Dublin Castle

Little remains of the original building that was first founded here in 1204, a castle built along the lines of a traditional courtyard design. Sadly, the majority of that building burnt down in 1684 and most of the current buildings were constructed during the 18th century. So, what you have now is a large range of different structures that go to make up the massive and rambling castle of today. Within the site there are two museums, two cafes, a conference centre, two gardens, Government buildings and various State Apartments.

As far as you, and other tourists, are concerned, the bits you are free to have a wander around are the Chapel Royal, Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum. You can also see the State Apartments but access to these is restricted to guided tours only.

The Chapel Royal was built between 1807 and 1814 in a Gothic style and is decorated with more than 90 carved heads. It is known for its vaulting, intricate plaster decorations and oak galleries. Inside you’ll find the coats of arms of all the Justiciars, Lord Deputies and Lord Lieutenants from the first, Hugh de Lacy (1172) to Fitz Alan (1922). Bizarrely, the arms of the final incumbent neatly fit into the final available space in the chapel. The crypt is now used as an arts centre.

The intriguing Garda (police) Museum is in the oldest remaining part of the castle, the 13th century Record Tower. This Norman building was once a top security prison and admission to the museum is free.

Admission is also free at the Chester Beatty Library, which has a fine collection of prints, miniature paintings, books and manuscripts from across the world. One of the two cafes on-site is on the ground floor here.

The interactive Revenue Museum is much more interesting than you might think a place charting the history of tax collection could be. You can play smuggling games and see counterfeit notes, goods and stamping equipment.

But the castle’s highlight has to be the State Apartments, which are now reserved for prestigious functions. Highlights of the tour include the Grand Staircase, the Throne Room, the elegant state drawing room, dining room, and bedrooms, and St Patrick’s Hall where Ireland’s new presidents are customarily inaugurated. At the end of the tour, you’ll find yourself in the Lower Yard where you can see the remains of a Norman embankment and the Norman Powder Tower and moat. 

Tours of the State Apartments also take in the medieval undercroft of the castle and cost €4.50 for adults, €3.50 for students and seniors and €2 for children aged between seven and 12. Under 6s go free. The tours take place between 10am and 4.45pm Monday to Saturday and from noon till 4.45pm on Sundays.

Dublin Castle is right in the centre of the city on the south of the Liffey, off Dame Street, which is the main road that leads straight into the entrance of Trinity College.