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Dublin Castle, Dublin

3.7
#5 of 34 in Historic Sites in Dublin
Castle Architectural Building
A taste of medieval times in the middle of a modern downtown, Dublin Castle served as the seat of British rule in Ireland for over seven centuries. Although it remains part of a major government complex, the castle now mostly serves as a venue for ceremonial events, such as the inauguration of the country's president. Transformed over the ages from a medieval fortress to a Georgian palace, the castle complex contains an 800-year-old tower, the sole survivor of the original fortifications built on this spot in the early 13th century. Take a guided tour to see the gardens built over a site once occupied by a black pool, the "dubh inn" from which the city of Dublin got its name. To visit Dublin Castle and other attractions in Dublin, use our Dublin travel planner .
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Dublin Castle Tours
City Sightseeing Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $23
Dublin Freedom Pass: Unlimited Transport and Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $40
Dublin Historical Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $16
Dublin Gravedigger Ghost Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $30
Early Access: Book of Kells Including Exterior Tour of Dublin Castle BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $53
Dublin Viking Duck Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $27
Dublin Historical Highlights Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $14
Dublin City Highlights Bike Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $30
Dublin Highlights Tour Including Skip-the-Line St Patrick's Cathedral Visit BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $47
Temple Bar Highlights Tour with Guinness and Whiskey Tasting from Dublin BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $91
Dublin Luxury Small-Group Tour including St Patrick's Cathedral BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $81
Highlights of Dublin Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $36
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Dublin Castle Reviews
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3,571 reviews
Google
4.2
TripAdvisor
  • August 17, 2017
    Worth visiting it, is on the back of the Parliament and excels its Tower and its clock. There are parts of the wall that surrounded it and the front door. Very beautiful square which is located at the site.
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  • August 16, 2017
    I did a self tour and loved wandering through the beautiful rooms. I wished that I had time for the tour but glad to be accommodated with a half price admission and I bought the booklet that explained...  more »
  • August 16, 2017
    I have lived here in Dublin and it's the first time I went into the castle. It was one of the best tours I have had of a castle and I would definitely recommend a visit!  more »
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Google
  • June 29, 2017
    Beautiful castle, but the historical pieces are limited to a short part of a guided tour underground. You cannot access the oldest parts alone (self-guided). Our tour guide was anything but motivated by her job, but still, the history lesson was wonderful and rich.
  • July 1, 2017
    The tour that goes to the underground area too is very nice, they have some art works at the patio sometimes. The coffee shop is very good and clean although it closes quite early. The chapel is very nice and gardens at the back are beautiful all year round.
  • July 4, 2017
    Historic, beautifully maintained. Attended conference there which was very well serviced at Dublin Castle. Lunch was universally praised. Plenty of information inside and out on its origins and history. Well worth a visit.
  • June 28, 2017
    Fantastic setting to explore. Pay for the fully guided tour, lots of information plus you get to see the underground ruins and get all the background information. The private cathedral is very ornate and detailed.
  • June 6, 2017
    I believe you can get enough of this the free way--outdoor walk around. You can go in for free on certain days too! It's really cool and a beautiful space. I recommend seeing it at night as well.
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Where to stay in Dublin

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Dublin offers everything from luxury hotels to eclectic guesthouses. Explore over 1,000 years of history in the city on foot by staying at one of the hotels or hostels in the city center. The south side of the river has always been a popular place to stay, particularly near Temple University or the tourist nightlife center Temple Bar, but a new crop of attractive options has popped up on the north side as well. For more affordable accommodations, try a hostel or make your way toward St. Stephen's Green for a more comfortable stay at a mid-range hotel. If the artistic spirit of Dublin is what beckoned you, spend your holiday in a guesthouse near the creative Lower Gardiner Street.
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