Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture, a bridge and heritage elements
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Discover medieval excavations from a Viking ruin and appreciate the majesty of the state apartments, the chapel and the landscape gardens.

The 18th-century Dublin Castle is among the city’s most iconic sites. A small park with pretty floral displays lies behind the castle, which replaced a 13th-century Viking military fortress. Learn its fascinating history as the seat of British and Irish governments over the centuries.

Arrive in the spacious Georgian courtyard and snap photos of the historic castle. Gaze up at the Bedford Tower, which dates back to 1761. The façade has a bright green dome atop a clock tower. Note the Romanesque qualities, such as the stately columns and large pediment, of the base of the structure.

Look for the Record Tower, the only preserved part from the medieval castle that predated the current structure. Take a guided tour of the castle for a better understanding of its history. See relics from Vikings and browse the stately Georgian chambers. Enter the majestic Chapel Royal for its extraordinary Gothic revival interior. Today, the castle is used for state receptions and presidential inaugurations.

Stroll through the pleasant Dubh Linn Garden and appreciate its landscape designs. Visit the charming individual gardens that have colorful flowers and plants. The central lawn is circular with patterns of brick paths weaving through it. It doubles as a helicopter landing pad. Note the Celtic symbolism in the snake paths and maze gardens.

Purchase souvenirs and items with a castle theme from the gift shop. Snacks and refreshments are available in the Silk Road Café. Hear tales about the castle’s rich past, including the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels here in 1907.

The castle is open daily year-round except for a few closures for festive holidays. Visit between morning and late afternoon. The castle opens several hours later on Sundays. Select a guided-tour ticket for access to the State Apartments. Children and students get discounts.

Dublin Castle is on the southern side of the River Liffey in the center of Dublin in one of the most historical parts of the city. Take a bus to a stop in front of the castle. Visit the nearby attractions, such as City Hall, the Olympia Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral.

Reviews of Dublin Castle

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
108
" "5 - Excellent 28.346456692913385%
4 - Good
198
" "4 - Good 51.968503937007874%
3 - Okay
64
" "3 - Okay 16.79790026246719%
2 - Disappointing
9
" "2 - Disappointing 2.3622047244094486%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.5249343832020997%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
18 Jan 2020

This is free if you are an English Heritage member

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
11 Oct 2019

nothing much left of the old castle

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Jun 2019

Another stately home...beautiful if you like that kind of thing but uninspiring...some good art work..

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Apr 2019

Visit Chester Beatty collection - so much more impressive than the overhyped ''Book of Kells'

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
9 Mar 2019

Not a castle as I envisaged and expensive

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Feb 2019

Really gorgeous inside! We did self guided and really enjoyed ourselves.

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