Now in its 11th Year, the Dublin Toy and Train Fair at Clontarf Castle exhibits a wonderful array of toys and train sets to attract all ages! There are over 70 tables to browse through, where you can pick up that ever popular Christmas gift, or admire some of the finest antique toy collectibles in display. Interested?
There are four Toy and Train Fairs held in Dublin, usually in the months of February, May, September, and November. The events were previously held in Dun Laoghaire, but for the past four years, the event has been relocated to the 4* Clontarf Castle Hotel, at Castle Avenue in Clontarf.
The next Dublin Toy and Train Fair will take place on Sunday 14th February 2010, from 10am to 5pm. Each event is a collector’s dream with so much to see and buy.
Clontarf Castle is a perfect setting for the event, with spacious conference facilities to accommodate the display tables of trains and toys. There’s also ample car parking for the event and the organizers feel that such a move to a larger venue, with its picturesque setting, has led to even more dealers attending the show with their toys. Not only has there been an increase in dealers from the UK, but there has also been a growth in Eastern European dealers in the past few years.
Each event has a wonderful display of toys on show. Organizers estimate that there are at least 70 tables at the shows, displaying the much sought after collectible toys and trains from a bygone age. You will be astounded by the quality and quantity of the many recognizable brands that you’ll discover here, and you can browse at your leisure.
You’ll see miniature cars, trucks, police cars, fire engines, trains and much more by the creators of Dinky Diecast toys, Corgi, Minichamps, as well as construction sets for the mechanically minded by Meccano! Toy soldiers that were painstakingly created with great precision in lead by Britains are on display as well for sale at the event. And what about the marvellous train sets by Hornby, Wrenn and Marklin? In their finery you’ll see the magnificent toy locomotives that kept a child entertained for many an hour in times past.
For the girls there are antique dolls on display, which were created with great care, and many of which have hand knitted garments. There’s so much for everyone here, and if reading is your pleasure, then you can browse through the many comics and annuals that are on display, all of which are in immaculate condition. Not only that, there are jigsaws in equally good shape, teddy bears and cuddly toys as well as a wonderful collection of Beannie Babies.
It’s predicted that the next event will have a section allocated exclusively to dolls houses.
How much does it cost? Adults: 5.00 Euro How to get here… Clontarf is located just 2 miles from Dublin city centre, and is easy enough to get to. By bus: you can take the number 130 bus from Lower Abbey Street in the city centre to Clontarf Avenue. Bus numbers 103 and 104 also serve the Clontarf area. By DART: If you are taking the DART, allow approximately 20 minutes walking time from Clontarf and Killester Dart Stations. If you are driving, take the N11 onto O’Connell Bridge, then turn right and take the N4 at Bachelors Walk. At the traffic lights take the R105 onto Eden Quay and follow the signs for Clontarf. The Toy and Train Fair is held at Castle Avenue. Find out more about the Dublin Toy and Train Fair. Fancy staying the night in Dublin? We have an excellent selection of quality Dublin accommodation to choose from. As usual if you have anything to add, or anything you’d like to ask us, just drop us a line.
Children: 3.00 Euro
Family Tickets (2 adults and up to 3 Children): 12.00 Euro.
