Dublin Castle has been at the heart of Irish history for over 800 years. Built in 1204 on the site of a Viking settlement, it served as the seat of British rule in Ireland until 1922. Today it is a major government complex and tourist attraction, featuring the opulent State Apartments, the Gothic Chapel Royal, and the medieval undercroft revealing Viking and Norman foundations.
Courtyards free. Guided tour +€3. Self-guided available.
Morning opening for fewer crowds. Weekdays are quieter. Check website before visiting as State Apartments close occasionally for government events
Central location on Dame Street. 5-minute walk from Temple Bar, 10 minutes from Trinity College. Luas Green Line to Stephens Green, then 10-minute walk. All city buses nearby. State Apartments are the main tour.
Tour takes 1-1.5 hours. See the lavish State Apartments used for presidential inaugurations, the Gothic Chapel Royal, Viking excavations in the undercroft, and beautiful castle gardens. The Chester Beatty Library is a bonus attraction on site
Closed May 1 - Dec 31, 2026 (EU Presidency)
faq.subtitle Dublin Castle
The original Norman castle from 1204 is largely gone - only the Record Tower and parts of the undercroft survive. Most buildings date from the 18th century Georgian reconstruction. The medieval foundations are visible in the undercroft tour.
A free museum in the castle grounds housing Sir Alfred Chester Beattys collection of manuscripts, rare books, and art from Asia, Middle East, and Europe. Rated one of Europes best museums. Definitely worth combining with your castle visit.
Useful tips for visiting Dublin Castle
Guided tours offer access to more rooms and historical context. Visit Chester Beatty Library in the castle grounds - its free and houses an amazing collection. The castle courtyard is pleasant for a break. Evening events and concerts sometimes held in summer
Central location on Dame Street. 5-minute walk from Temple Bar, 10 minutes from Trinity College. Luas Green Line to St. Stephens Green then walk. Multiple bus routes pass Dame Street
Tour takes 1-1.5 hours. See the lavish State Apartments used for presidential inaugurations, the Gothic Chapel Royal, Viking excavations in the undercroft, and beautiful castle gardens. The Chester Beatty Library is a bonus attraction on site
Average temperature by month
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