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.
What Did James Connolly Have in his Pockets after the Easter Rising?
By Dr James Curry, Guide & Information Officer The James Connolly Room at Dublin Castle’s State Apartments, March 2018 (Photograph by James Curry) Dedicated as it is to the life and death of one of the leaders of the Easter Rising, the James Connolly...
The Irish Sword of State
By William Derham, Collections, Research & Interpretation The Irish Sword of State that we know today is a remarkable object, both as a work of craftsmanship and as a tantalising witness to history. As representations of power, derived from military ability,...
St Patrick’s Day 1789: The ‘Fancy Ball’ at Dublin Castle
By Dr Myles Campbell, Collections, Research & Interpretation As darkness fell over Dublin on 17 March 1789, the inhabitants of the city were getting ready for a spectacle. According to reports, it would be a night they would never forget. The mastermind behind...