Update for 2026: Dublin Castle is closed to visitors from 5 May to 31 December 2026 while it hosts Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. It is scheduled to reopen in January 2027. During the closure, the Chester Beatty Library in the Castle gardens remains open with free admission.
Dublin Castle is normally open daily, including bank holidays, from 9:45am to 5:45pm (last admission 5:15pm), with tickets for a self-guided tour available online. However, the castle is closed to the public for most of 2026 — see the notice above for full details.
What is Dublin Castle famous for?
Dublin castle is situated in the historical heart of Dublin City. The castle was built by King John of England in the 13th Century. The castle had many functions as the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years, a military fortress, treasury, court of law and even a prison. Today, State events and Presidential inaugurations are hosted at the castle
Is Dublin Castle worth seeing?
When open, the Dublin Castle tour is well worth the €8.00 admission — the tour guides are very knowledgeable and give an excellent rendition of the history. Not much of the medieval castle remains, but there are some sights worth seeing, and it is surely a hidden gem well worth a visit once tours resume in January 2027 (the castle is closed to visitors for most of 2026, see the notice above).
Is Dublin Castle a real castle?
The location of Dublin castle was once an Viking settlement. The location of the present Upper Castle Yard is approximately the same location of where the old castle stood. A Major fire caused significant damage to much of the castle building in April 1684.
How much does it cost to get into Dublin Castle?
Adult Ticket: €8.00
Senior Ticket (60+): €6.00
Student Ticket (18+): €6.00
Child Ticket (12-17 yrs): €4.00
Child Ticket (under 12 yrs): €0.00
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2-3 children): €20.00
Note: these are the standard admission prices. Ticket sales are suspended during the 2026 closure (see notice above) and will resume when the castle reopens in January 2027.
How much time do I need at Dublin Castle?
A guided tour of Dublin Castle lasts approximately one hour and is offered daily. It is also possible to do a self guided tour using the brochures of the castle located at the ticket desk. It is available in seventeen languages. Allow 1-3 hours for the self guided tour, depends on your pace.
Who escaped from Dublin Castle?
The only prisoners to successfully escape from Dublin Castle were Hugh O’Donnell and the brothers Art and Henry(Hugh) O’Neill.
What is inside the Dublin Castle?
The state apartments, medieval tour (also known as the Record Tower), medieval undercroft, the Chapel Royal, and an administrative building are all part of the castle. Dublin Castle also has a conference center called the Printworks.
Who built Dublin Castle and why?
The construction of Dublin Castle was ordered by King John of England in the year 1230. It was for a city defense, Royal Treasury, and administration of justice. The courtyard contained a central square, four round towers, and defensive walls.
How would you like to have Dublin Castle hanging on your wall?
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