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.
State Apartments: The State Drawing Room
By Dr Aidan O’Boyle, Guide & Information Officer The State Drawing Room has a complex architectural history. The north facing rooms of the south east range overlooking the Upper Castle Yard were originally built by the Surveyor General, William Molyneux, in...
Viceregal Apartments & Apollo Room
By Dr Aidan O’Boyle, Guide & Information Officer As previously stated, during the late 1750s the last great phase of rebuilding work at Dublin Castle was begun. It doubled the depth of the south east range and included the State Corridor and all the rooms to the...
State Apartments: State Corridor, Connolly Room & Annex
By Dr Aidan O’Boyle, Guide & Information Officer Leaving the Battle-Axe Landing the visitor turns right and enters a small annex lit by an oval lantern decorated with a frieze of delicate husk garlands in the Neoclassical Style. From the lantern hangs an...