DUBLIN, IRELAND

This tour of North County Dublin takes us to the coastal towns of Malahide & Howth.Departing from our ship, we travel first via Fairview and the northern suburb of Coolock before arriving at the demesne of Malahide Castle, home of the Talbot family.

This tour of North County Dublin takes us to the coastal towns of Malahide & Howth.Departing from our ship, we travel first via Fairview and the northern suburb of Coolock before arriving at the demesne of Malahide Castle, home of the Talbot family. The castle, set in 250 acres of parkland, dates back to the 14th century and contains one of the finest collections of Irish period furniture together with a collection of Irish portrait paintings from the National Gallery and others. The Castle was under the Talbot family until the death of Lord Talbot in 1975, when Dublin Tourism then acquired it. We then pass through the village of Malahide, a noted yachting centre, and Portmarnock where the world-famous Portmarnock Golf Club is located. This club was for many years home of the Irish Open Championship. Soon we arrive in the quaint fishing port of Howth. Nestling against the ancient ruins of Howth Abbey, with the lovely fishing harbour and marina below, is the Abbey Tavern – an ideal spot for us to stop and enjoy an Irish coffee and savour the genuine atmosphere of Old Ireland. As we enter the tavern its old-world charm, authenticity and simplicity strike us. Blazing turf fires, original stone walls, flagged floors, gas lights….a truly warm welcome. After our relaxing stop we drive over the summit, where we can enjoy wonderful views of Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains beyond. We return to the port via Dollymount and Clontarf. There is approximately 1¼ hours of walking at Malahide Castle and 50 steps to negotiate. A few steps may also be encountered when we stop to enjoy an Irish coffee. We recommend that you wear flat, comfortable shoes.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES