Located in the coastal suburb of Donabate, just 30 minutes north of Dublin city center, Newbridge House & Farm offers a stark contrast to the busy streets of the capital. Built in 1736 for the Cobbe family, it is exceptionally rare because it remains largely intact—the original furniture, art, and even the family’s eccentric collection of curiosities are still exactly where they were placed centuries ago.
But the house is only half the appeal. The estate is surrounded by 370 acres of parkland, including a traditional working farm dedicated to preserving rare and heritage animal breeds. Whether you are coming to inspect 18th-century plasterwork or to show your kids a Gloucester Old Spot pig, this guide breaks down exactly how to plan your visit.
Newbridge House is a major draw for local families, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you plan to take the guided tour of the house, capacity is capped per time slot.
Is Newbridge House & Farm Right for You?
Because the estate splits its focus between a formal historic house and a muddy, active farm, it caters to different groups in very different ways.
- For Families: This is one of the best half-day trips from Dublin. The farm is highly interactive, with dedicated walking trails that let kids get close to goats, pigs, and ponies. There is also a massive, modern playground near the parking lot. If your kids are under 7, skip the formal house tour and just buy a farm-only entry ticket.
- For History & Architecture Buffs: The house is a time capsule. Unlike Malahide Castle, which has been heavily restored and altered over the centuries, Newbridge retains its original Georgian layout and decor. The Cabinet of Curiosities alone is worth the trip.
- For the Time-Poor: If you only have a few days in Dublin and are relying on public transport, visiting Newbridge takes a minimum of 3.5 to 4 hours round-trip. If you are strictly interested in Georgian architecture but don’t have time to leave the city center, consider visiting 14 Henrietta Street instead.
5 Architectural & Cultural Highlights
When you visit, the estate is divided into distinct zones. The house requires a guided tour to see the upper floors, while the farm and grounds are self-guided. Here is a deep dive into the specific areas you should not miss.
1. The Cabinet of Curiosities (The Museum)
In the 18th and 19th centuries, wealthy families often built “Cabinets of Curiosities” to display exotic items collected during global travels. Newbridge houses one of the few surviving family museums in Ireland. Built in 1790, this room is packed with antiquities, taxidermy, rare shells, and weapons from the South Pacific, India, and Africa. It feels exactly like stepping into an eccentric Victorian explorer’s study.
2. The Red Drawing Room
Added to the house in the 1760s, the Red Drawing Room was designed specifically to entertain high society. It features a spectacular rococo plasterwork ceiling and walls lined with the Cobbe family’s extensive portrait collection. What makes this room special is its authenticity—the furniture was commissioned specifically for this space in the 18th century and has never left.
3. The Traditional Working Farm
Cutting straight through the back of the estate is the working farm. This isn’t a petting zoo; it is an active agricultural project focused on heritage breeds that were common in Ireland a century ago but are now rare. As you walk the farm trail, you will see Kerry cows, Connemara ponies, and the highly distinctive Gloucester Old Spot pigs. The trail is well-paved, making it easy to navigate with a stroller.
4. The Servants’ Quarters and Kitchens
The contrast between the lavish upstairs and the utilitarian downstairs is stark. The basement kitchens and servants’ quarters have been preserved to show the grueling reality of running a Georgian estate. You can walk through the original dairy, the laundry rooms, and the massive kitchen with its heavy iron ranges.
5. The Walled Garden and Courtyard
Behind the main house sits a large, restored 18th-century walled garden. It features heritage varieties of apples and pears, alongside seasonal vegetables and flowers. The adjacent cobbled courtyard houses the estate’s cafe and visitor center, built into the old coach houses and stables.
Ticket Options: Guided vs. Independent
You have a few choices when it comes to ticketing, depending on what you actually want to see.
House & Farm vs. Farm Only
- House & Farm Ticket: Includes a 45-minute guided tour of the Georgian mansion, plus unlimited time on the farm. Best for adults and older children.
- Farm Only Ticket: Cheaper, self-guided, and lets you skip the formal history lesson. Ideal for families with toddlers.
- You cannot explore the upper floors of the house without a guide.
- Tours run on a fixed schedule, so you must arrive on time.
Money-Saving Tip: If you have purchased the Dublin Pass, entry to both the house and the farm is included. You just need to present your pass at the ticket desk in the courtyard to be assigned to the next available house tour.
How to Get to Newbridge House & Farm
Newbridge is located in Donabate, County Dublin. While driving is the easiest option (there is a large, free parking lot on site), it is highly accessible by public transport.
Transit Route: Dublin City to Newbridge Estate
⏱️ Total: 45 minTake the Commuter Train
Head to Connolly Station, Tara Street, or Pearse Station in central Dublin. Catch the northbound Commuter train (heading towards Drogheda or Dundalk). Do not take the DART, as it terminates at Malahide, which is one stop short of Donabate.
Walk from Donabate Station
Exit Donabate train station and turn left onto Hearse Road. There is a dedicated, safe pedestrian pathway that leads directly from the village to the main gates of the estate. The walk is flat and takes about 15 minutes.
Leap Card Friendly: You can use your TFI Leap Card for the train journey to Donabate, as it falls within the Dublin “Short Hop” transit zone. Just remember to tap on at your departure station and tap off when you exit at Donabate.
Local Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Dodge the Sunday Rush: Sunday mornings are the busiest time at the estate, as local families descend on the playground and farm. If you want a quiet walk through the woods or a peaceful house tour, aim for a weekday morning or after 2:00 PM on a Saturday.
- Bring Boots for the Farm: The main paths around the farm are paved, but if it has been raining (which is highly likely), the areas near the animal enclosures get very muddy. Wear waterproof shoes.
- Food and Drink: The Coach House Café in the courtyard serves excellent coffee, scones, and light lunches (soup, sandwiches). However, the line gets incredibly long between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. If you are visiting during the summer, pack a picnic—there are dozens of picnic tables scattered around the playground and the deer park.
- Combine with Malahide: If you are driving, Newbridge House is only a 10-minute drive from Malahide Castle. You can easily do a guided tour of Malahide in the morning and visit the Newbridge farm in the afternoon.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you prefer to stay outside the busy city center but still want easy access to Dublin Airport and the city via train, the Donabate and Malahide areas are excellent choices. Use the map below to find local accommodations.
Keep Planning: Looking for more estates to explore? Read our guide to the nearby Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide, or browse our top recommendations for day trips from Dublin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I need to visit Newbridge House and Farm?
Plan for at least 2.5 to 3 hours. The guided tour of the house takes about 45 minutes, and you will want another 60 to 90 minutes to walk the farm trail, see the walled garden, and grab a coffee in the courtyard.
Is Newbridge House wheelchair and stroller accessible?
The farm, courtyard, cafe, and ground floor of the house are fully accessible. However, because it is a historic 18th-century building, there is no elevator to the upper floors of the house (including the Red Drawing Room and Museum), meaning those areas are not wheelchair accessible.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
While you can usually buy farm-only tickets at the door, the guided house tours have strict capacity limits. It is highly recommended to book your entry ticket in advance if you are visiting on a weekend or during school holidays.
Are dogs allowed on the estate?
Dogs are welcome in the parklands and woodlands provided they are kept on a leash. However, dogs (except for registered assistance dogs) are not permitted inside the main house, the walled garden, or the working farm area to protect the livestock.
Can I visit the playground without buying a ticket?
Yes. The massive adventure playground, the parklands, and the deer park are free to enter and open to the public. You only need a ticket to enter the formal house, the walled garden, and the inner working farm trail.
