The historic heart of Dublin lies at the Dublin Castle. Standing on a ridge over the River Liffey, this imposing structure was built by the Anglo-Normans in 1204. For seven centuries, the castle was the centre of British rule in Ireland and it was in this place that the British formally handed over power to Michael Collins and the Free State government in 1922.
Apart from the typically Norman courtyard design with a central square, the castle retains little from its original 13th Century structure. In fact, only the stone Record Tower survives from medieval times. The majority of the old castle burnt down in 1684 and most of the current buildings were constructed during the 18th Century.
The interior of Dublin Castle can be discovered via a 45-minute guided tour which commences from the entrance and takes you through the State apartments opposite. 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. Across the yard is the Chapel Royal which was built between 1807 and 1814 in a Gothic style and is decorated with over 90 carved heads. The crypt of the chapel is now used as an arts centre.
Concerts are occasionally held in the castle grounds and the Dublin Castle is usually open to the public except during state functions.
