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.
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.
Admission is by guided tour with a self guiding option also available.
The Castle Blog
Read the latest posts below, and click through to the full Castle Blog for all news updates.
The Birth of Modernism in Irish Art 1920 – 1960
By David Britton, Curator of 'The Birth of Modernism in Irish Art 1920 – 1960’ Isolated on the Western fringes of Europe it took time for the influence of early 20th century European developments in art to reach these shores. This exhibition explores the development...
Why does the Surface Matter?
By Liz Cooper, Independent curator and Development Manager for Design-Nation Every two years the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland convenes an international panel of craft and design experts to select the best contemporary craft and design of Irish origin. In...
Our Profound Politician: Charlotte, Countess Spencer and the (Victorian) Glass Ceiling
By Emily Ternent, Dublin Castle Collections Intern, 2018 In the days before Irish independence, the vicereines of Ireland were the wives of the country’s Lords Lieutenant, or viceroys, who represented the British monarch at Dublin Castle. An understanding of the role...