Ireland boasts a wealth of captivating castles, each with its own unique story etched in stone. From sprawling countryside fortresses to dramatic coastal ruins, these historical sites are a major draw for visitors. While planning my Dublin itinerary, I realized that a significant castle resided right in the heart of the city. Dublin Castle, situated on Dame Street in Dublin 2, Ireland, immediately became a must-see destination.
With so many attractions vying for attention in Dublin, you might be wondering, is Dublin Castle truly worth a visit? This guide will delve into the rich history of Dublin Castle, explore the fascinating sights within its walls, and explain why embarking on a Dublin Castle tour is an enriching experience you shouldn’t miss when exploring Dublin 2, Ireland.
Visitors taking selfies in the courtyard of Dublin Castle in Dublin 2, Ireland, highlighting its appeal as a tourist destination.
The Compelling History of Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
My exploration of Dublin Castle began with uncovering its captivating history, which proved to be far more intricate than I initially imagined. While Dublin may host other castles, Dublin Castle stands out as the most historically significant, particularly within Dublin 2. The site’s castle origins trace back to around 1200, though the majority of the structures visible today were erected in the 18th century. For centuries, Dublin Castle served as the seat of the United Kingdom Government’s administration in Ireland, a role it held until 1922. Today, it remains a vital complex for the Irish government, located prominently on Dame Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
A glimpse into the opulent State Apartments of Dublin Castle, showcasing the interior architecture and historical significance of Dublin 2, Ireland landmark.During British rule, Dublin Castle functioned as the residential and ceremonial hub for the Viceroys, who represented the British Monarch, and their Viceregal Court. Following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle transitioned to hosting presidential inaugurations and other significant national events. Throughout its long and varied history, Dublin Castle has also served as a prison and even a parliament building, adding layers to its historical narrative. To fully appreciate this multifaceted history, a guided tour of Dublin Castle is highly recommended, offering a comprehensive understanding of its role within Dublin 2, Ireland, and beyond.
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The architectural diversity of Dublin Castle is immediately apparent, a result of its buildings being constructed across different eras and styles. The castle complex encompasses the lavish State Apartments, the medieval Record Tower (part of the Medieval Tour), the subterranean Medieval Undercroft, the stunning Chapel Royal, and a modern administrative building. Adding to its contemporary function, Dublin Castle also houses a conference center named the Printworks, making it a dynamic space in Dublin 2.
Our Dublin Castle Tour Experience on Dame Street
Our Dublin Castle tour commenced with an exploration of the Medieval Undercroft, accompanied by an engaging mini-history lesson of Dublin itself. The Medieval Undercroft preserves the foundational ruins of the original 13th-century castle, lying beneath the modern administration building. Thoughtfully designed stairways and walkways allow visitors to intimately experience this ancient history without causing damage. Intriguingly, within the Undercroft, sections of the old Dublin city walls and even a glimpse of the River Poddle, which flows beneath Dublin city, are visible, offering a unique perspective on Dublin 2’s historical landscape.
A tour guide passionately explaining the history within the medieval undercroft of Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, capturing the educational aspect of the tour.
Continuing our Dublin Castle tour, we proceeded to the Chapel Royal, a breathtaking structure inaugurated in 1814, replacing an earlier religious building on the same site. The interior woodwork of the Chapel Royal is incredibly detailed and elaborate. Due to the Chapel Royal’s construction on soft ground, what appears to be stone within the chapel is actually meticulously crafted wood, a clever architectural technique to reduce the building’s overall weight. This optical illusion is truly remarkable; you need to touch the columns to fully realize they are made of wood! The display of coats of arms belonging to past Viceroys was another point of historical interest within the Chapel Royal in Dublin 2.
Inside the Chapel Royal, the view highlights the remarkable woodwork, some so realistically crafted it imitates stone, an example of the craftsmanship within Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.Beneath the Chapel Royal lies its crypt, which houses the Revenue Museum, offering a fascinating, albeit unexpected, glimpse into the history of taxation in Ireland. Regrettably, the Revenue Museum wasn’t included as part of our standard guided tour, and time constraints prevented us from returning to explore it separately. However, it’s worth noting that admission to the Revenue Museum is free for those interested in delving deeper into this aspect of Irish history within Dublin 2.
The Grandeur of Dublin Castle State Apartments
The final highlight of our Dublin Castle tour was the State Apartments. These apartments truly epitomize opulence, embodying the stereotypical image of a castle’s interior. The rooms within Dublin Castle’s State Apartments were lavishly decorated, featuring abundant gold accents and impressive chandeliers. The grand staircase and the collection of artwork further enhanced the sense of grandeur and historical significance within this Dublin 2 landmark.
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A particularly poignant moment during the State Apartments tour was entering the Connelly Room. This room is named after James Connelly, a pivotal leader of the 1916 Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule, and a signatory of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Historically significant, James Connelly was held as a wounded prisoner in this very room within Dublin Castle.
A commemorative plaque honoring James Connolly inside Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, emphasizing the historical importance of the location.
The Easter Rising, though ultimately unsuccessful in its immediate aims, significantly shifted public sentiment towards Irish independence. James Connelly’s execution, particularly given he was wounded at the time, fueled the growing desire for Irish self-governance. Standing in the Connelly Room, knowing its historical weight and connection to such a pivotal figure, was a deeply moving experience within Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
One of the sumptuously decorated rooms within the State Apartments, illustrating the lavish interiors and historical ambiance found in Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland.Our guided tour culminated in St. Patrick’s Hall, the largest and arguably most impressive room within the State Apartments. Historically, Parliament convened in St. Patrick’s Hall. Today, it serves as the venue for presidential inaugurations and other significant state ceremonies, underscoring its continued importance in Irish public life. Upon entering St. Patrick’s Hall, one immediately senses the room’s historical significance, further enhanced by the magnificent paintings adorning its walls.
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Dublin Castle Tour Review: A Worthwhile Experience in Dublin 2
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our Dublin Castle tour. Lasting just over an hour, the tour provided a comprehensive overview of key sections of the castle. While the tour was extensive, inclusion of the Dublin Castle gardens would have further enhanced the experience. Our tour guide was not only entertaining but also highly knowledgeable, sharing a wealth of fascinating facts and anecdotes about Dublin Castle’s rich history and significance in Dublin 2.
Exploring the Serene Dublin Castle Gardens
Located just south of the Chapel Royal and the State Apartments, discreetly tucked behind a stone wall, lie the Dublin Castle Gardens. These gardens likely originated in the early seventeenth century, offering a tranquil contrast to the castle’s imposing architecture. At the heart of these gardens is the Dubh Linn Garden, a unique space featuring sea serpent patterns meticulously cut into the lawn. Visitors should also take a moment to visit the Garda Memorial Garden, a dedicated space honoring members of the Irish police force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, adding a layer of somber reflection within Dublin 2.
The intricate sea serpent patterns within the grass of Dublin Castle Gardens, Dublin 2, showcasing the artistry and detail of the garden design.
It’s important to note that the Dublin Castle gardens are not part of the standard guided tour, and unfortunately, our schedule did not permit a separate visit. Future visits to Dublin Castle in Dublin 2 will definitely include time to explore these gardens.
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Dining at Dublin Castle: The Terrace Café
For visitors seeking refreshment, The Terrace Café is conveniently situated on the ground floor of the State Apartments within Dublin Castle. Overlooking the Dublin Castle Gardens, the café offers a relaxed setting for a coffee break, a light breakfast, or a satisfying lunch. The picturesque views contribute to its reputation as one of Dublin’s more romantic spots. The Terrace Café also caters to various dietary needs, with excellent vegetarian and gluten-free options available, making it a convenient dining choice within Dublin 2.
For those wanting to explore restaurants near Dublin Castle on Dame Street, options like The Winding Stair and Fallon & Bryne are highly recommended. For a more upscale dining experience, Chapter One, a Michelin-starred restaurant, is located approximately .75 miles from Dublin Castle, offering fine dining within easy reach of Dublin 2.
Accessibility at Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is largely accessible to visitors with mobility needs. An elevator is available within the State Apartments, ensuring access to the upper levels. However, it’s important to note that the Medieval Undercroft is currently only accessible via stairs, which may pose a challenge for some visitors. Dublin Castle is continually working to improve accessibility throughout the site.
Dublin Castle Opening Hours and Admission Prices
Dublin Castle is conveniently open seven days a week, from 9:45 am to 5:45 pm, with the last admission at 5:15 pm. Reaching Dublin Castle is easiest via public transportation or on foot. For those driving, public parking garages such as Q-Park Christchurch Car Park and Park Rite Drury Street are nearby options for parking near Dublin Castle in Dublin 2.
Visitors can choose between a self-guided tour (€7) or a guided tour (€10). However, access to the Medieval Undercroft and the Chapel Royal is exclusively through the guided tour. For a small additional cost, the Dublin Castle guided tour is highly recommended for the enhanced experience and access to these key historical areas. (Prices are accurate as of 10/16/2018; it is advisable to check the official Dublin Castle website for current pricing).
Tickets can be purchased at the Dublin Castle apartments (not the State Apartments) located in the Upper Castle Yard. Online ticket purchases are not currently available. Arriving shortly after opening hours is recommended, as we experienced a relatively short queue for ticket purchase at that time.
The Dublin Castle self-guided tour is included with the Dublin Pass. The guided tour is available for a reduced supplement of just €3 with the Dublin Pass. For visitors planning to see multiple Dublin attractions, the Dublin Pass can offer significant cost savings. It covers entry to over 30 attractions, including nearby Christ Church Cathedral and Dublinia, both located close to Dublin Castle in Dublin 2. For castle enthusiasts, Malahide Castle and Dalkey Castle, located just outside Dublin, are also included in the Dublin Pass. Further details about the Dublin Pass are available here.
Hotels Near Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2
Dublin Castle’s prime location on Dame Street, in Dublin 2, places it within easy walking distance of the vibrant Temple Bar area. This area is an excellent base for exploring Dublin, offering convenient access to numerous attractions, pubs, and restaurants. The main consideration is that hotels in Dublin city center, particularly in Dublin 2, can be relatively expensive.
Here are a few highly-rated hotels near Dublin Castle that you might consider for your stay in Dublin 2:
Booking.com for Dublin hotel options.
Is Dublin Castle Worth Visiting on Dame Street, Dublin 2?
Unequivocally, yes! Our visit to Dublin Castle was a highlight of our time in Dublin. As a lover of castles, I found Dublin Castle particularly captivating due to its extensive history and central Dublin 2 location. Opting for the guided tour was definitely the right choice, providing invaluable historical context and access to key areas like the Medieval Undercroft. The State Apartments were undeniably beautiful, and our guide’s insightful commentary brought the history of Dublin Castle vividly to life. If you are exploring Dublin 2, Ireland, Dublin Castle is an essential destination.
What castles have you particularly enjoyed visiting? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
–Anisa
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Dublin Castle and gardens with text overlay, designed for Pinterest sharing and travel planning for Dublin 2.
Expert Tips for Your Dublin Castle Visit in Dublin 2:
- Guided Tour is Key: Choose the guided tour to ensure you experience the Medieval Undercroft and the Chapel Royal, enriching your understanding of Dublin Castle’s history in Dublin 2.
- Dublin Castle App: Enhance your visit further by downloading the official Dublin Castle app for additional insights and information as you explore.
- Explore More: If time allows, dedicate moments to the Revenue Museum and the tranquil Dublin Castle gardens for a fuller experience of this Dublin 2 landmark.
- Trinity College’s Book of Kells: While in Dublin, consider visiting the Book of Kells exhibit at Trinity College, a short distance from Dublin Castle, further enriching your cultural experience in Dublin 2.
- Dublin Pass Savings: If you intend to visit multiple attractions in Dublin, the Dublin Pass can be a cost-effective option, providing access to Dublin Castle and many other sites in Dublin 2 and beyond.
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Last Updated on July 21, 2023
