Thinning the Veil Art Exhibition at Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle & Gardens is hosting “Thinning the Veil”, a contemporary art exhibition installed throughout the medieval castle, from 29 August to 22 November 2026. Six Fingal-based artists - Susan Buttner, Ann Ensor, Elaine Grainger, Michelle Hall, Deborah Hewson and Laura Skehan - present sculpture, installation and audio work responding to the castle’s transition from private family home to public visitor attraction fifty years ago. The show is curated by Eamonn Maxwell and is funded by Fingal County Council, Culture Ireland and the Department of Culture, Communication and Sport to mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It carries a 14+ age recommendation.

What to expect

The pieces are woven through the castle’s historic rooms rather than shown in a single gallery space, so visiting the exhibition means walking the same staterooms, corridors and private quarters that generations of the Talbot family once used, with each new work responding directly to its setting. Alongside the standing exhibition, the castle is running a programme of artist talks, curator tours and performances on select dates through November, with free admission to these evening sessions but advance digital booking required because room capacity is limited.

Getting there

Malahide is on the DART line, roughly 25 minutes from Dublin city centre, with Malahide Castle Demesne a short walk from Malahide station. Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland routes also serve the village, and there is parking within the castle grounds, though it is worth allowing extra time on a Saturday when the demesne is busy with visitors to the park as well as the castle.

While you’re in Malahide

Malahide is a coastal village built around its marina and the Broadmeadow Estuary, with Main Street’s shops, cafes and restaurants a short stroll from the castle gates. Combining a castle visit with a wander along the seafront or through the Botanic Gardens on the demesne makes for an easy half day out. There is more to see in Malahide and across Co. Dublin.

Good to know

• Runs 29 August to 22 November 2026, during normal castle opening hours (9:30am - 5:30pm daily)
• Venue: Malahide Castle & Gardens, Malahide Demesne, Malahide
• Admission to the late-night events is free, but advance digital booking is required due to limited room capacity; check the castle site for exhibition admission
• 14+ age recommendation
• Malahide Castle Demesne is a short walk from Malahide DART station, with parking on site