Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is one of Ireland's top visitor attractions. Situated just off Dame Street, the castle is a short 10-minute walk from The Morgan Hotel.
Dublin Castle was constructed on elevated ground, which was once occupied by an earlier Viking settlement. From 1204 until 1922, Dublin Castle served principally as a residence for the British monarch’s Irish representative. In 1604, a major fire broke out, causing severe damage to much of the building. The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were spent rebuilding the Castle into a beautiful Georgian palace. Today, the castle spans 11 acres and consists of 2 museums, 2 cafés, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, Government Buildings and the State Apartments.
Over the centuries, Dublin Castle has been a host to many famous figures. Amongst those are Benjamin Franklin, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. Today, over a quarter of a million people visit the castle each year.
The grounds of the site are free to explore, however if you wish to take a tour of the State Apartments you must purchase a ticket. Tours can either be guided, or self-guided. Self-guided tours allow you to move throughout the rooms at your own pace, however, the Viking Excavation and Chapel Royal can only be accessed as part of a guided tour. A guided tour will last around 70 minutes. Tickets can only be purchased onsite from the Apartments in the upper castle yard.
If you get hungry during your visit, you can stop by the Terrace Cafe on the ground floor of the State Apartments. You can relax with some coffee and lunch, with a view of the castle's gardens.
Dublin Castle is host to different exhibitions and events throughout the year, so make sure to check out what's on before your visit.
Please refer to Dublin Castles website for the most up to date information on pricing and opening hours.
