Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a park
Dublin Castle showing a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Dublin Castle featuring heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements


On Dame Street, south of the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin, stands the mighty architectural achievement that is Dublin Castle, parts of which date back to 1200. Over the centuries Dublin Castle has been a fortress and treasury, a royal palace and a prison. Prior to Irish independence in the 1920s, it was also the centre of British rule in Ireland. Today, Dublin Castle is a government building and significant historic emblem.

While most of the building dates to the 1800s, its ancient heritage is still evident in the ancient Record Tower. This sole surviving element of Dublin Castle’s medieval origins is a magnificent stone stalwart. It is the perfect complement to the adjoining 19th century Chapel Royal, built in the Gothic Revival style.

Today, the castle is primarily used for official Irish government engagements, but its opulent State Rooms are accessible to the general public via guided tour. Open all year round, including bank holidays (but not Christmas and New Year) the castle has a wonderful craft shop and heritage centre. It also has its own restaurant, meaning you can absorb the historic bustle of Dublin as you tuck in to some tasty local cuisine.

Surrounded by excellent eateries and a number of theatres, Dublin Castle is served by nearly a dozen bus services. As such, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t soak up the area’s eclectic heritage by visiting this gem at the heart of the Irish capital.

Tours & day trips

See all 309 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 116 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 72 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 17 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 13 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Clink i Lár
Clink i Lár
2 out of 5
35-36 Abbey Street Upper. Dublin1, Dublin
Clink i Lár
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, Tivoli
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, Tivoli
3.5 out of 5
135 FRANCIS STREET, Dublin 8, Dublin
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, Tivoli
Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street
Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street
3.5 out of 5
17 - 19 Moore Lane, Dublin 1, Dublin
Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street
Zanzibar Locke
Zanzibar Locke
4 out of 5
34 ORMOND QUAY LOWER, Dublin
Zanzibar Locke
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch
4 out of 5
Christchurch Place, Dublin, Dublin
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch
NYX Dublin Christchurch
NYX Dublin Christchurch
4 out of 5
Lord Edward Street, Dublin
NYX Dublin Christchurch
The Grafton Hotel
The Grafton Hotel
4 out of 5
Johnsons Place, 31/32 Stephens Street Lower, Dublin, Dublin 2
The Grafton Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.