Why Was James Connolly’s Family Prevented from Emigrating to the United States in 1916?
By Dr James Curry, Guide & Information Officer Photograph of Lillie Connolly with four of her daughters featured on a display in the James Connolly Room at Dublin Castle’s State Apartments, which was formerly part of the 2016 In the Shadow of the Castle: Dublin...
The Theft of the Irish Crown Jewels
By Jennifer Duffy, Guide & Information Officer The Irish Crown Jewels consist of a star (decorated with Brazilian diamonds, its centre featuring an emerald trefoil and ruby cross on a blue enamel background), a diamond badge and five gold jewel-encrusted collars....
Dublin Castle and the Great Hunger
By Dervilia Roche, Guide & Education Officer Here at Dublin Castle, we have been delighted to host the Coming Home: Art and the Great Hunger exhibition over the last few months, with visitors enjoying the exhibition in their hundreds every day. The collection,...
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...
From the Crown Jewels to the Liam MacCarthy Cup
By Dr Myles Campbell, Collections, Research & Interpretation On 9 November 1849, Queen Victoria awoke to a surprise. Waiting to be unwrapped were two gifts from her husband, Prince Albert, which he had purchased during their visit to Dublin three months earlier....
Romanian Folk Tradition Meets Classical Music: Celebrating the Music of George Enescu
By Dorothea Depner Our last blog post explored the connections between the creator of Dracula – Bram Stoker – and Dublin Castle. This time, we want to share with you a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience an amazing mix of classical and traditional...