IMPORTANT NOTICE
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUBLIN CASTLE WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC FROM 5th MAY – 31st DECEMBER 2026 TO ACCOMMODATE THE EU PRESIDENCY.
WE ARE SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER 2025
THE VIKING EXCAVATION WILL NOT BE PART OF THE GUIDED TOUR EXPERIENCE DUE TO UPGRADE WORKS.
WE ARE SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.
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.
21 November 1920 – Bloody Sunday
By William Derham, Collections, Research & Interpretation It can be hard to gain a good picture of Dublin Castle sometimes. Metaphorically speaking, it looms large in the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence and yet relatively little has been written about...
A Bag From 100 Years Ago
For persons with dementia, their families, friends and carers. Countess Markievicz’s despatch bag – Engaging people with dementia An object that speaks volumes, in more ways than one… This object, the first in our on-line series of engagement for persons with...
Halloween in Old Ireland
By Caoimhe Creed, Guide & Information Officer Farmers and Druids Halloween has its roots in the Celtic Festival of Samhain. This was the division between the lighter half of the year and the darker half of the year. Samhain is the Irish word for the month of...

