Visiting the Castle
How do I get to Dublin Castle?
Dublin Castle is situated in Dublin’s city centre. We are within walking distance of many major tourist attractions such as Trinity College and St Patrick’s Cathedral. Many bus routes stop on nearby Dame Street, Lord Edward Street and George’s Street including the 9, 13, 15, 16, 27, 40, 49, 54a, 56a, 65, 68, 68a, 77a, 122, 123, 140, 150 and 151 (plan your bus journey here). The closest Luas stops are St Stephen’s Green (Green Line) and Jervis (Red Line) – follow this link to plan your tram journey.
Is there visitor parking in Dublin Castle?
Unfortunately, there is no visitor parking available in Dublin Castle. The nearest public car parks are Q-Park Christchurch car park and Park Rite Drury Street.
How do I buy a ticket?
Tickets for Guided Tours can only be bought on site from our ticket desk in the State Apartments. Tickets for Self Guiding can be bought online fourteen days in advance and on the day of your visit from our ticket desk in the State Apartments.
I have a valid OPW Heritage Card/ Go City Dublin Pass. Do I still have to queue for a ticket in Dublin Castle?
Yes. Our staff will check your card and then issue a ticket for either a self-guided visit or a guided tour. A Go City Dublin Pass will be accepted for a Self Guided visit. If, however, the pass holder wishes to take a Guided Tour, they must pay an upgrade fee of €3.
How do I make a group booking?
If you wish to make a booking for a group of more than eight people, please email us well in advance at dublincastle@opw.ie. The online booking system is not for group bookings.
What is the difference between guided tours and self-guided visits?
The difference between these two options is that the Viking Excavation and Chapel Royal can only be accessed as part of a guided tour. Tickets for self-guiding are cheaper than for guided tours and entitle you to visit the State Apartments at your own pace as well as any exhibitions on site, whether in the State Apartments Galleries or in the Coach House in the Castle Gardens.
Can I pay using my credit card?
Yes, we accept all credit cards.
Why do I have to leave my backpack in a locker in the State Apartments?
To avoid accidental knocks and scrapes to delicate items along walkways and corridors, we ask that you leave your bag in one of the free lockers before starting your visit of the State Apartments. We would advise you to keep all valuables such as cash, credit cards and passports on your person during your visit.
Can I take a buggy/pram into the State Apartments?
Unfortunately, prams and buggies are not allowed in the museum rooms of the State Apartments. We will store these for you during your visit – please ask one of our guides at the information desk for assistance.
What areas of Dublin Castle are wheelchair accessible?
All areas in the State Apartments are universally accessible. A member of staff will take you to the museum rooms on the first floor in the lift. The Coach House at the back of the Castle Gardens, where temporary exhibitions often take place, is also accessible as are the gardens themselves. While the Chapel Royal is partly accessible and can be visited as part of a guided tour, the Viking Excavation, unfortunately, cannot, as it is only accessible by stairs.
Do you have an audio guide?
We do have an audio guide available to download in English. You can use our free Wi-Fi access in the Castle to download it to your device. (We do not supply earphones / earbuds)
Do you have information available in foreign languages?
Yes, we offer a brochure with information on the museum rooms in the State Apartments in a number of languages including: Irish, English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Arabic, Polish, Swedish, Turkish, Portuguese, Dutch and Japanese. These are available beside the ticket desk in Dublin Castle.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, you may take photographs and videos for personal use while visiting Dublin Castle. Feel free to share them with us and on social media! Inside the State Apartments, however, please turn off your flash, as our collection is light sensitive. Please also note that selfie sticks are not allowed to be used inside any building during your visit.
How can I access the Chapel Royal?
The Chapel Royal can only be accessed as part of a guided tour.
How do I find out about events in Dublin Castle?
Please sign up to our newsletter using the form below or visit our Calendar of events to find out more about our exciting programme of events.
I am attending a conference in Dublin Castle. How do I find my venue?
Download a map of Dublin Castle here to locate the venue of your conference. Our staff on site will also be happy to direct you.
Venue Hire
When can I view potential venues for my event at Dublin Castle?
The Dublin Castle Events Office is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 – 17:00 and Friday from 9:00 – 16:00. A member of our Bookings Team would be delighted to show you the venue best suited to your event. Get in touch to arrange a site visit by calling +353 1 6458800 or email dublincastleevents@opw.ie.
How can I book a venue at Dublin Castle?
All provisional bookings may be made by email. Get in touch to check availability for your event.
Can anyone book a venue at Dublin Castle?
All venues in Dublin Castle are available for corporate hire. Dublin Castle is also home to events of Government importance throughout the year. Event spaces at Dublin Castle are not available for hire to private individuals.
How do I get to Dublin Castle?
Located in the heart of Dublin City – Dublin Castle is easily accessible by public transport. Click here for how to find us.
I want to use the Castle grounds for an event – is this possible?
We consider all proposals for outdoor events on a case-by-case basis. If you have an idea, we will work with you to make it happen.
Can we use an outside catering company?
Only caterers from our approved panel may be contracted for your event. To view our catering panel, please click here. As it may not be possible to contract your first choice caterer, it is a condition of hire that the agreement of Dublin Castle Conference Management be obtained in advance of the awarding of any catering contract.
Are there simultaneous interpretation opportunities?
The Hibernia Conference Centre is equipped with purpose-built interpretations booths. Simultaneous interpretation requirements can also be catered for in the Printworks. Read more here.
Can I get married at Dublin Castle?
Dublin Castle is not available for wedding ceremonies.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex in all venues.
Is there parking at Dublin Castle?
There is no car parking at Dublin Castle. There are a number of public car parks nearby. The nearest is the Parkrite facility Christchurch Carpark, which is located in Werburgh Street.
Are there overnight accommodation facilities available?
There are no accommodation facilities available on-site. We are centrally located and within walking distance of many hotels in the city centre.
Do you have cloakroom facilities?
Cloakroom facilities are available in all of our venues.
Can I avail of tours for my delegates?
Once your event has been confirmed with us, your Event Manager can arrange tours of the State Apartments, Viking Excavation and Chapel Royal for your delegates. This is always a popular option for international conferences. To learn more about visitor facilities at Dublin Castle, please click here.
Can I use Dublin Castle for photo shoots or filming (including drone footage)?
All filming and commercial photo shoots in Dublin Castle require our permission, please email dublincastleevents@opw.ie with your query. Drones are not permitted on site for health and safety reasons.
