Tourist Information
Golf
There is a long standing of Golfing history in this part of Dublin. There is a particularly good selection of courses available to play, especially a number of link courses.
Portmarnock Golf Club (4km)
Established in 1894, Portmarnock is a highly ranked championship links course that has been host to many top amateur and professional events, including the Irish Open.
Directions: Turn right out of the Hotel's main gate and travel the beautiful coastal drive for 3km to Portmarnock. Turn left before the Golf Links pub. The Club is at the end of this road.
Telephone: 01 846 1800
Malahide Golf Club (4km)
Malahide golf club is a 27-hole parkland course located between the North Dublin seaside villages of Malahide and Portmarnock. Situated in its current location since 1990, the club was founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland.
Directions: Drive straight out of the hotel gate. At the first traffic lights turn left onto Church road and follow this road until you pass a school on your right hand side. Take the next left, marked for Portmarnock. And follow this road for 0.5km until you arrive at the entrance to the club on the right hand side.
Telephone: 01 846 1611
Royal Dublin Golf Club (12km)
Established in 1885, this is one of the finest Championship links courses in Ireland. The layout is traditional but the wind factor can make this course very hazardous. It has been the venue for many championships both National and International.
Directions: Turn right out the hotel gate and travel through Portmarnock and Baldoyle (no turns except at a small roundabout in Portmarnock, stay left) Reaching a T-Junction turn right and proceed for 6km, passing the Dollymount pub on the right, turn left onto the wooden bridge. Royal Dublin is 0.5km on your left.
Telephone: 01 833 6346
St Anne’s Golf Club (11km)
Founded in 1921, adjacent to Royal Dublin Golf Club, St. Anne’s Golf club is located in the heart of one of the finest bird sanctuaries in Ireland, on North Bull Island, ensuring enjoyable all year golf for the discerning golfer.
Directions: Turn right out of the hotel gate and travel the beautiful coastal drive for 5.5km. At the first roundabout take the first exit onto the coast road. Continue onto Baldoyle rd. Turn Right onto Dublin road. Continue onto James Larkin road Turn left at Watermill road. The entrance to St. Anne’s is on the left hand side, just before the roundabout at the end of this road.
Telephone: 01 833 6471
The Island Golf Club (14km)
The Island golf club was established in 1890 and, surrounded by the sea on three sides, it enjoys a unique setting. Until as recently as 1973 the club was approached by boat from Malahide across the estuary.
Directions: Drive straight out the hotel gate. After 1.8km turn right onto the Swords Road (R106). At the second roundabout take the 4th exit onto the R132. Go through a further 3 roundabouts. At the fourth take the 2nd exit onto the R126. Pass Newbridge house and take 2nd right, just before humpback bridge. Follow the road around the estuary. Turn right at the end of the water.
Telephone: 01 843 6205
St Margaret’s Golf Course Dublin (15.4km)
This course and clubhouse have quickly gained a reputation of being first class and highly praised by its many visitors and professionals. Between 1994 and 1997, the course played host to three major international tournaments, which were all major successes.
Directions: Leaving the hotel go straight through Malahide town. After 1.8km turn right onto the Swords Road (R106). When you arrive at the roundabout take the 2nd exit heading towards the airport. At the second roundabout take the 3rd exit. Follow the signs for St. Margaret’s until you arrive at the Club on the right hand side.
Telephone: 01 864 0400
Beaverstown Golf Club (14km)
This golf club is noted for its setting in an attractive orchard. It is bordered by water which demands careful planning and accuracy from the player.
Directions: Leaving the hotel go straight through Malahide town. After 1.8km turn right onto the Swords Road (R106). At the next roundabout, take a right heading north on the N1. Pass through two roundabouts and take the right turn heading for Donabate (1km after the last roundabout). Follow directions for Donabate and take a left in the town. Follow this road until you arrive at the club entrance on the left hand side.
Telephone: 01 843 6721
Children Acitvies
Malahide Castle Playground
The children’s playground, is split into sections for toddlers and older children. With slides, swings and climbing frames, the playground has something for all ages, including picnic tables where parents can keep an eye out!
Gannon Park Playground
This is located in Gannon Park, 500m from the Hotel along the Coast Road toward Portmarnock. A modern playground with lots to entertain the children.
Leisureplex
Situated in Coolock on the Malahide Road, (6km), this site features an ice skating ring, bowling alley, quasar, Pompeii paints, zoo (children’s adventure play area) and a diner.
For more information phone: 01 848 5722.
Dublin Zoo
Located in Phoenix Park (12km), Dublin Zoo is one of the world’s oldest, yet most popular zoos, the 28 hectare park in the heart of Dublin is home to some 400 animals in a safe environment where education and conservation combine for an exciting and unforgettable experience. For information visit their website.
Directions: Drive to the city centre via the Malahide road, Fairview, Amiens street. Cross the river Liffey and turn right down the quays as far as Heuston station, turn right back over the Liffey and turn left and then first right onto Parkgate Street. Enter Phoenix Park at the main entrance off Parkgate Street and follow the Zoo signs. From the City centre, the 25 & 26 buses from Middle Abbey Street pass the Zoo.
Tayto Park
Tayto Park, set on 55 acres in Ashbourne, County Meath, hosts a variety of playgrounds, restaurants, shops, animal areas and open plains hosting rare creatures such as Ocelots and Amur leopards. Popular attractions in Tayto Park include the Eagle Sky Adventure Zone, the Tayto skywalk, the pow wow playground, critter country, the pet corner, the Tayto plains, the buffalo ridge, factory tour, teahouse in the tree house and the largest 4 line zip (230 meters) line in Europe. For more information visit their website.
Tourist Sites
Malahide Castle and Gardens
This castle was built in the 12th Century by the Talbot family, who remained in residence until 1975 when it came into state ownership. Today, it attracts thousands of visitors every year. Visitors can enjoy not only the castle but a Visitor Centre and the magnificent four acre walled gardens which contain many rare species. These gardens are a major part of the botanical heritage of the country. For information see the website. The demesne has pleasant walks, play and picnic areas, Avoca cafe, tennis courts, 9-hole golf course and a pitch and putts course.
Walking
Visit Malahide castle and walk its vast grounds. Or if you’d prefer a coastal walk, our sandy beach can be enjoyed all year round. The coastal walk extends from the village to Portmarnock with lovely sea views along the way. You can also walk and bird watching along the Malahide estuary.
Water Sports
Malahide has a large Marina as well as an estuary. We have sailing clubs and water sports schools that include dinghy sailing, windsurfing hire and kayaking.
Newbridge House
(N1 road, Donabate, 10km)
Built-in 1736 for Archbishop Cobbe. Original furniture, paintings and objects d’art are a feature of this gracious Georgian house. The extensive 150 hectare demesne includes a walled garden, a wildlife and Deer park, playing and walking areas and a 19th Century working farm, where animals, machinery and old farming techniques are on view. A museum of 19th Century rural life is contained in picturesque old buildings around the 18th-century courtyard. For information visit their website.
Ardgillian Castle and Demesne
(N1 road, Donabate, 10km)
Built in 1737, now beautifully restored and furnished in Victorian style, the principal rooms, kitchens and the Down survey exhibition (a series of surveys and maps from 1654) are open to the public. The park commands views of the coast and contains a rose garden, a walled herb garden and a Victorian conservatory. For information see their website.
Skerries Mills
(N1 Road, Skerries)
Skerries mills complex comprises a waterfall, 5-sail windmill, 4-sail windmill, and associated mill races, mill pond and wetlands. The history of the mill can be traced to the early 16th Century and a bakery was established on the site by 1840. For information see website.
Newgrange
(M1 Donore Exit, 25km)
Designated a World heritage centre by UNESCO, The Megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19 metre long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. It is estimated that the construction of the passage tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years. For information see website.
Local Restaurants & Bars
The Grand hotel lies at the heart of the varied and bustling town of Malahide. Within a few minutes’ walk, you will be in the heart of Malahide’s many varied restaurants and bars. Many are well known throughout the country and one carries a Michelin star. The ‘Coast’ restaurant in the Grand Hotel provides the best-located restaurant in Malahide and food to compliment the view. To book for dinner, please dial 0 and Reception will be delighted to facilitate.
We provide full details of all restaurants in the ‘Local Information’ section of our website.
Shopping
Malahide is famous for its vitality. A village stroll will reveal a great choice of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.
Malahide Village
There is a wide variety of shopping available in the town. Of special interest to visitors will be the boutiques, gift shops, antique shops and other speciality shops that provide personal service and unique merchandise.
The Pavilions Swords (5km)
The Pavilions has over 80 great fashion and lifestyle shops and restaurants as well as 11 cinema screens.