Sorry, We Are Closed
In order to finalise preparations for Ireland’s hosting of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Dublin Castle campus closed to the public on Monday 15th June 2026. For the six-month duration of the Presidency, the Dublin Castle campus will be closed the public in its entirety. There will be no public access, in particular, there is no through access from Dame Street (Palace Street Gate) to Ship Street for the duration.
Dublin Castle will be the primary State venue for events during Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union with more than one hundred events taking place including conferences, meetings, dinners, cultural events and receptions.
We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Dublin Castle in January 2027. Enquiries regarding group bookings for 2027 may be directed as follows:
For Guided Tours, please contact the Guiding Section at dublincastle@opw.ie For Education Programme bookings (including Origami Workshops, Drawing Workshops, Irish Language Tours, ISL Tours, Autism-Friendly Tours, and Dementia-Inclusive Workshops) please contact the Education Section at dublincastleeducation@opw.ie
Welcome to Dublin Castle
Constructed 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. We hope you enjoy your visit.
Accessibility
All areas in the State Apartments and the Chapel Royal are universally accessible. The Viking Excavation is only accessible by stairs.
The Coach House Gallery located in the Dubh Linn Gardens is also universally accessible, as are the gardens themselves.
Caution is advised on the uneven surfaces in the Upper Courtyard of the Castle.
Opening Times
Open all Year Round
Monday – Sunday and Public Holidays 09:45 – 17.45
Last admission at 17:15
Closed 25 – 27 December and 1 January
Average Length of Visit: Guided Tour 1 hour. Self Guided Tour 30 minutes.
Ticket Prices
Self-guided Tour
Adult Ticket: €8.00
Senior Ticket (60+): €6.00
Student Ticket (18+): €6.00
Child Ticket (12-17 yrs): €4.00
Child Ticket (under 12 yrs): €0.00
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 3 children): €20.00
Guided Tour
Adult Ticket: €12.00
Senior Ticket (60+): €10.00
Student Ticket (18+): €10.00
Child Ticket (12-17 yrs): €6.00
Child Ticket (under 12 yrs): €0.00
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 3 children): €30.00
Latest Posts
Read the latest posts below, and click through to the full Castle Blog for all news updates.
EXHIBITION: The Story of Us: Census 1926
The Story of Us: Census 1926 is a landmark exhibition marking this historic release of census records. It explores the world reflected in the census and reveals what life was like in 1926: in towns and cities, across rural communities and islands, from crowded urban...
EXHIBITION: IRREVERENT IRELAND
The Office of Public Works at Dublin Castle presents Irreverent Ireland, a new exhibition that runs from 29th October 2025 until 26th April 2026. Irreverent Ireland marks the long-awaited return of the Van der Hagen Painted Hangings - spectacular 18th century party...
EXHIBITION: ARTISTIC ISLANDS
The Office of Public Works (OPW) announces Artistic Islands, running at Dublin Castle's Coach House Gallery from 29th September 2025 - 22nd March 2026. The exhibition explores the creative legacies of Ireland and its diaspora through the work of Irish artist Maria...