Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Destination Hotspot – Grand Hotel Malahide - Co Dublin
The Grand Hotel was built in 1835 by James Fagan of Feltrim. He was a member of the British Parliament and when his Malahide Hotel was granted a royal warrant he decided to call it the ‘Royal Hotel’. The Grand Hotel Malahide has had a distinctive and colourful variety of owners over the years. One such owner - Dr. John Fallon Sidney Colohan - bought the Grand Hotel in 1910 for
n The Grand Hotel, Malahide
£10,000, painting the hotel pink to celebrate his favourite tipple, pink champagne which he consumed daily. In 1974 Matt Ryan became the next owner of the hotel expanding the property significantly over the years. Just 10 minutes drive from Dublin Airport, M50 and 30 minutes from the city centre, the hotel is perfect for guests staying for business or pleasure. The property offers a four star service with extensive accommodation choices, leisure, conference and banquet facilities all
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complimented by the popular Ryan’s Bar. All 150 rooms have tea/coffee making facilities and fax/modem lines with spectacular sea views. The Grand Hotel needs to revisit its internet WIFI policy though as the token 15 minute offer does not reflect the everyday needs of customers in 2013. The Coast Restaurant’s beautiful view over Malahide Estuary is complimented by contemporary food and professional service. Coast offers wholesome dining with an impressive wine list proving popular with hotel guests and locals. For best rates & festive packages visit www. thegrand.ie Malahide is also home to the Bon Appetit restaurant -- headed by Oliver & Graham Dunne and awarded a Michelin Star in 2008. The culinary experience is impressive and by far one of Dublin’s finest. However management need to address their locked door policy for guests on arrival as busy waiting staff are not aware of people waiting outside which is not pleasant unless it’s in the middle of balmy summer! This approach leads to a negative first impression. www.bonappetit.ie Malahide boasts a
variety of characterful bars, friendly shops and stores and is surrounded by amenities that include a stunning marina and a championship golf course. The town is serviced by local bus and rail giving you access from Northern Ireland if you want to leave the car at home. For those who enjoy coastal walks head to the beach. It stretches over a n Malahide Cast mile and features le a route that takes visitors to nearby Portmarnock. Malahide Castle nearby dates back to the acres of parkland, this his12th century and was home toric landmark is said to have to the notable Talbot fam- five ghosts still haunting the ily for almost 800 years. The halls. Visitors are welcome to house is furnished with beau- explore the castle, which protiful period furniture together vides audio tours in seven lanwith an extensive collection guages. After walking through of Irish portrait paintings, Malahide Castle, relax with a mainly from the National cup of tea and a scone at the Gallery of Ireland. The first new and equally impressive floor of the medieval keep Avoca Cafe. Experience the is represented by the inner magic of Christmas this Depart of this imposing room. cember at Santa’s Grotto in An extension to the original the beautiful surrounds of façade was added in the 19th Malahide Castle. Santa, Mrs century and included large Claus and their team of Elves latticed windows. Set on 250 will be arriving Saturday 7th
December and staying until Monday 23rd December! The grown-ups can enjoy the magical Christmas tour with their little ones, whilst munching on mince pies and warming their toes with a tipple of mulled wine! www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network & Travel Editor for numerous print & online publications on the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com