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Ardgillan Castle and Gardens

Spectacular 194-acre Parkland with stunning Gardens. Discover the Castle's interior and unlock 300 years of history.

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Immerse Yourself In The Ardgillan Beauty

Discover an enchanting adventure and join us for a magical family day out surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes and rich history.

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.

About The Castle

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.

About The Gardens

What’s On

Park Activity

Everyday

Playground

The FUNTASTIC state-of-the-art playground has over 30 pieces of play equipment to enjoy from cradle...

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Park Activity

Saturday 9:30

Ardgillan 5k Parkrun

Ardgillan 5K park run on every Saturdays at 9.30am. Ardgillan Parkrun has been going...

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Park Activity

Everyday

The Ravenous Beast – Storywalk

12th June 2021 “Set in the beautiful location of Ardgillan Castle & Demesne, which...

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Castle Activity

07/12/2024 - 08/12/2024

Christmas Craft Fair 2024

Soak up the Christmas Atmosphere in Ardgillan Castle. Pick up some unique gifts from...

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Castle Activity

05/12/2024 - 05/12/2024

Sceal Sessions

SCÉAL SESSIONS is back at Ardgillan Castle. We’re excited to announce that Scéal Sessions...

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Family visiting the Glasshouse in the gardens

Visit Us

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.

Our Designated Picnic areas are located beside our state-of-the-art Playground, where you can enjoy breathtaking coastal views.

Plan Your Visit

Hire The Castle

Ardgillan Castle is a hive of activity for many Events,

Civil Wedding Ceremonies,
Film Production,
Photoshoots,
Art and Mindfulness Workshops,
Conferences,
Dramatical and Musical performances.

Discover Ardgillan 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.

About The Gallery

minutes
from Dublin

acres of gardens
and forest

years of
history

Beautiful place to go with kids friends or family. Theres a big play ground for the kids and woods you can run around. Also a long track to walk or run around. There’s a cafe to get something to eat also a museum u can visit while there to show u parts of the inside of the castle. There’s also a beautiful rose garden in summer time is best for this park we have been going her for years.

Samantha T

Overlooking the sea with stunning views, wide open spaces, great gardens, interesting architecture, perfect picnic areas - this is an idea place for families to enjoy a day out, complete with playground for children. Flowering plants in the gardens were identified but I would love to see more identification of some of the specimen trees - also we saw a very curious stone but there was no explanation regarding its age or its decoration. I would love to spend longer here - there is just so much to be seen!

O'Brien G

We spent the day at Ardgillan over the weekend. Wow, what a hidden gem. The kids loved the playground and really enjoyed visiting inside the castle, the tour is really fun. We loved the kitchens in the basement and the Old Library. Their favourite part was climbing on the Giants Chair hidden within the tree fort in front of the Castle. We'll be back!

Karen S

Our News

Tree Dedications 2024

Fingal Co CO has officially launched the Commemorative Oak Walk in Ardgillan Demesne. Planting...

Visit by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, marked the 25th anniversary of Ardgillan Castle...

Silver Win at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 2018

We are delighted to announce that renowned florist Christopher White and our Head Gardener,...

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