Story.. 4/10 Exhibits... 5/10 Price... 10/10 ***Part of the GoCity Pass This was the most anticlimactic part of our GoCity Pass experience. The Dublin Castle is much smaller than it appears in the outside. Each available room had just a tiny placard to explain the purpose of the room. Being such an important governmental and historical site, I would have liked to see more information. When we were checking in, we were told we did not need to go on the tour group and that the castle was self-paced. Do NOT believe this. To see the most interesting sights, a guide must provide you access. read more

I toured the Dublin Castle state apartments on September 30, 2021 when tourism was just coming back to Ireland. On one hand, I couldn't have chosen a better time to visit because I saw about 4 people total as I walked around. On the other hand, it's kinda creepy exploring a castle by yourself, Scoob. What I found interesting was that so many people walked up to the courtyard and viewed the sand sculptures that were on display, but they didn't appear to be going on the apartment tour. The tour itself is free until the end of 2021! You must sign up online. When I went inside, there was only one person at the front desk and she wasn't the friendliest or most helpful, but soon I was walking up the grand staircase where aristocracy, courtiers, and viceroys had once stepped. There is some good info online that explains each room open to the public, but in person there aren't as many explanations. I recommend reading the online tour info first before you walk through. It was incredible to walk around with virtually nobody there and contemplate what life must have been like for anyone who witnessed a coronation or inauguration here, or participated in any number of special events. It's also of interest to those who enjoy period dramas (this is the real thing, not a set!) and history. From the website: Over the centuries, those entertained at Dublin Castle have included Benjamin Franklin, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Princess Grace of Monaco, John F. Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, Nelson Mandela, and Queen Elizabeth II. It's hard to wrap my head around the ceremonies, balls, presidential inaugurations, and other activities that have occurred here, especially as someone coming from a relatively new country. I took a star off because of lack of customer service, no docents, and no staff of any kind to answer questions or give tours. I only saw one lonely, grumpy guard making the rounds as I walked through. Still, it's worth a visit this time of year and I hope many people are able to take advantage of the free entry before year's end. read more

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A lot of political history here! It was under renovation when I went here and it was rainy day. They call it fightin' Irish for the reason of this castle that holds many stories to it. read more

This is a beautiful estate, so intricately detailed and decorated. Classic architecture, beautiful vaulted ceilings, gorgeous crystal chandeliers, wonderful oil paintings all over, great detailed moulding and trim throughout the rooms. It's very stately. I could see myself living in a place like this. I would love any of the chandeliers in any of the rooms here or that long dining table too. I would recommend taking the tour, as I would have learned much more. I don't mind just looking around, but a bit more insight would have made the visit more meaningful. read more

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Dublin Castle is gorgeous! It wasn't one of my must-sees during our trip to Dublin, but if you have some free time I highly recommend stopping by. When we went in November 2021, due to Covid, all guided-tours had been paused and only self-guided was offered. Because of that, the State Apartment tour was free, I believe they are charging for it now. The State Apartments were amazing, I loved looking at all the old artwork on the walls and the gorgeous detailing in all the rooms. My favorite room was St. Patrick's Hall- the ceiling is absolutely breathtaking. It didn't take us long to complete the tour, maybe about half-an-hour. I highly recommend taking the guided tour (if it's being offered), I heard they take you to other locations that you don't get to see on the self-guided. If you have a few extra minutes, check out the garden behind the Castle, it was so peaceful. read more

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We had a young woman with blonde hair as our guide and she was super spunky and knowledgeable. Really loved her energy (a little fidgety with her wallow talkie but GREAT!) She took from from the old Celtic history to the powder tower attached to a castle to a fire to a rebuild to now. Loved getting to see all the layers of history. It's s beautiful building. Really neat to see in the inside of all the fancy dining rooms and such and hear the stories about the types of meals they would have eaten there. I highly suggest it! There are lockers for free there too so you can drop your bag and enjoy your tour without it read more

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Very misleading. I read the reviews. Everyone posted that they enjoyed this tour. I was excited since I love touring through castles. However, this is not a castle. If you're visiting Dublin I would skip this. Not worth the admission fee and not worth your time. read more

No doubt, you've read countless reviews about Dublin Castle already. If you've been to all of the major castles in the UK and Ireland, this one is fairly simple and not nearly the most impressive. It's definitely no Windsor. The dining room/Portrait Gallery and St. Patrick's Hall are stunning, the garden is charming, and that's about the extent of it. More importantly, if you're insistent on going, you need to know the best time. Mondays and Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. are virtually vacant, and you'll have an easy walk through the castle with stellar pictures devoid of humans. read more

Dublin Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

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Beautiful piece of history. The guided tour was a must. Information was given by hat a self guided tour would not have been given. read more

Dublin Castle - Exterior - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

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Great tour destination! We don't have anything like this in my city im from back in California. Place doesn't look big but once inside it does show a little more of its size. Its a good value as far as price go although I was expecting to see a bit more. Still worth it though. read more

Dublin Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

If you are visiting Dublin Castle I recommend doing a guided tour instead of a self-guided tour. We did self-guided due to time constraints. The light fixtures and ceilings in the rooms were so beautiful but it would have been cool to hear more about the history. Dublin Castle wouldn't be at the top of my list of things to do in Dublin but it was fun to see. read more

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Dublin Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in Irish history and culture. Its blend of,medieval,Georgian and modern elements provides a comprehensive look at the country s, past, making it a worthwhile stop on any Dublin itinerary read more

Must see if your in Dublin. Awesome park in front of castle. Great weather and family's enjoying themselves at the park. Highly recommend!

Dublin Castle was a fun self-guided tour option. It's relatively cheap, as it comes out to 10 euros or less (depending on if you're a minor/student/adult etc.) Very cool architecture and is important to Ireland culturally, as it's where the presidential inauguration takes place. Beyond the building itself, it is primarily a portrait gallery. Pictures of Irish presidents, Viceroys from British rule, and old English monarchs. As an American, I had to give George III a thumbs down, but the overall quality of the painting was excellent. Loses a star for not being able to access some parts of the building, as only some is publicly accessible. Would be cool to see more. read more

Lots of history to see and experience here at the Dublin Castle and it was great to have a tour guide with us to point out the sights and explain things, or I'd have missed much. From the "Lady Injustice" atop the arch to the difference in stones in the Records Tower (the round one). Worth the stop on the tour and if you have time, get tickets for the inside tour too! read more

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It's more of an estate than a true castle, but it was an interesting tour and we enjoyed hearing about the castle's history by Caoimhe, our guide. I don't know if this would fall under a 'must see' in Dublin, probably not. But it made for a pleasant afternoon. read more

Dublin Castle - Dublin Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

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Dublin Castle is a memory of its former self, but still worth a visit. The original was built over eight hundred years ago and around the English Civil War it was burnt down. What remains, has been built upon over and over, so the original is somewhat hard to find. The State Apartments (photos) are used to receive visiting dignitaries and are magnificent in their splendor, as is the Courtyard. For us we enjoyed the Church of the Holy Trinity with its carved in limestone heads (photos). Besides, its on its way to the Chester Beatty Library (photos), which is a huge, huge must when visiting Dublin. Don't forget your OPW Heritage Discount Card! Enjoy! read more

Dublin Castle has a unique place in the Republic of Ireland's history. From British rulers, to independence and now the anxious wait for Brexit. So much has happened on these grounds, so much is happening now, and it will be interesting to watch what happens here in the next few months. In fact, the world will be watching. Visiting Advice: Book a guided tour online well ahead of your visit. The guided tour takes you to many locations that a self-guided tour does not. read more

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Absolutely gorgeous building. As a student it cost €8 and we got through the castle in about an hour or hour and a half. The various rooms were very fun to walk through and the paintings, decorations and architecture were all gorgeous. However the frames and the glare from glass put over the paintings made it hard to see the paintings without a glare or shadow. All together it was fantastic, but I would not put it on the "need" to see list for Dublin visitors. read more

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Dublin "Castle"...at first I was excited to visit a "castle", but when I was going through the rooms it never really felt like I was visiting an actual "castle". Its really felt more like Dublin "Mansion". Its not until you see the one single tower and outerwall section from the outside that it looks anything like a castle. I was originally going to give this 4 Star, but after visiting Blarney Castle and King John's Castle later in my trip, I realized how unexciting Dublin "Castle" actually is. Still, not a bad Dublin attraction for low 4.5 euro entry fee. read more

Dublin Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

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Very pleased to have gone here. Price is reasonable for the amount you get here- 10 euros for the hour tour (which is a little more than an hour) or 8 euros if you are a senior- and special fees for students. There is a 40 minute tour as well, but take the hour long one, you won't be sorry. There are a lot of stairs, but they are easy flights- someone with a cane could do them- not a wheel chair though (although in the state apartments there is a lift). You'll start by going underground to look at the Anglo Norman foundations of the castle. You'll learn about the skulls found in the moat (after they'd served their purpose on the castle spikes- they got dumped in the moat). After the foundations tour, you'll go to the chapel- now deconsecrated. It's a love place. The outside has many carved heads- St. Peters above the door with his keys to heaven, and above him, Jonathan Swift- who is a native son and is buried in St Patrick's. The inside of the chapel is gorgeous. The Irish oak carvings with which it is decorated are marvelous. After the chapel, you'll go to the state apartments- which are knock out beautiful. See the throne that was too big for Queen Victoria to get into! See the Details in the gold work celebrating the act of union- watch for the rose, the thistle and the shamrock to be united in the gold detailing around mirrors and pictures. In the Throne room that chandelier weighs half a ton!!!! I wouldn't have missed this stop for the world. Brilliant! read more

What a lovely place! So much history from past to present! From the decor of the hallways, archways, jewelry, paintings, ceiling decor, furniture and so much more. This building has more of a city hall look to it then an actual castle so to speak. The tour includes a view of several rooms which included were famous jewelry, the dining room, ballroom, drawing room and the conference room. Pictures and notes that explain so much of the past and the conference room holds many of the most important and esteemed political events. The tour itself takes no more than a half hour. Back packs are not permitted but you can lock them up for free. The self tour is free with a Dublin pass and 4 euros with a guide. Need a snack? Eat at the cafe! Overall a nice place to go to and well worth a visit! read more

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Actual rating 3.5. SIGNIFICANCE Dublin Castle is one of the most important sights in Irish history. From its inception in 1204 until 1922 it was the seat of English, and later British rule in Ireland. During the age of the Vikings the castle was built under a Viking settlement and was used to provide defense of the city, house prisoners as well as protection of the king's treasury. A major fire caused severe damage in 1604 leaving much of the original 13th century design in smoke. A grand renovation project introduced the State Apartments which served many purposes - it served as the residence of the Viceroy of Ireland (representative of the King of Britain) along with being the social stage of nobility. Young debutantes would be introduced by the viceroy as they are formally welcomed into aristocratic society and balls would be held to match debutantes to worthy partners. Six years after the 1916 Easter Rising Dublin Castle was handed over to the newly-formed Irish free state. To this day it serves a more practical function of being the site of the inauguration of the Irish president every seven years as well as a ceremonial role in hosting state banquets for foreign dignitaries. ADMISSION €7 - Self-guided tour for the State Apartments + exhibitions ONLY €10 - includes 70 minute guided tour of the State Apartments, the Viking Excavation and the Chapel Royal. I did the €10 guided tour and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The Viking excavations of the defense bank and the Gun Powder Tower were remarkably different from the lavish State Apartments and give insight to Dublin the Viking settlement. You can literally smell the gunpowder from the tower as well as the algae from the River Poddle (still flowing today). Chapel Royal is a nice addition for the additional €3 if you like visiting churches in Europe. Apparently services were held in behalf of the viceroy and his honored guest. Though currently deconsecrated it currently serves as venue space for small events. Though my tour guide was a tad boring and could have presented the information a bit better I did enjoy her insight into the State Apartments. She did accomplish her main goal as a tour guide - summarize the functions of each of the main rooms. As I did little research on the most important Irish buildings in Dublin I got a lot more out of her explanations than if I had done the self-guide myself. I'd rank Dublin Castle on my top 10 tourist attractions to visit on your first visit to Dublin after Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College/Book of Kells, National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology and Kilmainham Gaol. To maximize your sightseeing I would combine Dublin Castle with Trinity College/Book of Kells and Christchurch Cathedral or St. Patrick's Cathederal as they are near each other. If you have more time check out the gardens in the back (gave inspiration to Dublin's Anglicized name) or Chester Beatty Library (one of the greatest private book collections in existence, https://www.yelp.com/biz/chester-beatty-library-dublin?hrid=Xj2fubn-IqrKk2258Jgadg) read more

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We didn't actually get to go inside since it was the President's inauguration or some sort. Since us Americans were trying to save data charges, a map wasn't much use. We wandered around in the general vicinity of the "castle" until we saw this historical-looking building and though "ooh cool". Walking around reading the signs (and trying to interpret what the Italian tour group was saying), we realized this was the castle. (I mean sure, the history and the architecture themselves were interesting). With Fortitude and Justice, for all! (The statues of course) read more

Dublin Castle - The Tower - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

Originally built in the 13th century to form the southeast corner along the Dublin city wall, Dublin Castle eventually became located at the heart of the city as the city continued to expand around it. The self-guided tour (€7 for adults or free with your Dublin pass) gets you access to the State Apartments, where you can walk through several rooms including the Throne Room where the visiting British monarch would sit and have homage paid to him, and the grand St Patrick's Hall, used now for the inauguration of each Irish president. The state bedrooms feature rotating exhibitions throughout the year. For €3 more, you can upgrade to the 70-minute guided tour of the Apartments, the Viking Excavation and the Chapel Royal. We did the self-guided tour. There's a Dublin Castle app you can download to your phone, which provides some info and an audio walkthrough of the Apartments. The app has audio for most but not all of the rooms. The brochure from the Ticket Office was a decent supplement. But in retrospect, we probably missed a lot of good info by not doing the guided tour. Both the castle and the surrounding landscaping are a beautiful sight to see. Definitely check out the Dubh Linn Garden and the adjacent Chester Beatty Library while you're here. Access to both is free, so why not? read more

Beautiful and historical place, it was under renovation like most buildings in Europe in the summer. Unfortunately it was closed so I was unable to see the inside. It is very close to temple bar so if you are staying in the area, I am recommending visiting this place. read more

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The guided tour was well worth the price. We used our Dublin pass for free admission and the tour. The guide was well informed and seemed to genuinely enjoy her job. She also had a humour that when interjected was appropriate and well timed. Her humor added to the tour not getting dry or boring. I believe that if you walk away from a tour with new knowledge then it was a good tour. The castle itself is well preserved and presents some awesome exhibits. I particularly enjoyed the Viking excavation site. read more

Dublin Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

Dublin Castle was very beautiful but what I thought was cool was the remaining sections from the original castle. It amazes me that structures built so long ago still stand today. The entire structure is not standing but bits of it remains. We also got to see the chapel which was featured in one of my favorite shows from before, The Tudors. In there, you'll also see an organ instrument that was given as a gift from Queen Victoria (i think..). When I went there, there were also beautiful sand sculptures in the outside area. The whole place was lovely. They also have free lockers to hold your bags in during the tour. read more

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€7 for the self guided tour of the Palace or €10 for a guided tour of the castle, church and the palace. The guided tour was totally worth the extra €3. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we had a great time learning about the castle. Beautiful palace and the best part was that Justin Trudeau was hosted here recently! read more

Dublin Castle is right in the heart of the city. There's a small portion of the building that looks like an old castle. Most of what we saw was 19th century. There's a lot of paintings and embellished interiors. The inauguration room for Ireland's president is neat. That was at the end of the tour. The feeling I got from this tour was that Irish debutantes would spend time in this building. They had debutante balls here. There's a depiction of them going up the entrance staircase in their fine dresses. There's a room where the women would sit and hang out while "men" were doing "business." There's a chapel you enter on tour that feels 500 years old, but the rest of it is more modern. read more

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My friend and I came here expecting an actual castle (definitely didn't do our research first) and when we spoke to the security guard onsite who let us know that it wasn't really a castle we were pretty disappointed. The building is actually a city hall-type place and could only stay on the basement and first level. You can pay to see the estate and apartments, but we decided to stay on the first level and take pictures of the awesome statues and architecture of the domed hall. It is very nice if you have little bit of time to spare but don't want to do a full tour. read more

Dublin Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

What a very interesting tour! We start outside in the courtyard in a fine mist. Our tour guide had on a light jacket and no hat while us tourists were bundled up. But we weren't out there long and it was off to the first stop: under the castle tower. Here they have an excavation of the original castle walls and a great lesson in early history. The tour guide did a great job giving us all the information and time to take a 'closer look' at what we were seeing. After a couple of stops in here it was back outside and into the Chapel. Which is no longer a religious site. But you'll have to take the tour to learn more on that. After spending quite a long time in this beautiful building, it was back outside for a bit more history and then back into the main building and up the Grand Imperial Staircase. Although this building has been through renovations and rooms are not necessarily used as originally intended, it is a beautiful building. The tour continues to offer history lessons interspersed with humor and information on art and culture. There are quite a few stairs on this tour, and I do not remember seeing elevators, but there may be. Their website may have more information for those who need this information. There is also a coffee shop with outdoor terrace if you have time for a coffee and pastry before your tour. Everything looked amazing, but we only got a water. The terrace over looks the Dubh Linn Garden (you find out what that means on the tour) which is a lovely little green space and right next to the Chester Beatty library museum. A tour of Dublin Castle really does need to be on your list. It was great fun as well as informative. read more

Great experience! Even though it was pouring rain, we had a wonderful time touring the castle and grounds. The rain added to the impact of what it must have felt like living in a cold and damp place. At least they had refuge and safety. The historic aspects of this tour were very cool and enlightening to how life was lived in back in the day. A must see destination! read more

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Lovely! I didn't get a chance to enter the Dublin Castle but the facade was gorgeous! Would love to have the chance to come back and go inside! There's so much lush greenery in their gardens too! read more

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Ever wondered where the term "Wallflower" or "Loose Woman" came from? WELL! Come to the Dublin Castle to find out the origins of these words and much, much more! During our tour one of the first things the Guide stopped to explain was, "Why doesn't the Castle *look* Medieval?" Simple answer, it burned down. A long time ago a fire was started somewhere in the castle and unfortunately it found its way to the Powder Keg Room. BOOM! The Medieval castle of yonder was blown up. Oops. My favorite part of the tour was the elaborately decorated waiting area for young women who were soon to be debuted in front of the King or Viceroy! The room was large enough to accommodate their hoop skirts, the walls were adorned with floral wallpaper, and mirrors were strategically placed on the floor so that they could check their Petticoats before dashing off to the ball! This room is interesting for several reasons. Apparently, etiquette during those days involved waiting for Gentlemen to extend an invitation to the ball *after* their debut. Unfortunately, sometimes these lovely ladies would wait for HOURS as the Gentleman became inebriated at the ball and would often forget about them, hence the term "wall flowers" (derived from the floral patterned wallpaper that was in the waiting area.) And the mirrors to check if your petticoats were tightly into place? Well, if the petticoat became loose at the ball, for one reason or another, you were called a "loose woman." For shame. I love to find out origins of words like that! Dublin Castle is an interesting stop as well as an engrossing escape from the weather as erratic as a snow globe that plagues Ireland...Just make sure your Petticoat is in place. read more

Dublin Castle - The famous "waiting room." - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

If you're expecting a kind of 'turrets and all' ancient ruin, you may be slightly disappointed with the exterior or Dublin Castle. But the palace-style building standing today is literally just scratching the surface of a site that has been at the epicentre of wealth and power in Dublin for centuries. The castle is still used as an official Government building so taking the guided tour is essential for access to the various rooms and their genuinely rich history, but in my opinion it's a few euros well spent. Your guide won't need to strive to name-drop dignitaries and events which have graced the castle walls and the tour concludes underground with an impressive look at some of the castles original stone features. The critical difference in a visit to Dublin Castle compared to some of the city's other tourist hotspots, is that cheesy Irishy-Irishness is confined to the gift shop and rarely sprinkled throughout the tour (apart from a few obligatory anecdotes, but sure we'll forgive that). This makes the visit palatable and interesting to tourists and natives alike... maybe even those from beyond The Pale. read more

Dublin Castle - Company website - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

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There's a lot more history here than I realized. Take the tour - it's worth the 4.50 Euro ticket price. Our tour guide (Albert) was very knowledgeable and entertaining and presented the jewels of history to us in a way that roped me in without feeling I had to walk off and tune him out at any point. He's a great guide if you can secure him when visiting! The castle is lovely and still used for events with prominent figures (i.e. Queen Elizabeth's recent visit.) There's only one of the four towers still visible and standing; but, stay for the end of the tour to take a look at the underground ruins / remains. (Before you go, stop and enjoy a glass of wine at Chez Max which sits on a quiet lane at one of the gates. And, be sure you stop for another glass of wine afterward ;) read more

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By no means up there with it's peers in Europe , Dublin castle is still worth a visit assuming expectations are kept in check. read more

Dublin Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

One of those places I always intended to visit but, never got around to it, until this week. It is a beautiful and I am proud to be Irish. You must visit. read more

As long as your not being hauled in front of a tribunal, Dubin Castle is a great place to visit! With lots to see and do. You really don't get more historic and imposing then this and it really is the center of Dublin. Dating from the 1200's, most of todays castle is a collection of 18th century buildings, the exception being the record tower which dates from 1228. A trip into the upper yard is a must see for the castle in all its splendor. Theres a small charge of €4.50 for a guided tour, which includes the state apartments, or the chapel royal and the crypt if they're not available. If you don't want to do that i'd advise a walk around just to take in the history of the place. In addition to the main tour theres also the Garda (Police) museum and the revenue museum, possibly the most boring subject for a museum ever. Also a well stocked gift shop and a café and its well worth checking out the Chester Beatty Library and its gardens which are in the grounds of the castle. read more

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