Dublin Castle

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

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!

Rainy and dreary and still wonderful. We happen to stumble upon the president during the 100 th anniversary ceremony of the Rebellion! Not only was that amazing but we ran into a group of Deaf, I know ASL so I was so excited when I realized we could understand each other. ISL is as beautiful as ASL. I was so happy to have the experience! What a wonderful moment in my life!

Dublin Castle was much less assuming then other castles I’ve toured in Europe. Despite the conservative appearance I thought the castle and accompanying tour were well worth it. It was interesting to learn about the many roles the castle has served throughout history. The castle is definitely worth a visit even if you only have time for a quick stroll around the courtyard.

Beautiful and historic, the castle should be near the top of anyone’s list for touring Dublin city. The architecture is astounding and very imposing. Make sure to explore the courtyard for more modern architecture that feels a bit more like a palace. There are also two museums here as well as a café. Now the Irish government owns the building and uses it for some meetings and visits still.

If you just want to have a nosy in the courtyard — you can wander about for free (plus in the summer months look out for the giant sand sculptures).
However, (usually) If you want to look inside at the ancient foundations and the state rooms you’ll have to pay. Worth a look to see the beautiful insides banqueting halls, shimmering chandeliers, and catch a glimpse of the ancient city walls. You also have the option to either wander round yourself (state rooms only) or get a guided tour (same price).
As a bonus tip — first Wed of every month its free to visit!

Not to far from the Temple Bar District, & easy enough to find from other quarters of the city, this impressive monument to Dublin’s rich history is free to walk around the grounds, but as a visitor, you’d benefit significantly more from a guided tour. It’s now essentially a government administrative complex, in addition to being a significant tourist attraction.

There’s a tour, or it’s free to have a wander round the outside of the buildings and the courtyard. Sometimes there’s a bit of added interest in the courtyard — when I visited last year there was a sand sculpture exhibition, on my most recent trip there was a food market setting up for the weekend. There are a few other places of interest in the immediate vicinity (the Dubh Linn Gardens to the rear of the castle buildings, and the Chester Beatty Library) that make this worth spending a couple of hours in the area.

Visited April 2015: «More like a manor house then a Castle»
While waiting in line (queue) we noticed the sign for the Heritage Pass which is good for all over the Republic of Ireland. We spoke to the cashier, and she provided us a map of which locations take the pass. It was also 25 Euros for about 100 places to see.
We then ate lunch at the Tea Room since we both did not have breakfast. I got a Chicken Salad sandwich on brown bread and a slice of their carrot cake with lemon frosting. It was divine, the cake that is. I have to admit that I ate it all with no guilt.
We then went to see the State Rooms which were built as the residential and public area of the Viceregal Court. They are currently using it to inaugurate the President of Ireland and other state needs. It was really cool to see that not only has Ireland had a Women president, but 2 and one was reelected for a second term. Again, I have to admit that I was photo crazy.

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.

Dublin Castle isn’t really a castle, not anymore anyways! However I would highly recommend the tour for 8.50 euros. For 6.50 you only get aself guided tour of the state rooms (which are impressive with beautiful paintings and furniture) however for 2 more euros you get a tour of about 20 people which includes seeing the medieval remains with a explanation of what the castle used to be like and also you get to go inside the 18^th century chapel. All in all a good tour, very interesting to learn about medieval Dublin, 18^th century Dublin and also a bit about the 20^th century rebellions. Our tour guide was also excellent. 3* only because I think other attractions in Dublin top this and I have been to more stunning state rooms and more impressive ruins. A must for the history and all for a very good price.

Easy to access, easy to find, and free to walk around.
The garden was really pretty, especially if you walk around the side paths. You can bring a book and sit and read along the benches. It’s nice and quiet here.

This is not a very decorative or super ornate castle. It looks more fort-​like than some of the other more extravagant castles i’ve seen. It really only has a few really decorative rooms inside. However, this landmark has played a central role in the political history of Ireland and is a must see for tourists and history buffs alike. This is where the British ruled Ireland from and where the Irish war of independence was finally won. Though, I think there are better attractions in this city (like the prison), I would say to anyone «just go and see it!» The castle has so much cultural and historical significance it would be a shame to leave it out of your trip. I had a great time and learned a lot about Irelands political history in the process. I’m a descendant of Irish immigrants who moved to America and I found the tour extremely interesting and significant! Two thumbs up!

I’ve only ever hung out in the gardens, so that’s what I’m reviewing. I hear the castle tour is actually very informative.
The gardens are very pleasant. It’s a unique design and a great opportunity for a photo op! On a sunny day it’s normally busier than a cold November, but nonetheless if you’re in town you ‘ought to take a stroll around the gardens or if it’s sunny enjoy a nice picnic and some fun in the sun.
Again, lovely picture opportunity, visiting the gardens is free. A nice little hideaway on this side of town.

Rick Steve’s guidebook is usually on point, however I think they were pretty off base on this one! They stated it was a boring tour, and I couldn’t disagree more! The tour last a little over an hour and gives a brief highlight of Irish history from medieval times to present day. Lots of interesting information while seeing some pretty beautiful spaces.

This is the second time visiting the Dublin Castle, but my parents wanted to see it so off I went for the second time.
You pay for entrance and can either self-​guide through the main part of the castle and go with the guide underneath the castle. Or you can wait for the guide. I recommend waiting for the guide or you aren’t going to know what exactly you are looking at honestly.
There’s a lot of history that went on right in this very place and it is still used for state events. The ballroom with the portraits was probably my favorite room, I really liked hearing about them. You get to go underneath where the old wall was as well although it takes some imagination to figure out what it would have looked like when it wasn’t underground. Sure, it isn’t a castle per se anymore, but it is historically significant and teaches you a bit about Irish history.
Give it a visit when you are in Dublin and learn some history before hitting up the pubs.

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.

If you only go on one tour or visit one place when you are in Dublin, make it the Dublin Castle.
It is beautiful. and so full of history.
We opted to take the tour. Our tour guide was so good. She was so informative, lots of great information.
This is the sight of Ireland’s freedom from England. Michael Collins and all. Strangely that night we even saw the movie on the telly which was filmed right there at the Castle.
It is not much of a charge to visit the Castle. You learn a lot about the Art work and why the rooms are decorated the was they are.
You get to tour the original area that is still there from the Viking Days. There is a fantastic Chapel there as well, which is used in the filming of The Tudors.
Love It.

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.

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 ;)