Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Malahide

"Located off Dame Street in the city centre, Dublin Castle is a major tourist attraction as well as being an Irish government complex and conference centre. Originally opened at the turn of the 13th century, much of the current construction stems from the 18th century. It was the seat of the British government’s administration in Ireland until it was handed over to the newly formed government, led by the famous Michael Collins in 1922."

"The next place on the list of best photo spots in Dublin is Dublin Castle. One of the most famous things to see in Dublin is Dublin Castle. It's a very large Irish government complex that's a must-see when you're in the city."

"Phoenix Park is one of Europe’s biggest walled city parks and is a great place to walk around and explore for the whole family. There is much so to see in Phoenix Park, including its incredible wildlife such as squirrels and wild deer. Plus, it is also home to Dublin Zoo, so it’s another great place to head if you’ve spent the afternoon at the zoo."

"The first Dublin walk on the list is none other than the Phoenix Park. The Phoenix Park is the largest city park in Europe, stretching for 1,750 acres. If you’re visiting Dublin on a holiday or vacation, chances are you will end up in the Phoenix park at some stage."

"This is the first university ever built in Ireland, with an old library that houses the world-famous Book of Kells, a 9th century religious text. The visit to see the Book of Kells is self-guided, however guided tours of the grounds of the university are available. Many of the guides are students, so this is a good way to get the inside story in a fun and informative way."

"Its hilltop location and eye-catching flying buttresses make this the most photogenic of Dublin's cathedrals. It was founded in 1030 and rebuilt from 1172, mostly under the impetus of Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke (better known as Strongbow), the Anglo-Norman noble who invaded Ireland in 1170 and whose monument has pride of place inside. Guided tours include the belfry, where a campanologist explains the art of bell-ringing and you can even have a go. "

"With Christ Church being one of the most historical parts of Dublin, it's no surprise that the area has a market that is just filled with little gems to be discovered. If you visit the market, you're likely to pick up some delicious international street food as well as antiques and vintage bits. It takes place every Saturday from 11am to 5pm."

"After visiting Christ Church Cathedral, you may be forgiven for thinking that it can’t get any better in terms of gorgeous churches in Dublin. A short walk from here will lead you to Dublin’s other ‘iconic’ church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Many would argue that St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the church to visit if you are considering what to do in Dublin in one day."

"Ireland 's largest church and the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, St Patrick's stands on the spot where St Patrick himself reputedly baptised the local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century."

"Named for the patron saint of Ireland, construction started on the county’s largest Cathedral in 1220. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was once dean and is buried there."

"Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre is situated in the 14th Century Castle/Town House just less than 5 minutes from train (DART) and bus stations. All year actors from Deilg Inis Living History Theatre Company are on site to enlighten, entertain and engage you in a Live Performance every half hour in ‘The Tudors are Back...’.Depending on the season you can encounter the Ghost, The Merchant and Rupert the Archer."

"When it comes to visitor engagement, none of the other castles on this list can top Dalkey Castle. They take their guided tours to the next level with costumed actors who pretend to be archers, cooks, and coin minters. There is even a barber/ surgeon!"

"Dalkey Castle, dating from 1390, is located in South County Dublin in the lovely heritage town of Dalkey. The Castle has living history actors ready to welcome visitors and bring history to life. All tours must be booked online."

"In its Anglo-Norman prime, this abbey, 1.5km off the main Drogheda–Collon road (R168), was the Cistercians' first and most magnificent centre in Ireland. Highly evocative and well worth exploring, the ruins still reflect the site's former splendour.Mellifont's most recognisable building and one of the country's finest examples of Cistercian architecture is the 13th-century lavabo, the monks' octagonal washing room."

"Built at the beginning of the eighteenth century, St. Ann’s Church has become one of Dublin’s most popular parishes by virtue of its generosity."

"We’re coming to the end of our first day in Dublin, and what better way to finish off than by watching the sun set over the River Liffey, which runs right through the centre of the city. Of course, the sunset time will vary depending on the time of year you visit, and you have to be lucky with the weather, but sometimes the sky can put on a real show!"

"the world's highest free-standing monument resembles a needle and is about as popular with locals as the sewers below O'Connell Street and the Spire. You know they're there, but you don’t stop and admire them. Only artists, architects, and non-Dubliners spare this steel column more than a passing glance."

"A regular meeting point for the locals (At 120metres high you can’t really miss it, can you?!). From the North, the south, the east or west, you’ll soon find a shot that you like!. The Spire is also known by a few other names… we’ll let you ask the locals what they are!"

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."

"That’s our motto these days, and luckily this comedy night runs three days a week offering comprehensive comedic coverage in Dublin city. Taking place every Monday, Tuesday and Sunday downstairs in The Stag’s Head, this stand-up comedy smash hit is often at capacity. It’s a by donation event, and sometimes international funny men and women pop in for a visit and take to the stage."

"Get ready for a night of belly-aching fun at Laughter Lines at The Duke. This non-stop, fun-filled comedy night is sure to be one to remember as this fivesome (consisting of Josephine Mc Caffrey, Gráinne Boyle, Aislinn Ní Uallacháin, Declan Mc Fadden and Noel Aungier) take to the stage offering sketches, stand-up, scenes and songs all likely to have you in stitches. Although this is their weekly home (at The Duke), the collective also performs sporadically in venues across Dublin and Ireland, and are quickly climbing their way to becoming one of Dublin’s most dynamic acts."

"Located on Dublin’s South Great George’s Street, the George’s Street Arcade originally opened as South City Markets in 1881, making it the oldest shopping centre in Ireland. Today, the Victorian redbrick building houses an indoor market of around fifty tenants, with a combination of stalls and stores selling vintage clothes, accessories, books and collectibles, and more. Shopping here is a distinctively Dublin experience, and you’re sure to find a souvenir you won’t get anywhere else."

"George’s Street Arcade has been in operation since the late 1800s|© Kevin George / Alamy Stock Photo. Serving Dublin since 1881, this enclosed Victorian market has a charming red-bricked interior housing over 50 stalls. Ranging in size and scale, the vendors here sell everything from authentic falafel to art, memorabilia and coin collections."

"The Victorian redbrick George’s Street Arcade houses several stalls and stores. There’s a lot to discover in this arcade, from high fashion clothing and accessories to funky gear to custom and costume jewellery. There are also stalls and shops offering fortune telling, hairstyling and specialty items."

"St. Teresa’s Church in Dublin is a quaint church for the worshippers of Christianity. Located in Clarendon Street, this church has been serving the people of Dublin for over two centuries. Considered to be the busiest church in the whole of Dublin, this church is a haven of serenity amidst the bustling designer showrooms and market."

"Situated between Grafton Street and Clarendon Street, St. Teresa’s Church is a haven of peace amidst the bustle of Dublin’s city centre."

"One of the city’s most rewarding walks is the 800-meter stroll along the Great South Wall to the Poolbeg Lighthouse, that red tower visible in the middle of Dublin Bay. It’s best enjoyed around sunset on a clear day, when you’ll have a stunning view of the bay and the city behind you."

"The Great South Wall is one of Dublin’s most gorgeous coastal walks, the trail leads all the way out to Poolbeg Light House. This is a fantastic walk in the evening time as it is a great place to catch the sunset. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the lighthouse from the car park."

"What could be more love-filled than a walk to the choppy waters at the mouth of the Liffey. The lighthouse has stood since 1767, giving candlelight signals to the ships entering the city. A hero of the past that we can all recognise and be inspired by."

"One of my all time favourite memories as a child was visiting the Gaiety Theatre with my grandmother. She use to take us once a year and I absolutely loved it. Things haven’t changed too much at The Gaiety but it remains a prominent influence on Irish arts and theatre."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."