Name: Ardgillan Castle and Park
Rating: 5.0

Ardgillan Castle and Park

Ardgillan Castle and Demesne, Ardgillan Demesne, Co, County Dublin, Ireland

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Ardgillan Castle and Park, Spectacular 194-acre Parkland with stunning Gardens. Discover the Castle's interior and unlock 300 years of history. Although referred to as a Castle, the residence at Ardgillan, is a large country-styled house with castellated embellishments.

Ardgillan Castle Offers an unforgettable day out for visitors young and old alike. Discover a wonderful range of amenities which include Castle Tours, Spectacular Gardens, an Art Gallery, Open Art Studios, a Craft Shop, a Walking & Heritage Trail and Castle Tearooms.

Price starts from €6 for Adults(18+ yrs), €5 for Children(0-17 yrs) and €19.08 for Family of four. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Castle: Although referred to as a Castle, the residence at Ardgillan, is a large country-styled house with castellated embellishments. Originally named “Prospect House”, the central section was built in 1738 by Robert Taylor, with the west and east wings added in the late 1800s. Initially, the site was heavily wooded, the name Ardgillan being derived from the Irish “Ard Choill” meaning High Wood.
The Gardens & Demesne: Explore 194-acres of spectacular parklands overlooking the Irish Sea. As well as the castle, the demesne features a walled garden, the rose garden with it’s newly restored Victorian Glasshouses, a Potentilla garden and a magnificent herbaceous border. The park is unique among Dublin’s regional parks for the magnificent views it enjoys of the coastline. A panorama, taking in Rockabill Lighthouse, Colt Church, Shenick and Lambay Islands may be seen, including Sliabh Foy, the highest of the Cooley Mountains, and of course the Mourne Mountains can be seen sweeping down to the sea.
Gallery & Artists: Ardgillan Artists Collective is a group of artists who are now resident at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. A welcome addition of an Art Exhibition Gallery, with support from Fingal Arts Office, will see Ardgillan Castle as the heart and hub of Fingal Arts.
Ardgillan Gallery: The Ardgillan Gallery opened on 23 March 2023. With so many professional and amateur artists in the Fingal area it was concluded that the Ardgillan basement space would be an inspirational environment where the arts might thrive. As part of the outreach programme in the community, Ardgillan is supporting artists all over the country, and indeed beyond, where inclusion and diversity is a significant part of the exhibition programme.
Taylor Made Craft Shop: The Taylor-Made Craft Shop at Ardgillan complements not only the work of the 15 resident artists and crafters in the castle itself, but it also provides an effective selling platform to artists all over the Fingal area to sell their work.
Ardgillan Park 5KM Run: Ardgillan parkrun is a FREE weekly 5k event for participants of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 9:30am on the grounds of Ardgillan Castle.
Playground And Picnic Areas: The FUNTASTIC state-of-the-art playground has over 30 pieces of play equipment to enjoy from cradle swings for the very young to a large climbing space net for older children (under 12).
Heritage Trail: For centuries the Taylor family enjoyed this fabulous landscape, and it is only in the last 50 years or so that the general public have been free to roam around Taylor lands. During their time the family left many traces of their lives here on the undulating landscape, many of which are encapsulated in the fascinating information displayed on the many Heritage Trail plinths dotted around the demesne.
Brambles Tea Room: No visit would be complete without a stop at the Castle Tea Rooms. Relax and savor a delicious cup of tea or coffee while indulging in freshly baked treats. Take a moment to soak in the peaceful ambiance and reflect on the beauty of your surroundings.

Facilities

Parking: They have lots of free car and coach parking available and there are disabled parking spaces allocated in the main car park. The lower carpark is located closer to the castle is reserved for over-70’s and visitors with limited mobility.
Food & Drinks: Brambles Cafe offers a range of hot and cold, sweet and savoury options to eat in or take away with the castle tearooms and also a kiosk beside the playground.

What to see

Events:
FIRE & FOLKLORE - A Samhain Journey: Date- 25/10/2025. This Halloween, step into the flickering glow of Ardgillan Castle for an evening of fire, folklore, and a touch of fright. Guided through the castle’s atmospheric rooms, you’ll discover ancient Samhain traditions in music, harvest customs, and crafts — and hear the chilling tale of the ghostly Lady of the Stairs with plenty of ghostly surprises.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://ardgillancastle.ie/whats-on/

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Ardgillan Castle Tour:

Adults(18+): €6
Children(0-17 yrs): €5
Family(2 Adults + 2 Children): €19.08
Group From 10 to 30 adults: €5
Seniors(65+): €5

Guided Garden Tour: €6 for Adults(18+) & €11 for House & Garden Tour.

Groups of 10+ only:

Castle - Group From 10 to 30 adults: €5
Garden - Group From 10 to 30 adults: €5
Castle & Garden - Group 10 - max 30 adults: €10

Fire & Folklore - Halloween Tours: €13 for Adults(18+), €9 for Child(8-17) & €40.28 for Family of four.

Pricing URL: https://ardgillancastle.ie/tours/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Castle / Tea Rooms:

January - April, September - October: 10:00am – 5:00pm (Last Serving 4:30pm)
May – August: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Last Serving 5:00pm)
November – December: 10:00am – 4:15pm (Last Serving 4:00pm)

Park (Gate):

January, November, December: 9:00am – 5:00pm
February – March: 9:00am – 6:00pm
April, September: 9:00am – 8:00pm
May – August: 9:00am – 9:00pm
October: 9:00am – 7:00pm

Playground:

January, November, December: 9:30am – 4:15pm
February – March: 9:30am – 5:15pm
April, September: 9:30am – 7:15pm
May – August: 9:30am – 8:15pm
October: 9:30am – 6:15pm

Address: Ardgillan Castle and Demesne, Ardgillan Demesne, Co, County Dublin, Ireland

Post Code: IE

Council: Ireland

County: Ireland

By Bus: Bus No. 33 from Eden Quay in Dublin travels via Rush and Skerries and passes under “The Lady’s Stairs,” two miles north of Skerries. “The Lady’s Stairs” is a pedestrian footbridge over the road and railway line, which provides access to the demesne.
By Train: From Dublin Connolly, get the Train bound for Dundalk and get off at either Skerries or Balbriggan. Transfer to a no. 33 bus and travel South bound from Balbriggan or North bound from Skerries to the Lady Stairs access to the Demense.
By Car: The route to Ardgillan Demesne is signposted from the M1. Travelling north from Dublin exit at Junction 5. Travelling south exit at Junction 6 (well signposted). Click here for directions.
Parking: They have lots of free car and coach parking available and there are disabled parking spaces allocated in the main car park. The lower carpark is located closer to the castle is reserved for over-70’s and visitors with limited mobility.