A major government complex and a key tourist attraction

Erected in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. It is now a major government complex and a key tourist attraction.

Over the centuries, those entertained at Dublin Castle have included Benjamin Franklin (1771), the Duke of Wellington (1807), Daniel O’Connell (1841), Queen Victoria (1849, 1853, 1861 & 1900), Charles Dickens (1864), Countess Markievicz (1905), Princess Grace of Monaco (1961), John F. Kennedy (1963), Charles de Gaulle (1969), Nelson Mandela (1990) and Queen Elizabeth II (2011). Among the famous figures associated with the Castle was Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, who worked here from 1866 to 1878.

Since 1938, each one of Ireland’s presidents has been inaugurated in St Patrick’s Hall.

More
Highlights
  • Garda and Revenue museums
  • An international conference centre
  • Government Buildings
  • State Apartments
  • The Chester Beatty Library
  • The Chapel Royal
  • Beautiful gardens
Open

Opening Times:

Open Daily: 09:45-17:45

Last admission 17:15

Prices

Admission Rates:

Visit the website for further information and to book online

The Dubh Linn Gardens are free of charge

 

Useful Information

Tickets can be purchased at the Castle’s visitor reception desk in the State Apartments (upper courtyard) or online

Access to the State Buildings by guided tour only, however all other facilites are free to explore

No parking on-site. Public car-parks nearby

Getting There

Located just off Dame Street

Public Transport:
Luas (Green): Trinity/St. Stephen’s Green
Dart: Tara Street
Bus: See www.dublinbus.ie

Map Location: 53.342886, -6.267428
Contact Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2, Ireland


Eircode: D02 TN97
T: +353 (0)1 645 8813
E: dublincastle@opw.ie
W:
www.dublincastle.ie
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It is always advisable to check the opening dates and times of any attraction or business you intend to visit. Check their website or give them a call.