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.
1916 In and around Dublin Castle: People and Places that made History
In our work, the business of buildings is inextricable from the business of history. In 1916, fighting broke out at the castle gates and the adjacent City Hall. James Connolly and Kathleen Lynn were brought here after their arrest and other key figures of the Rising...
The Royal Exchange, now Dublin City Hall
By Dr Aidan O’Boyle, Guide & Information Officer Dublin City Hall, previously known as the Royal Exchange, was built between 1769 and 1779. It stands on the site formerly occupied by Cork House and Lucas’s Coffee-House. Following the death of the Great Earl of...
Beware of the Risen People
By Muireann Walsh, Guide & Information Officer This year Poetry Day Ireland is inviting us to share, read and celebrate poetry at home and online. Here at Dublin Castle we have decided to put our own twist on the theme ‘There will be time’. Seeing as Poetry Day...