Dublin Castle
The heart of historic Dublin on your doorstep
A relic of the British rule over Ireland
Dublin Castle is located on Castle Street, in Dublin City Centre. Dating back to the early 13th century, when Vikings established their headquarters at this site, this Medieval structure stands as a relic of the British rule over Ireland. Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin. It is one of the most important buildings in Irish history. The city gets its name from the Black Pool – ‘Dubh Linn’ – which was on the site of the present Castle garden where the River Liffey met the River Poddle.
The Castle houses the magnificent State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, a 13th century Tower and some of its Medieval structures.
Please note that as Dublin Castle is a working Government building, security, access to rooms and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
Tours and Secret Tunnels
Dublin Castle is open all year round (with the exception of State visits). It is open Monday – Sunday and Public Holidays (from 9.45am until 5.45pm). Please note, the last admission is at 5.15pm.
- 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.
A Subterranean Chamber Beneath the Ground of Dublin Castle
Below the Castle, excavations have uncovered parts of the structure of the medieval castle alongside the remains of some of Viking Dublin’s original defences. These defences take the form of a stone covered embankment, a section of which has been preserved within the massive circular walls of the thirteenth-century Powder Tower.
Visible to visitors is a section of the Castle’s medieval curtain wall with a postern gate and a set of steps that led down to the original moat. The River Poddle, which still flows under the Castle grounds today, would have been diverted in order to create a moat that surrounded the Castle. Other medieval features on the site include part of the early town wall with an archway that allowed the moat to pass under it (blocked up c.1400).
Images from Dublin Castle
