Side Trips from Dublin - Dublin - page 151

varieties of rhododendrons. Peak bloom time is in May and June.
Note: The castle and its private gardens are not open to the public.
Howth, County Dublin. & 01/832-2624. Free admission. Apr-June daily 8am-sun-
set. DART: Howth. Bus: 31.

Malahide Castle About 13km (8 miles) north of
Dublin, Malahide is one of Ireland's most historic castles. Founded in
the 12th century by Richard Talbot, it was occupied by his descen-
dants until 1973. The fully restored interior is the setting for a com-
prehensive collection of Irish furniture dating from the 17th to the
19th centuries. One-of-a-kind Irish historical portraits and tableaux
on loan from the National Gallery line the walls. The furnishings and
art reflect life in and near the house over the past 8 centuries. After
touring the house, you can explore the 100-hectare (250-acre) estate,
which includes 8 hectares (20 acres) of prized gardens with more than
5,000 species of plants and flowers, and a children's playground. The
Malahide grounds also contain the Fry Model Railway museum (see
above) and Tara's Palace, an antique dollhouse and toy collection.
Malahide, County Dublin.

Kids

&

01/846-2184. [e-mail].

Admission € 6 ($7.20) adults, € 5 ($6) students and seniors, € 3.50 ($4.20) children

under 12, 17 ($21) families; gardens free. AE, MC, V. Combination tickets with Fry

Model Railway and Newbridge House available. Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun
11am-6pm; Nov-Mar Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 2-5pm; gardens May-Sept
daily 2-5pm. Closed for tours 12:45-2pm (restaurant remains open). DART:
Malahide. Bus: 42.

€

National Botanic Gardens Established by the Royal
Dublin Society in 1795 on a rolling 20-hectare (50-acre) expanse of
land north of the city center, this is Dublin's horticultural showcase.
The attractions include more than 20,000 different plants and cul-
tivars, a Great Yew Walk, a bog garden, a water garden, a rose gar-
den, and an herb garden. A variety of Victorian-style glass houses are
filled with tropical plants and exotic species. Remember this spot
when you suddenly crave refuge from the bustle of the city. It's a
quiet, lovely haven, within a short walk of Glasnevin Cemetery. All
but the rose garden is wheelchair accessible. There's free roadside
parking outside the garden gates.
Botanic Rd., Glasnevin, Dublin 9. & 01/837-7596. Free admission. Guided tour € 2
($2.40). Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm; Nov-Mar Mon-Sat
10am-4:30pm, Sun 11am-4:30pm. Bus: 13, 19, or 134.

Newbridge House and Park This country mansion
19km (12 miles) north of Dublin dates from 1740 and was once the
home of Dr. Charles Cobbe, an archbishop of Dublin. Occupied by

Kids