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 Final Handover
In a year full of commemorative centenary events, 17 August is not one date that stands out immediately. However, it was significant in the life of Dublin Castle and for Ireland as a whole. On that day, 100 years ago, the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) finally...
Johann Sigismond Cousser: a Hungarian Musician in Ireland
'Sing an English aria from time to time. This pleases them very much’- Johann Sigismond Cousser: a Hungarian Musician in Ireland by Peter Whelan, Artistic Director, Irish Baroque Orchestra Although almost entirely unknown today, Johann Sigismond Cousser was probably...
The Destruction of the Public Record Office, 1922 – a view from Dublin Castle
Text by William Derham. The Bedford Tower dominates the Upper Castle Yard of Dublin Castle and in 1922 it was home to the Office of Ulster King of Arms, the heraldic authority of all Ireland. The Office comprised myriad functions connected to genealogy, heraldry, pomp...