the gardens of Malahide Castle, set against a pristine white background.

History

The Great Hall

A grand dining room in Malahide Castle boasts a long, elegantly set table surrounded by wooden chairs. The room features a large chandelier, ornate paintings, tall diamond-patterned windows, and a high ceiling with wooden beams.

Malahide Castle stands as a proud testament to centuries of Irish history.

From the Flemish seventeenth-century carvings in the Oak Room, to the opulent Georgian drawing rooms to the Edwardian bedrooms, Malahide features some of the best periods of Irish craftsmanship. Dating back to 1475, the Great Hall was the hub of the medieval castle.

The Great Hall would have held feasts and banquets for Lords and dignitaries and today, is a rare example of a Gaelic feasting room. It would have been the location for Talbot to preside over a medieval court.

In 1825 it was extensively remodelled in a neo-gothic revival style by the 2nd Baron Talbot and was sensitively conserved in 2022 to honour this history.

Malahide Castle stands as a proud testament to centuries of Irish history.

From the Flemish seventeenth-century carvings in the Oak Room, to the opulent Georgian drawing rooms to the Edwardian bedrooms, Malahide features some of the best periods of Irish craftsmanship. Dating back to 1475, the Great Hall was the hub of the medieval castle.

The Great Hall would have held feasts and banquets for Lords and dignitaries and today, is a rare example of a Gaelic feasting room. It would have been the location for Talbot to preside over a medieval court.

In 1825 it was extensively remodelled in a neo-gothic revival style by the 2nd Baron Talbot and was sensitively conserved in 2022 to honour this history.

‘The Great Hall.. as it stands today… is one of Ireland’s most impressive mediaeval rooms.’

– Knight of Glin (1976)

Today, the hall is home to one of the most important collections of Jacobite portraits, displayed in their original setting, and features some of the 31 portraits acquired by the National Gallery of Ireland from the Talbot Family, which are on loan and thus preserved in situ.

‘Vital is the light that this collection throws on the beginnings of easel paintings in Ireland’ 


- Oliver Miller

History

Redecorated

Redecorated in 1833 shortly after Margaret Talbot (née O’Reilly) was created Baroness Talbot of Malahide, the drawing rooms in the west wing feature the idiosyncratic colour, popularly known as ‘Malahide Orange’.

In an elegant room reminiscent of Malahide Castle, orange walls are adorned with portraits and a chandelier. A round wooden table with a decorative bowl rests on a red rug, surrounded by ornate chairs. A door with a detailed white frame graces one wall.
A richly decorated room in Malahide Castle features an ornate fireplace, two framed paintings on a red wall, a chandelier, and a wooden table with books and decorative items. Vintage chairs surround the table, perfectly complementing the classic decor.

‘Malahide’s famous rooms are the two drawing rooms, painted a wonderful orange-terracotta colour… they were among the most successful 18th-century interiors in Ireland’

– John Cornforth, 1977

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