Malahide Sports Festival

What to Expect

Malahide Sports Festival turns the grounds at Malahide Castle into a free, drop-in afternoon of taster sports and activities, with organisers promising over 20 different sports and activities to try alongside a live stage programme of fitness classes and demonstrations running through the day. It’s aimed squarely at getting people active and trying something new rather than at competitive sport, so expect local clubs and coaches on hand to introduce their sport to complete beginners as much as anyone already interested.

For families in Malahide, Swords and Portmarnock, it’s a genuinely useful way to find a new club or activity for kids or adults without committing to a session in advance, since everything is free to try on the day. The castle demesne setting, with its lawns and open space, makes it an easy full-afternoon outing that works alongside a wider visit to the castle grounds or gardens.

Events built around free taster sessions like this are a good match for anyone who’s been meaning to take up a new sport but hasn’t gotten around to signing up anywhere, since it removes the awkwardness of turning up to a club session as a complete beginner. With a live stage running fitness demonstrations throughout the afternoon, there’s also plenty to watch even if you’d rather spectate than take part yourself.

Good to Know

• Sunday 9 August 2026, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
• Malahide Castle and Gardens, Malahide Demesne
• Free admission, no booking required
• Over 20 sports and activities to try, plus a live stage programme of fitness classes and demonstrations
• Local sports clubs and coaches on hand throughout the day
• Suitable for all ages

Getting There

Malahide is on the DART line, about 25 minutes from Dublin city centre, with the castle demesne a short walk from Malahide station. Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead services also serve the village, and there is parking at the castle grounds for anyone driving.