Back by Popular Demand – A Bucket List Immersive Experience
Step into a bygone era and take your seat at the 18th-century table of Malahide Castle. You are cordially invited to join the triumphant Hunt Party as they return to the castle a night of fine spirits, soaring music, and historical mystery.
A Grand Welcome
Your journey begins at the castle gates, where you are greeted by majestic Irish Wolfhounds, a living symbol of our heritage. Sip on a crisp fine whiskey soda and let the ethereal melodies of the Irish Harp transport you back in time before the evening’s festivities truly begin.
Your “Social Passport”
Upon entry, the “Who’s Who” of the 18th century comes to life – and you are one of them. Every guest receives a Social Passport assigning them a unique persona and a secret social objective for the night.
Get Cosy & Have the Chats!
This is a truly convivial event. We want you talking, laughing, and debating with your tablemates. This is a unique night out designed to break the ice; we want you leaving as friends with your neighbour after a night of shared secrets and stories. At the very least in supremely good spirits as you depart!
Mystery Under the Plate
The intrigue doesn’t stop at the introductions. Keep a sharp eye on your table setting! Throughout your sumptuous four-course meal, clues will appear in the most unexpected places.
- Find a dusty legal seal hidden under a plate…
- Discover a cryptic sketch tucked into a linen napkin…
- Decipher a “Secret Special” menu written in Italian…
You may even need to bribe our drunken butler to translate a clue or unlock a hidden glass of Limoncello!
The Prop Trunk & Dress Up
To truly inhabit your role, visit our Prop Trunk at the start of the night. Whether you fancy a pocket watch, a feather boa, a walking stick, or even a dapper moustache, we have everything you need to look the part.
What’s in the name?
‘The Hunt Dinner Party’ is a direct reference to the historical hunting traditions associated with Malahide Castle and the surrounding lands, including Lambay Island. We were particularly inspired by a captivating image of Lady Joyce, a former resident of the castle, returning from a shooting expedition with her Irish Wolfhounds. This event is designed to immerse our guests in the atmosphere of the 18th century, imagining themselves as part of a returning hunt party. It’s a themed dining experience intended to bring a unique aspect of the castle’s history to life in an engaging and entertaining way. “The Hunt Dinner Party” is not a commemoration of hunting or the killing of wild animals.
Instead, it is a historically-themed, immersive dining experience designed to pay homage to a specific piece of Malahide Castle’s heritage – a captivating image of a historical hunt party’s return to the castle from Lambay Island, complete with Irish Wolfhounds. This event aims to bring a specific aspect of 18th-century castle life to vivid, theatrical life through storytelling, period ambiance, and a gourmet 4 course meal.
No animals are killed or harmed as part of this experience, nor does the event promote contemporary hunting. We celebrate dogs. Our focus is purely on historical re-enactment and culinary enjoyment within the magnificent setting of Malahide Castle. The menu is based on contemporary gourmet cuisine, not game. There are vegetarian/vegan options available too.
We believe it offers a unique and respectful way to engage with the castle’s past, focusing on storytelling and the social history of the era. Become part of the gathering.
Lady Joyce, a former resident of the castle, returning from a shooting expedition with her Irish Wolfhounds.
Event Highlights
- Four-Course Feast: A lavish seasonally inspired menu served in Nugent’s Hall.
- Flowing Refreshments: A carafe of house wine with attentive refills throughout your meal.
- Immersive Entertainment: A side of comedy and theatre where the castle’s past unfolds around you.
- Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM approx.
- Date: From 2nd of May 2026 (Every Saturday)
- Price: €120 per person.
This is more than a dinner; it’s a journey into the heart of Malahide’s history.
Are you ready to play your part?
Wolfhounds, harp music, flowing wine, there is nowhere like this in Dublin or the whole of Ireland – can’t wait to see you there!
This is Ireland’s only premium immersive historical dinner party and seats are vanishing fast.
What You Need to Know
Q: What time should I arrive?
A: We encourage you to arrive from 6pm to take advantage of a special photo opportunity with our magnificent Irish Wolfhounds!
Q: What does the experience include?
A: The Hunt Dinner Party is a unique and communal evening, blending a delicious meal with an engaging and entertaining show. Starting with a warm and novel welcome, a whisky soda, melodic harp playing and a chance to see the main rooms of the castle after dark, followed by great food and entertaining service from the castle’s staff. You’ll step back in time and share the experience with fellow guests, so come ready to mingle and enjoy!
Q: What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
A: Dress as you feel comfortable! Whether you make it ultra elegant or prefer a more relaxed style, suit yourself. It’s a special occasion, so feel free to express your personal flair.
Q: Is the menu set? Can you cater to dietary requirements?
A: Yes, the Hunt Dinner features a carefully curated set menu. If you have any specific dietary requests or allergies, please let us know in advance when booking so our chefs can do their best to accommodate you.
Q: Is this a traditional historical tour of the castle?
A: While you will get to walk through some of the castle’s historic rooms, this is not a traditional in-depth historical tour. Instead, the evening incorporates theatrical elements and light-hearted moments to bring the castle’s past to life in a uniquely entertaining way. (But do come back for the full castle tour on another occasion, it really is quite something!)
Q: Can children attend The Dinner?
A: The Hunt Dinner is primarily designed as an immersive evening experience for adults. While we welcome well-behaved older teenagers (16+) who have an interest in history and a sophisticated dining experience, the content and duration may not be suitable for younger children. Please consider this when making your booking.
Q: Is this experience something that would appeal to international visitors?
A: Absolutely! The Hunt Dinner offers a truly unique and memorable taste of Irish history and hospitality, set within the iconic Malahide Castle. It’s a fantastic way for global tourists to experience a different side of Dublin and Irish culture. This is an event designed for all who appreciate history, art, culture, food, music and fun! Unite through shared moments; begin as strangers, leave as friends, amidst a lively mix of locals and international guests in a rather unique and splendid setting. A lovely opportunity to get out of the city and see other parts of Dublin. Malahide is a gorgeous coastal heritage village, easily accessible, and the night is still young when the experience finishes – we encourage you to take it to the village and finish off your night in one of the many atmospheric and characterful pubs! Or jump on the Dart or an Uber for a ride into Dublin city – only 20 mins away.
Q: Will locals enjoy it too?
A: The Hunt Dinner is designed to be a special night out that will appeal to both locals and global tourists alike. It offers a unique and immersive way to experience Malahide Castle after dark, combining fine dining with engaging entertainment and a touch of history – something a little different from the usual Dublin evening. A must-attend event for all locals, Dubs and rest of Ireland visitors. Perfect for a unique night out, no matter where you are from. Whether you are just visiting or a familiar face, all are invited to be part of this experience.
Q: What makes this a special occasion?
A: From the grand welcome by the Irish Wolfhounds to the atmospheric setting of Nugent’s Hall, the sumptuous four-course meal, and the theatrical elements that bring the castle’s past to life, The Hunt Dinner Party is crafted to be a memorable and unique experience. It’s a chance to step outside the ordinary and enjoy an evening of historical intrigue and fine hospitality.
Q: How do I book this experience?
A: You can book your place for The Hunt Dinner on our website at:
https://bookings.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/Home
Terms & Conditions
- Tickets are non-refundable upon purchase.
- If you cannot attend, your tickets are transferable to another person.
- This is a unique tourism experience, not a standard restaurant service.
- Please present your ticket for entry.
- Malahide Castle & Gardens reserves the right to make necessary event alterations.
- To ensure we can accommodate all our guests, please send any dietary requests to [email protected] by close of business on Wednesday before each weekend of The Hunt Dinner Party.
