Dublin castle dinner offers glimpse into past with free flowing wine, four course meal, Irish wolfhounds & melodic harp
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A team of majestic Irish wolfhounds greeted us when we entered
Credit: journalistcollect
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The dinner began with a guided tour of the castle
Credit: journalistcollect
The event was inspired by the rich history of the location including its long reigning family, the Talbots, who called the place home for more than eight centuries.
During the Baron Talbot's reign, the castle was renowned for hosting lavish
Following a day of hunting on the estate, guests would gather for a night of feasting, drinking, song and dance.
In 2025, the Hunt Dinner Party aims – and for the most part succeeds at recapturing the same magic.
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As a lover of history and fine dining, the combination of both seemed too good to miss, and I jumped at the chance to attend the event's official launch on June 6.
From the outset, the Hunt Dinner Party is a unique experience that you're unlikely to find anywhere else.
We were greeted at the door by the symbol of Ancient Irish pride, a team of magnificent wolfhounds and a cheeky terrier aptly named Lady Macbeth.
It was an unmissable photo opportunity as the gentle giants posed while their devoted owner snapped some shots.
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Set against the backdrop of the stunning 12th century castle, it was a fittingly grand opening to the evening.
Once inside, a short tour of the castle preceded our dining experience.
I found the best staycation in Ireland with private pod, our own hot tub and alpacas and deer on site
To add to the immersion, passage through the rooms was guided by fully costumed actors portraying Lady Talbot alongside the house's butler and maid.
Though performing in front of a host can be daunting, it was heartening to see the troupe give their all to a script that was, despite a clumsy line here and there, both informative and funny.
Special praise must be given to the night's energetic butler, who materialised in various drunken stages alongside a trusty hip flask as the stress of the evening got to him.
One of the most enjoyable and perhaps underutilised parts of the evening was the stunning harp
It's worth pausing to take in the scene of the harpist stringing melodically as you enjoy "The Awakening" course of the night, a Hunter's Draught cocktail made from Irish Lambay whiskey and soda.
FINE FINING
Another special mention must be made of the menu design, with each of the four dishes given a beautiful name.
Following The Awakening, the courses are The Forest's Bounty, The Hunter's Prize, and The Sweet Surrender.
The dinner party itself is hosted beneath the main rooms in Nugent's Hall on elegantly dressed tables.
It's a gorgeous space complete with a huge fireplace, historical memorabilia on the walls, and magnificent archways.
With the harp strumming peacefully in the background, we were treated to a delicious first course in the form of a Caprese salad.
LAVISH MENU
Though not a salad eater myself, it was a refreshing and tasty start to the meal served alongside scrumptious crusty bread.
From there, the wine (red or white) was free flowing, delicious, and hard to turn down when offered.
Although the menu itself might benefit from some variation (the vegetarian cauliflower option being less indulgent than the beef main course), it's been curated by one of Ireland's top chefs.
It consisted of The Hunter's Prize slow roasted beef beside choice vegetables and creamy potatoes with a rosemary and shallot reduction.
Unquestionably the prize dish of the evening was a plate of three small desserts named Citrus Snow, Velvet Nightfall, and Summer Jewel.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Each one was a unique and delicious bite-sized treat and they paired perfectly with the house wine.
And to round out the evening, we were treated to a rendition of the family's old hunting song, Ride On, in a hilarious performance from the now absolutely bottled butler.
The harp played us out as some guests enjoyed after dinner tea and coffee.
Overall, the night at the Hunt Dinner Party was unlike any other I, or likely you, have experienced at the castle.
Being served at a table fit for Lords and Ladies is a far cry from standing in the queue for a pint at a Shania Twain concert.
So if you fancy marking a night to remember, at a castle no less, you can get tickets at
Somehow, making dinner for myself now just doesn't have the same flair since.
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Nugent's Hall is a cosy old world restaurant underneath the main rooms
Credit: journalistcollect
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Malahide Castle belonged to the Talbot family for centuries
Credit: journalistcollect
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Malahide Castle recently launched the elaborate Hunt Dinner Party
Credit: journalistcollect
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