Dublin Castle, Dublin

Name: Dublin Castle
Address: Dublin, Ireland
Telephone: +353 1 645 8800

#5 among attractions in Dublin

Forts and castles, Museum, History museum, Top attraction

Gallery (19)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Dreamstime.com / RF • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / J.-H. Janßen / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / J.-H. Janßen / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 pl / Boston9 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Donaldytong / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Lecceseadublino / URL

Facts and practical information

Dublin Castle stands as a historic fortress at the heart of Ireland's capital, embodying a tapestry of the country's complex past. This venerable structure, which today serves as a government complex and museum, has been a fixture of Dublin's landscape since its foundation in 1204 by order of King John of England.

The castle has played a pivotal role throughout Ireland's history, functioning as the seat of English, and later British, administration in Ireland until 1922. It has witnessed numerous significant events, including the handing over of the castle to Michael Collins and the Irish Free State in 1922, marking a pivotal moment in Ireland's journey to independence.

The architecture of Dublin Castle reflects its storied past, with a mix of medieval and Georgian styles. The Record Tower, the sole surviving tower of the medieval castle, stands alongside the 18th-century Bedford Tower, part of the neoclassical renovations that the castle underwent. The castle's interiors are equally impressive, with the lavishly decorated State Apartments serving as the venue for important State functions and presidential inaugurations.

Today, Dublin Castle is a major tourist attraction and museum, offering visitors the chance to explore Ireland's history through guided tours. The exhibitions within the castle's museum provide insights into its role as a fortress, royal residence, and seat of government. The castle's grounds also include the Chester Beatty Library, a renowned collection of manuscripts, rare books, and decorative arts from around the world.

Alternative names: Opened: 1204 (820 years ago)Coordinates: 53°20'35"N, 6°16'3"W

Address

Southside (South-East Inner City)Dublin Ireland

Contact

+353 1 645 8800

Website

Social media

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Dublin

Day trips

Dublin Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Christ Church Cathedral, The Stag's Head, Dublinia, Chester Beatty Library.

~820 ftW
Medieval edifice with a crypt and cafe
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
4 min walk • Christ Church Cathedral, a beacon of history and spirituality, stands as a prominent landmark in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. This magnificent church, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, is the elder of the city's two medieval cathedrals, the other being...
~910 ftE
Nightlife, Live music, Bars and clubs
The Stag's Head, Dublin
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Dublin's bustling city center, The Stag's Head is a quintessential Irish bar that exudes charm and history. Known for its traditional Victorian decor and warm, inviting atmosphere, this hidden gem is a favorite among both locals and tourists...
~980 ftW
Museum, Gothic architecture, Specialty museum
Dublinia, Dublin
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Dublin, Ireland, Dublinia is a museum dedicated to bringing the city's vibrant Viking and medieval heritage to life. This interactive museum invites visitors to step back in time and explore the world of Dublin's ancestors through a series of...
~330 ftS
Rare religious and artistic manuscripts
Chester Beatty Library, Dublin
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Dublin, the Chester Beatty Library stands as a cultural treasure trove and a must-visit destination for art aficionados and history buffs alike. This museum is renowned for its extensive collection of manuscripts, rare books, and decorative arts...
~730 ftE
Shopping, Flea market, Market
George's Street Arcade, Dublin
4 min walk • George's Street Arcade is a shopping centre on South Great George's Street in Dublin. It is a Victorian style red-bricked indoor market of stalls and stores. It opened in 1881 as the South City Markets.
~280 ftE
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
Chapel Royal, Dublin
2 min walk • The Chapel Royal in Dublin Castle was the official Church of Ireland chapel of the Household of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1814 until the creation of the Irish Free State in December 1922, which terminated the office of Lord Lieutenant and ended British rule in most of Ireland.
~990 ftN
Bridge
Grattan Bridge, Dublin
5 min walk • Grattan Bridge is a road bridge spanning the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland, and joining Capel Street to Parliament Street and the south quays.
~760 ftNE
Nightlife, Cinema
Irish Film Institute, Dublin
4 min walk • The Irish Film Institute, formerly the Irish Film Centre, is both an arthouse cinema and a national body that supports Irish film heritage.
~430 ftW
Church, Sacred and religious sites, Architecture
St. Werburgh's Church, Dublin
3 min walk • St. Werburgh's Church is a Church of Ireland church building in Dublin, Ireland. The original church on this site was built in 1178, shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in the town. It was named after St. Werburgh, abbess of Ely and patron saint of Chester. The current building was constructed in 1719.
~840 ftW
Church
Church of St. Nicholas Within, Dublin
5 min walk • St. Nicholas Within is a former Church of Ireland parish church in Dublin city, Ireland. It was located at the corner of Nicholas St. and Christchurch Place, where part of its entrance may be seen next to the Peace Park.
~560 ftW
Street
Christchurch Place, Dublin
3 min walk • Christchurch Place is a street in central Dublin, Ireland, formerly known as Skinners Row or Skinner's Row.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Dublin Castle open?

Dublin Castle is open:

Monday 9:45 am - 5:15 pm
Tuesday 9:45 am - 5:15 pm
Wednesday 9:45 am - 5:15 pm
Thursday 9:45 am - 5:15 pm
Friday 9:45 am - 5:15 pm
Saturday 9:45 am - 5:15 pm
Sunday 9:45 am - 5:15 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Dublin Castle?

Nearby attractions include Garda Museum, Dublin (1 min walk), Chapel Royal, Dublin (2 min walk), St. Mary del Dam, Dublin (2 min walk), Chester Beatty Library, Dublin (2 min walk).

How to get to Dublin Castle by public transport?

The nearest stations to Dublin Castle:

Bus

Lord Edward Street • Lines: 49 (3 min walk)
Parliament Street • Lines: 79, 79A (3 min walk)

Tram

Jervis • Lines: Luas Red Line (9 min walk)
Stop • Lines: Luas Red Line (10 min walk)

Train

Tara Street (16 min walk)
Dublin Pearse (21 min walk)