Malahide Castle, Dublin

This private house and one-time fortress is located on 250 acres of lush park area in Malahide. The interiors are done up beautifully with portrait paintings of the Talbot family. Standing strong for about 800 years, this old home has seen it all; wars, good times and memories of the family it sheltered. Now a major attraction, the main hall plays host to private celebrations and banquets, while guided tours in French, Spanish and Dutch are available for tourists. The restaurant is quite popular with the locals, who drop in for a hot breakfast of baked scones, with homemade jam and cream.