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Perfect Place to Stay For Malahide Castle Concerts

Luke McLeod

| Last Updated: Wednesday, 6 December 2023

| Minute Read

Luke McLeod

Last Updated: Wednesday, 6 December 2023

Minute Read

  • Malahide Castle has a long history, much like Clontarf Castle. With a long history dating back to 1185, the Castle has a story to tell in every room. However, it’s on the green pastures of the Castle that rock legends like the Killers and folk icon Paolo Nutini put on the show! Staying in a hotel near Malahide castle and gardens sets you up for a brilliant concert with plenty of time to explore the city. 

Overview of Malahide Castle and Gardens

Malahide Castle has lots of things to do, both inside the castle and in the grounds itself. The Malahide Castle Gardens are a beautiful piece of scenery for a walk both in the sunshine and on cooler winter days. The West Lawn covers over 20 acres of land, and has some very beautiful trees, plants and wooden carvings. 

The Walled Garden also has plenty of flora and fauna, as too does the Butterfly House. The exterior of the castle in fact has over 250 acres of Fairy Trails, Running Paths, Playgrounds, Outdoor Gyms and so much more. This is a brilliant day out when you are staying in Clontarf Castle, but for now lets get to the music. 

    History of Concerts at the Castle

    The Castle has been the home of Music in Fingal since 2005, when Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli took to the stage to showcase his incredible operatic style. While this was the only concert for 2005 and there was none in 2006, then venue came to life in 2007. Between 2007 and 2011, there was 11 Malahide Castle Concerts. Unfortunately this was where the music stopped. 

    In 2017, much to the delight of the music fans in Ireland and the world over Malahide Castle once again started to put on a show. As the years continued, the bands became bigger and arguably peaked in 2022 with The Killers, Gerry Cinnamon, Depeche Mode, Lewis Capaldi and Dermot Kennedy playing over the summer. 

      Malahide Castle Concerts 2024

      With only four Malahide concerts confirmed for 2024, this is certain to be expanded. 

      Take That come to Malahide on June 21st, the Trio will be supported by the much loved Olly Murs in Malahide.

      Concert goers are delighted to hear that LCD Soundsystem return to Malahide 6 years after their last performance at the Castle. The ‘All my Friends’ frontmen play at the Castle on June 26th. 

      Grab your Stetson and Cowboy Boots! Country legend Shania Twain is coming to Malahide Castle on June 28 as part of her “Queen of Me tour”.

      SZA the R&B award winner, announced a huge show the outdoor venue this summer. Her highly anticipated Irish return is set for July 3rd.

      American “Queen of Rap” Nicki Manaj announced a Dublin date on her world tour. The Pink Friday 2 tour will stop off at Malahide Castle on July 6th. This is the only Irish date for the hip hop sensation.

        Dublin City Centre Train and Bus Services

        Coming from the city center, there are a lot of options to get to Malahide Castle. Public transport is the best way to get to the Castle. Dublin Bus services cover one side of the venue, and the Malahide Train Station is just  10 minute walk from the concert venue. Taking a dart to Malahide Dart station from Clontarf Castle will take about 22 minutes. 

        Return services on private coaches also run from popular meeting points in Dublin City. A lot of commercial coaches meet at Custom House Quay Bus stop, in Dublin 1. Pre – booking of these direct bus services is essential. 

        Concert Preparation

        First of all, you will want to stay in a hotel near Malahide Castle, Clontarf Castle is only 20 minutes by Dart to Malahide Dart station, and a 10 minute walk from there to the concert venue. Plan your journey to the gig and make sure to leave sufficient time to make it to the grounds. Pedestrians will only be allowed access through Hogan’s Gate. 

          Concert Services Available on Site

          At the concert, there are lots of food vendors offering some tasty treats from Fried Chicken,  Burgers, Vegan & Coeliac food options to sweet things like ice creams and belgian waffles. You will of course find 2 bars at the Castle, and we’re not counting the Knights Bar at Clontarf Castle there! 

          Malahide have an option between Heineken bar and a prosecco bar. Each bar will sell a number of drink options and non alcoholic beverages are available here and in many of the food vendor stalls around the venue. Food vendors will not sell alcohol. A lot of vendors take card payments & contactless payment only, so be prepared.

          Malahide Castle Concert venue has a accessible zone for those with additional needs, including a limited number of seats in this zone. There are toilets, and water fountains scattered around the venue and in the walk from the main gate to the arena. 

            Gate times and Stage times for performers and Special guests 

            All concerts at Malahide follow the same concert entry procedures. For gigs that fall on weekdays like LCD Soundsystem, gates will open at 5pm. The special guests will start at 6pm with the main act starting at 8pm or thereabouts. The show would usually finish at 22.30, but this varies from artist to artist. 

            When concerts land on a weekend, such as Take That, the event gets underway a little earlier. Gates will open at 4pm and the support acts will open at 5pm. On weekend shows, there is usually one extra support act. Meaning the main act will still usually take to the stage at 8pm. 

            Do’s & Don’ts of Malahide Castle Concerts 

            There are a couple of simple things you should do before heading to the concert. You do want to stay in a hotel near Malahide Castle concert venue. You should have your tickets printed, or saved to your digital wallet. You do want to check out parking in advance, Clontarf Castle offers guests free parking. You can take public transport from our hotel to the concert, this will take 30 minutes to get to the arena entrance. 

            Don’t bring any professional camera equipment, this will be confiscated on entry. You cannot bring any chairs, umbrellas, gas canisters, air horns, selfie sticks, large items or unidentifiable substances. The venue has a strict bag policy, there should be no bagpacks, and handbags should be smaller than A4 size. Events at Malahide may use strobe lighting, so please be aware of this when you are going.

            The Wrap Up

            Looking for a hotel near Malahide Castle just got so much easier! Stay like a king at Clontarf Castle and check into one of our luxury rooms on the days of your concert. Getting to the park gates takes just a 20 minute Dart ride followed by a 10 minute walk to the concert. 

            Find the best rates available for the dates of your stay and book now!

            Luke McLeod

            Luke is a seasoned travel writer, with years of experience around Europe, America and at home in Dublin.

            If it’s not discovering some of Clontarf’s finest coffee shops, Luke can be found in the city centre tracing over historic steps of Irish history or chatting with some of his favourite artisan producers in the town.

            Wether it’s a pub for a quiet pint, a day trip from the capital or a dainty market to spend your Saturday morning, Luke’s travel tips will ensure your stay at Clontarf Castle Hotel is a unique experience.

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