Dublin Castle
About Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle has stood at the centre of Irish history since the thirteenth century, built on the site of a Viking settlement and serving for roughly 700 years as the seat of English and British administration in Ireland. Today it's managed by the Office of Public Works as a working government complex and state ceremony venue that's also open to visitors. Families can explore the State Apartments, the medieval Undercroft, the Chapel Royal, and the Heritage Centre, taking in grand spaces like the Throne Room, State Drawing Room, the Battleaxe Staircase and St Patrick's Hall. Both self-guided and fully guided tour options are available, and even without a ticket, the castle's courtyards and the Dubh Linn Gardens are free to walk through, along with the neighbouring Chester Beatty Library. Facilities include toilets, a wheelchair-accessible toilet, bicycle parking and a restaurant, though the OPW notes some areas have uneven or limited-access surfaces. Children under 12 are admitted free. Note that Dublin Castle is scheduled to close to the public from 5 May to 31 December 2026 to accommodate Ireland's EU Presidency, so visits should be checked against current OPW/Heritage Ireland notices before travelling.
Class Details
ToiletsWheelchair-accessible toiletBicycle parkingRestaurantGuided toursGardens
Location
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