Ardgillan Castle

Ardgillan Castle A Hidden Gem in North Co. Dublin on an elevated coastline between Balbriggan and Skerries. Public Toilets
Expansive Wide Open Spaces.
(822)

The park consists of 194 acres of rolling open grassland, mixed woodland and gardens, overlooking the Irish Sea with views of Mourne Mountains to the north and Lambay to the south-east. Ardgillan is a sanctuary for many species of animals, mammals and birds for which the wooded areas provide a safe retreat from surrounding agricultural land. Today the demesne is a stunning visitor attraction with

a range of facilities the public can avail of, including;
Castle Tours
Tea Rooms (wheelchair accessible) and Playground Shop
State-of-the-art Children's Playground
Magnificent Gardens
Craft Shop
Garden Tours (Pre-booked)
Spectacular Cycle and Walking Paths
Artist Studios
Civil Wedding Ceremonies
Room Hire, Conference and Workshop Space
Picnic Areas *NO BARBEQUES! Free Car Parks
The main car park is located close to the demesne entrance at “Blackhills”, while a second car and coach park, adjacent to the castle is open for castle visitors from Monday to Saturday and for restricted use on Sundays and Public Holidays. The gardens are in three main parts, the formal Rose Garden and the Potentilla collection to the west of the castle, and the walled garden to the north-west which contains herb, vegetable, fruit, and ornamental sections. The state-of-the-art playground was opened in 2006 and has over 30 pieces of play equipment to enjoy from cradle swings for the very young to a large climbing space net for older children (under 12).

Studio Award at Ardgillan CastleFingal County Council Arts Office in partnership with Ardgillan Castle, are offering a f...
14/05/2026

Studio Award at Ardgillan Castle

Fingal County Council Arts Office in partnership with Ardgillan Castle, are offering a funded studio space to a professional Fingal artist for two years, commencing at the beginning of October 2026.

The award offers an artist the chance to develop their practice in a supportive environment and includes the cost of studio rental and administration. The studio measures 5.7m x 4.7m and is on the first floor of the castle.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must: have been born, have studied, or currently reside in the Fingal administrative area. Open to professional artists at any stage of their career and working in any artform.

The closing date for applications has been extended to 29th May 2026 at 4:00PM.

Artists wishing to be considered, should apply by emailing the following information in one PDF document to [email protected] with “Studio Award 2026-28” in subject line:
1. CV (max. two pages)
2. Artist Bio. Max. 300 words.
3. A covering letter detailing your connection to Fingal, intentions for the allocated period, a work plan, details of your materials/processes and any other requirements. Max. 500 words
4. For visual artists, please include up to six images of your work, a content list and include the title of the artwork, medium and dimensions, if applicable.
6. For video artists, please include a list of website addresses (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo) to access your work with descriptions of the work.
5. For writers, please attach samples of your work (no more than three samples up to a maximum of 1000 words) as a single PDF document.

For queries, please email: [email protected]

☀️ An Ghrian Arts Festival Ardgillan Castle ☀️ To mark the Summer Solstice, we are excited to announce our upcoming arts...
12/05/2026

☀️ An Ghrian Arts Festival Ardgillan Castle ☀️

To mark the Summer Solstice, we are excited to announce our upcoming arts festival at Ardgillan Castle!

📅 19th - 21st June 2026

Art workshops, well-being workshops, summer market, performances, art exhibition and the launch of our newly adapted fairy trail for children.

We have a very special guest confirmed for a storytelling performance in the castle Drawing Room - Eddie Lenihan , well known for his captivating performances will be here on Saturday 20th June. Tickets will go on sale this week!

Stay Tuned!!

☀️

05/05/2026

💜 The Ever changing colours of Ardgillan Demesne 💜

As the daffodils take their final bow, the Camassia Quamash steal the show this May! Loving the vibrant colours lining the avenue down to the castle.

Explore Fingal’s hidden Gem, Ardgillan Castle.BRAND NEW at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan – an immersive self-guided tour ...
01/05/2026

Explore Fingal’s hidden Gem, Ardgillan Castle.

BRAND NEW at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan – an immersive self-guided tour suitable for all ages with exciting new features designed especially for families!
Explore the story of the Taylor family in a fun and interactive way:

👃 Experience the past with unique “smellometers” 👗 Dress up in historic costumes 🔍 Take on the “chick challenge” 🧩 Solve puzzles and play games

Perfect for curious minds of all ages – and a great way to learn through fun Within easy reach of Dublin city
The audio tour is available DAILY in five languages - English, Irish, German, Spanish, French and Polish.
Headphones are not provided but visitors are welcome to bring their own!

Cafe & Craft shop also open daily.

Book your adventure today and make history come alive.




26/04/2026

Merch Drop complete from the Explore Fingal team.

is an official tourism initiative launched by Fingal County council, serving as a dedicated destination brand to highlight the region’s coast, countryside and community!

23/04/2026

Step into history at Ardgillan Castle.

BRAND NEW at Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan – an immersive self-guided tour suitable for all ages with exciting new features designed especially for families!
Explore the story of the Taylor family in a fun and interactive way:

👃 Experience the past with unique “smellometers”
👗 Dress up in historic costumes
🔍 Take on the “chick challenge”
🧩 Solve puzzles and play games
🚪 find the hidden doors

Perfect for curious minds of all ages – and a great way to learn through fun Within easy reach of Dublin city

The audio tour is available DAILY in five languages - English, Irish, German, Spanish, French and Polish.

Headphones are not provided but visitors are welcome to bring their own!

Cafe & Craft shop also open daily.

Book your adventure today and make history come alive.




Free Drawing Workshop in Ardgillan CastleIn celebration of National Drawing Day 2026, join talented Fingal based Artist ...
20/04/2026

Free Drawing Workshop in Ardgillan Castle

In celebration of National Drawing Day 2026, join talented Fingal based Artist .mcauley.artist at Ardgillan Castle on the 16th May at 11am - 1pm.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, all are welcome to sketch and chat and be inspired by the wonderful surroundings of Ardgillan Castle.

This is an Indoor workshop.

Booking is required - link in bio! ✍️

15/04/2026
Brighter Days means more Play ☀️ April brings longer opening hours at Ardgillan Park and playground! 🛝 Park Gate now clo...
09/04/2026

Brighter Days means more Play ☀️

April brings longer opening hours at Ardgillan Park and playground! 🛝

Park Gate now closes at 8pm - playgrounds close at 7.15pm


🌺 Spring Garden Tour 🌺 Join our Head Gardener, Dominica McKevitt, for an exclusive guided tour of the award-winning gard...
07/04/2026

🌺 Spring Garden Tour 🌺

Join our Head Gardener, Dominica McKevitt, for an exclusive guided tour of the award-winning gardens at Ardgillan Castle.

Get expert tips on essential pruning techniques to help your garden thrive this season!

Book online now!

** April date has been updated to Wednesday 15th April**

🌺 Spring Garden Tour 🌺 Join our Head Gardener, Dominica McKevitt, for an exclusive guided tour of the award-winning gard...
01/04/2026

🌺 Spring Garden Tour 🌺

Join our Head Gardener, Dominica McKevitt, for an exclusive guided tour of the award-winning gardens at Ardgillan Castle.

Get expert tips on essential pruning techniques to help your garden thrive this season!

Book online now!

Address

Ardgillan Castle
Balbriggan
CODUBLIN

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+35318492212

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