Owen was punctual and arrived at the meeting point on time. The car was exceptionally clean and comfortable. He provided excellent commentary throughout the journey, combined with plenty of funny jokes, making the trip both informative and enjoyable. The entire trip took a bit more than five hours. Owen is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Malahide Castle and the medieval monastery we visited. His passion for Irish culture and history was clear throughout the entire trip. Everything was very well planned and organised. Owen paid attention to every detail and even provided link to purchase the castle tickets in advance. We always knew what to expect, where we needed to be, and when we needed to be there. His company, sense of humor, communication skills, and professionalism made the experience truly enjoyable. I would highly recommend Owen to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, friendly, organized and funny guide. Our expectations were high and Owen met it by providing the great experience.
Malahide Castle and Medieval Monastery Private Tour from Dublin
At a glance
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Price from
- $740 / person
- Location
- Dublin, Ireland
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 4 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Newgrange Day Tours
Description
The Irish Castle and Monastery Tour is a private luxury experience that takes you on a captivating journey through Ireland’s ancient spiritual heritage, medieval landmarks, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Beginning with convenient pickup from your hotel, you’ll travel in comfort and style to your first stop: the magnificent Malahide Castle, a 12th-century fortress set within beautiful parklands and home to over 800 years of fascinating history. Your journey then continues to the remarkable Monasterboice Monastic Site, one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites, famous for its beautifully carved High Crosses and impressive round tower. The tour concludes with a visit to the peaceful ruins of Old Mellifont Abbey, Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery, where medieval stonework and tranquil surroundings tell the story of centuries past.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sun
- Start times
- 10:00 AM
- Next available
- Fri, Oct 16
- Group price
- $740 per vehicle, up to 3 people
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Malahide Castle & Gardens
Located in County Dublin, this castle has a history spanning nearly 800 years. Originally built in the late 12th century, it became the home of the Talbot family in 1185, who lived there almost continuously until 1975. The castle was expanded and remodelled over the centuries, reflecting various architectural styles. It played significant roles during key historical events, including the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, where 14 members of the Talbot family were killed. In the 20th century, the castle and its gardens were sold to the Irish state. Today, Malahide Castle is a popular tourist attraction, showcasing its history and heritage. Note: travel time from your hotel is included in the time spent on this attraction.
Monasterboice Monastic Site
Located in County Louth, this is an early Christian monastic site founded in the late 5th century by St. Buithe, a disciple of St. Patrick. The site thrived as a center of religion and learning until the establishment of nearby Mellifont Abbey in 1142. Monasterboice is renowned for its impressive high crosses, including Muiredach’s High Cross, considered one of the finest examples of Celtic stone carving in Ireland. The site also features a round tower, which once served as a refuge during Viking raids. Today, Monasterboice stands as an important archaeological and historical monument, attracting many visitors.
Mellifont Abbey
This is the site of the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland, founded in 1142 by St. Malachy, the Archbishop of Armagh. The abbey played a pivotal role in the spread of the Cistercian order across Ireland and became a model for other monasteries. Known for its unique architecture, Mellifont featured a distinctive octagonal lavabo. The abbey thrived until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII in the 16th century, leading to its abandonment and ruin. Today, Mellifont Abbey’s remains, including the Chapter House and lavabo, are a testament to its historical and religious significance.
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Admission Fee to Malahide Castle
English speaker tour guide
Not included
Meals
Pickup Locations & Times
I pick clients up at their hotel in counties Dublin, Meath, and Louth. I drive a green Skoda Superb. I will be waiting for you at the entrance of your hotel.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
4 reviews
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Malahide Castle and Medieval Monastery Private Tour from Dublin lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $740 per person for this Dublin experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting at 10:00 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. I pick clients up at their hotel in counties Dublin, Meath, and Louth. I drive a green Skoda Superb. I will be waiting for you at the entrance of your hotel. Pickup points include The Morgan Hotel, The Kingfisher Guesthouse.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 4 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Newgrange Day Tours.
Reviews(4)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
R
Enjoyable trip to medieval times
N
Nice place to see!
The castle's tour guide was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. The place itself wasn't so busy at the time of visit so it was relaxing and comfortable to be walking around the whole garden/place. The Butterfly House is ok, but not amazing.
N
Great guide. Knows his Irish history and funny too!
Owen was a great guide. Knowledgable, welcoming and funny too. I went with my aunt who is obviously a native of Ireland. However Owen was able to tell us stuff we didn’t know. His car was lovely and comfortable too!
S
Owen is knowledgeable, gracious, and kind—AMAZING day!
We scheduled a tour with Owen and since it was private, he allowed us to customize it exactly the way we wanted. We were able to travel to the lake where parts of the show Vikings was filmed, which was high on my bucket list. We were also able to plan a romantic walk for just my husband and me. Owen was absolutely delightful and made us feel completely comfortable while he took care of the logistics of getting us from place to place. He found a charming little pub for my husband and I to enjoy a relaxing meal in the middle of our touring day, and the food was absolutely fantastic. We enjoyed seeing an ancient monastic site, old ruins, and lots of beautiful nature in the area. Owen is a great resource for information in Ireland, and when I return, I will absolutely contact Owen as my first resource to explore more of Ireland! Thanks so much for an incredible day. Lots of beautiful memories!
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malahide Castle and Medieval Monastery Private Tour from Dublin | 5 hours | 5.0 (4) | $740 | |
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 Howth y Malahide in italiano | 8 hours | 5.0 (1) | $67 | View |
 Sunset SUP experience in Malahide, Dublin | 1h 30min | 5.0 (13) | $63 | View |
from$740
5.0(4) Free cancellation