Malahide Casino House
Malahide is a significant step closer this week to welcoming home the town's beloved Fry Model Railway into a beautifully restored landmark thatched cottage in the town, known locally as 'The Casino'.
“The owner appears like hosting friends. Very open house with really nice atmosphere. If you need to stay some place for weeks, this is the place, because it is so far from the standardized modern hotel chains. Still it is professionally managed, which is necessary.” Malte - Germany.
Fingal County Council has announced that the repair and conservation of the Malahide Casino building is 'nearing completion'.
Work began in April 2018 and has continued uninterrupted since on the historic building which will add to the portfolio of heritage properties that are owned by Fingal County Council.
- The thatched Casino is beautifully restored and could be put to so many other uses but is wasted on this display. The original Fry railway, when it was located in Malahide Castle was a great place to visit as part of the overall experience of the castle and the estate but it fails to impress as a stand alone attraction.
- The magnificent medieval castle with a dramatic 800-year heritage. Setting down roots in the medieval era, generations of the Talbot family called Malahide Castle home. Hear their stories, see the rooms where they lived and explore the surrounding 260 acres of lush parkland.
The large thatch roof of the cottage 'orne' was re-coated over the winter period with the help of a temporary structure that over sailed and wrapped the building allowing the thatcher to work underneath whatever the weather.
The beautifully restored thatched roof is now visible to the public again and is a distinctive feature at the entrance to Malahide village.
Internally, repairs and upgrading of services are also nearing completion as well as the construction of a new section of building to house the Fry Model railway, owned by Fingal County Council.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Anthony Lavin has unveiled a plaque to celebrate to the conclusion of the conservation and restoration of the much loved Casino Building.
The installation of the Cyril Fry Model Railway to its new permanent home in the Casino is underway as is the conservation of the model train collection, according to the council.
It is expected that the Casino Model Railway Museum will be open to the public in early autumn 2019.
County Architect Fionnuala May said: 'The completion of this project will add to the portfolio of heritage properties that are owned by Fingal and will allow public access to this highly individual building.
'The Casino is the only cottage orne of this type in Fingal and is an important part of the counties architectural heritage. The project is a good example of adaptation and reuse of an old building for a modern use whilst retaining its essential character.'
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Anthony Lavin said: 'I am delighted to see the refurbishment of this much-loved building 'The Casino'.
'Over the years the people of Malahide have watched anxiously as it fell into disrepair and it is thanks to Michael Gaffney for his generous donation and Fingal County Council that we were able to conserve this unique and magnificent landmark.'
Malahide Casino House Movie
The Fingal Mayor concluded: 'I am very much looking forward to the commissioning of the model railway museum in early Autumn and I have no doubt it will be of benefit to the whole of Malahide village as it provides a natural flow for visitors from Malahide Castle and Demesne.'
Malahide Restaurants
Fingal Independent