Free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance

Private Malahide & Howth Tour, Dublin

Price: €750 up to 7 persons

Note: Start times are flexible and can be agreed directly with John.

Discover the best of Dublin with a private chauffeur-driven tour, including iconic Dublin landmarks like the picturesque Malahide Castle and Howth, where you’ll explore historic sites and breath-taking coastal views. Tailored to your interests, this exclusive tour offers a personalised experience that combines city highlights and scenic escapes.

Overview
Details

Explore Malahide Castle and the Scenic Howth Peninsula

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through Dublin’s rich history and breathtaking coastal landscapes with our private tour designed for groups of up to seven people. We’ll collect you directly from your cruise ship, hotel, or Dublin Airport and set off on a personalised exploration of the city’s most iconic landmarks before venturing to the picturesque areas of Malahide and Howth.

Our bespoke itinerary typically begins in the heart of Dublin before heading out to Malahide and its historic castle. Built in 1174 by the Norman French Lords Talbot de Malahide, the castle remained in their possession for an incredible 800 years, until 1974, when the last Lord passed away and the estate was taken over by the state. With all its original furniture and contents still intact, a visit to Malahide Castle is truly like stepping back in time. Within the grounds, you’ll also find the ruins of Malahide Abbey, where Chevalier Richard de Malahide, the first Lord, is buried and where the last Lord, Milo de Malahide, was laid to rest in 1973. The 260-acre estate features beautifully manicured gardens with rare plant collections, while the Butterfly House is a delight for visitors of all ages.

From the castle, we’ll journey to the coastal village of Howth, a historic fishing port famous for its scenic harbour and renowned seafood restaurants. Here, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of the Irish Sea, where you can watch the fishing boats return with their daily catch. We’ll then drive over Howth Head to enjoy breathtaking views across Dublin Bay, with its ever-moving ships, and towards the distant Wicklow Mountains. If you’re up for it, Howth also offers stunning cliff walks, allowing you to experience the dramatic coastal scenery up close.

Private tour for up to 7 people.
Chauffeur-driven limousine service.
Customisable itinerary to suit your interests.
Pickup from cruise ship or hotel.
Visits to iconic Dublin landmarks.
Flexible tour duration (Malahide and Howth 7-8 hours).
Entrance fees paid on the day or arranged in advance.

Malahide & Howth Tour

Private tour for up to 7 guests

One fixed price covers your full private group, whether there are 1 or 7 guests. The vehicle and guide are reserved exclusively for you.

Flexible start times

Tours usually begin between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Select 9:00 a.m. when booking and share your preferred time at checkout.

Duration: Approximately 7 hours.

Cancellation Policy: Day tours and shore excursions can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Multi-day tours have separate cancellation terms due to advance accommodation and supplier costs. Please review our full cancellation policy before booking.

What Our Clients Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 59 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Flytwister 
 
 
 
 Verified Dublin Deluxe
We spent two wonderful days with John touring the sights of Dublin and Malahide castle. His knowledge and professionalism were ideal for our group and we enjoyed the convenience and comfort of his van. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tanar2016 
 
 
 
 Verified Magical day in the Wicklow Mountains
My husband and I spent a wonderful day in the Wicklow Mountains with John ending when he dropped us off at the international ferry port of Rosslare. He knows all the most beautiful and interesting spots as well as the local stories and folklore. The depth and width of his knowledge across many disciplines is remarkable. I am sorry that time didn't permit a stop at the Powercourt Gardens but hope to do that on our next visit to Dublin. Glendalough was a huge highlight - very moving to be among those ancient ruins and to learn about its long history as a place of pilgrimage. Definitely not to be missed. There is also nearby an excellent restaurant for an enjoyable stop if you are so inclined. We learned a great deal on this trip and thoroughly enjoyed John's company. Above all, he is devoted to his clients' welfare and enjoyment of the trip. Anyone who has him as their guide is in for a wonderful experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jerry G 
 
 
 
 Verified Extremely educational and enjoyable
John was an excellent tour guide. He has a unique combination of historical, political, geographical, and botanical expertise which resulted in a very educational and enjoyable day!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   559ttaylor 
 
 
 
 Verified Tours of Dublin region
John is the ultimate gentleman and is a walking encyclopedia. We had a great time and will certainly use him again.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Donald D 
 
 
 
 Verified I had a fantastic day tour of the Boyne Valley and Newgrange with John. John was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, bringing the rich history of the area to life with fascinating stories and insights. His passion for Irish heritage was evident throughout the tour, and he made the experience both educational and enjoyable. From the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange to the scenic beauty of the Boyne Valley, every stop was well-planned and thoughtfully presented. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the region who would like a tour with an expert with strong historical knowledge .
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tina d 
 
 
 
 Verified A Day in the Life
We had a wonderful day with John visiting some of the haunts where our ancestors likely spent their days and nights in the southern part of Dublin. John worked with us ahead of the tour, tailoring it to the specific sites where our progenitors lived and worshiped, where they were married, and where they are buried. He was able to arrange for us to meet the warm and welcoming people caring for the parishes family members were born into....which was a highlight of our entire time in Ireland. In the afternoon we drove into the countryside to visit a place our great uncles and aunts hung out in their youth, stopping for lunch at a traditional pub (Johnnie Fox's) that we never would have found otherwise. We truly had a wonderful day; thank you John!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Chris R 
 
 
 
 Verified Look no further - 5 stars
Priceless two weeks in Ireland. The perfect mix of knowledge, wit and charm - look no further. We learned loads and would do it all over again! Thank you John for showing us your Ireland!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   bwnj 
 
 
 
 Verified John was amazing. Planned two wonderful days. Took the time to research my ancestors.
We were with John for two days. He took the time to research my family tree and planned a stop to where they likely lived in the 1850s. He is full of knowledge and it was a pleasure to meet him.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Neal H 
 
 
 
 Verified An Experience of a Lifetime! Thank you, Mr. Ducie!
The history, the culture, architecture, nature, the essence of Ireland...John knows it all and taught us with infectious passion and enthusiasm. Over the span of a week and a bit, he guided my family and I across the island, from Dublin to Kilkenny, Killarney and Adare, the Boyne Valley and Wicklow Mountains, and the old family stomping grounds of Cahersiveen and Rathvilly on truly one of the greatest vacation experiences of my life! Can't wait to return to the Emerald Isle!

Client Reviews

John was most knowledgeable about Malahide estate and gardens. Our group of 5 enjoyed our tour and learned a lot about Ireland and Dublin.

Dianna W

Nice leisurely tour, nice car, interesting commentary, good guide. Nice lunch in Howth.

Gregg B

We enjoyed the beautiful gardens at Malahide Castle, a lovely lunch in Malahide village and a stroll on the gorgeous beach.

Laura S

John was punctual, personable, and very informative. Our group really enjoyed a beautiful day touring Malahide Castle and Howth.

Susan R

John is like a walking encyclopedia. As we walked through the castle gardens, he explained about every plant that was there.

Susan W

John was very responsive to questions and catered the tour to suit our needs. His knowledge of horticulture was particularly useful in the castle gardens.

Traci P