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Parks

Newbridge Park

4.8 · 909 reviews
Historic, serene, and rural.
Newbridge Park, Newbridge Ave, Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Interesting facts
1

The house was designed by renowned architect James Gibbs, known for his work on the Radcliffe Camera in Oxford.

2

The original Red Drawing Room retains the family's 18th-century furnishings and paintings, an rarity for Irish estates.

3

The estate remains in the ownership of the Cobbe family, who have resided there for over 250 years.

4

The parkland includes a rare surviving example of a 'ha-ha', a recessed landscape design element used to keep livestock out of gardens without blocking views.

5

The farm serves as a sanctuary for rare breeds, including Kerry cows and Bagot goats.

6

The demesne contains some of the oldest documented trees in the Fingal region, including ancient oaks and beeches.

Overview

Newbridge Park is a 370-acre demesne surrounding an intact 18th-century Georgian mansion and a traditional working farm. The estate features extensive parklands, ancient woodlands, and a restored walled garden originally designed in the 18th century. Newbridge House, completed in 1752 for Charles Cobbe, maintains its original period furnishings and plasterwork. The on-site working farm showcases heritage breeds and traditional farming equipment, providing an educational look at Irish rural history. The grounds are characterized by mature specimen trees, a serpentine lake, and a deer park. Visitors can access various trails that weave through the woodland and open pastures. The site is managed by Fingal County Council in partnership with the Irish Heritage Trust. It serves as a significant example of a preserved Irish estate landscape.

Photo spot

The central fountain within the Walled Garden, providing a framed view of the Georgian architecture.

Insider tips

Prioritize waterproof footwear, as the parkland paths can become muddy during or after rainfall.

Allocate extra time to explore the Walled Garden, which is often quieter than the main house area.

Bring a camera with a macro lens to capture the varied flora within the woodland sections.

What to avoid

Attempting to walk the entire 370-acre perimeter in one visit, as trails are extensive and require stamina.

Good to know

The working farm and house exhibitions may have reduced access during mid-winter; verify seasonal opening variations before arrival.

Etiquette

Keep dogs on a leash at all times due to the presence of farm animals and wildlife; leave no trace of litter.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-morning on a weekday during spring or autumn for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for the gardens.
Address
Newbridge Park, Newbridge Ave, Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, Co. Dublin, Ireland
53.486, -6.169
Get directions
Details
Key features18th-century mansion, heritage working farm, and restored walled garden
TerrainWoodland trails, open parkland, and formal garden paths

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-morning on a weekday during spring or autumn for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for the gardens..

The central fountain within the Walled Garden, providing a framed view of the Georgian architecture.

Close by you'll find Malahide Castle & Gardens, Swords Castle, Malahide Marina.