Overview
Begun in 1204 by order of King John of England, this medieval castle served as the seat of British rule in Ireland for nearly 700 years until independence in 1922. A 1684 fire destroyed most of the original Norman walls, so most of what stands today is Georgian-era reconstruction from the 18th century. The most striking spaces are the State Apartments, where the golden St. Patrick's Hall has hosted Irish presidential inaugurations since 1990. Remnants of the medieval castle and Viking-era Dublin can be seen in the Undercroft below, letting you trace 1,000 years of Dublin history in one place. Admission about EUR 12 (guided tour included). 5-minute walk from Temple Bar.
Opening Hours
09:45-17:45 (last entry 17:15)
Travel Tips
Some areas are accessible only by guided tour (1 hour). Combine with the adjacent Chester Beatty Library (free).
Hotels near Dublin Castle
Hotels and guesthouses in Dublin, Dame Street, Dublin
Other attractions in Dublin
Trinity College Dublin
Ireland's top university, founded in 1592 and home to the famous Book of Kells.
Guinness Storehouse
Discover Guinness history and toast Dublin from the rooftop bar with a city panorama.
Temple Bar
Dublin's lively cultural quarter packed with pubs and live music.
St Patrick's Cathedral
Ireland's largest cathedral — the resting place of Jonathan Swift.
Kilmainham Gaol
A pilgrimage site of Irish independence — where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed.
Phoenix Park
Europe's largest enclosed urban park — 707 hectares where wild deer roam free.
Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green
Dublin's bustling pedestrian shopping street and the Victorian garden at the city's heart.