Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Dublin Castle featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace
Dublin Castle which includes heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture


Discover medieval excavations from a Viking ruin and appreciate the majesty of the state apartments, the chapel and the landscape gardens.

The 18th-century Dublin Castle is among the city’s most iconic sites. A small park with pretty floral displays lies behind the castle, which replaced a 13th-century Viking military fortress. Learn its fascinating history as the seat of British and Irish governments over the centuries.

Arrive in the spacious Georgian courtyard and snap photos of the historic castle. Gaze up at the Bedford Tower, which dates back to 1761. The façade has a bright green dome atop a clock tower. Note the Romanesque qualities, such as the stately columns and large pediment, of the base of the structure.

Look for the Record Tower, the only preserved part from the medieval castle that predated the current structure. Take a guided tour of the castle for a better understanding of its history. See relics from Vikings and browse the stately Georgian chambers. Enter the majestic Chapel Royal for its extraordinary Gothic revival interior. Today, the castle is used for state receptions and presidential inaugurations.

Stroll through the pleasant Dubh Linn Garden and appreciate its landscape designs. Visit the charming individual gardens that have colourful flowers and plants. The central lawn is circular with patterns of brick paths weaving through it. It doubles as a helicopter landing pad. Note the Celtic symbolism in the snake paths and maze gardens.

Purchase souvenirs and items with a castle theme from the gift shop. Snacks and refreshments are available in the Silk Road Café. Hear tales about the castle’s rich past, including the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels here in 1907.

The castle is open daily year-round except for a few closures for festive holidays. Visit between morning and late afternoon. The castle opens several hours later on Sundays. Select a guided-tour ticket for access to the State Apartments. Children and students get discounts.

Dublin Castle is on the southern side of the River Liffey in the centre of Dublin in one of the most historical parts of the city. Take a bus to a stop in front of the castle. Visit the nearby attractions, such as City Hall, the Olympia Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral.

Tours & day trips

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Things to do near Dublin Castle

When visiting Dublin Castle, you can engage in various activities such as guided tours that explore its rich history. Nearby, you can enjoy sports, including football, and discover vibrant local attractions. For a more structured experience, consider an activity sheet to help navigate your visit and uncover exciting things to do in Dublin. This blend of culture and recreation makes for a memorable trip to the heart of the city.

Shopping

For shopping near Dublin Castle, visit the Jervis Shopping Centre, just 644m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. The Brown Thomas Flagship Store is 483m away, showcasing luxury goods. Powerscourt Townhouse, only 322m away, combines shopping with entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

Croke Park, located a mile from Dublin Castle, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, 3Arena, two miles away, provides a vibrant entertainment vibe with its live music events. For a more relaxed experience, Hollywood Lakes Golf Club, just half 1.6km away, invites you to enjoy the outdoors amid stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating adventure at Clara Lara Fun Park, a zipline and ropes course located 483m from Dublin Castle, offering thrilling outdoor experiences. For climbing enthusiasts, Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, 8.0km away, presents a dynamic indoor climbing environment. Experience the tranquility of Tinnahinch Fly Fishing Centre, situated 19.3km away, perfect for outdoor fishing.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Dublin Castle by visiting the Gaiety Theatre, just 483m away, for a romantic evening of culture. Alternatively, enjoy a show at the Olympia Theatre or Smock Alley Theatre, both 161m away, offering family-friendly entertainment and a lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dublin Castle

When visiting Dublin Castle, tourists can explore a variety of attractions including vibrant streets, urban parks, and historic universities. These points of interest offer a rich cultural experience and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local heritage and urban life of Dublin. Enjoy the blend of history and modernity that this area has to offer.

  • Trinity College: A historic jewel, Trinity College is renowned for its stunning architecture and the remarkable Book of Kells. This university exudes a rich cultural atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore its ancient library and beautiful grounds, located 644m from Dublin Castle.
  • St. Stephen's Green: This urban park offers a serene escape in the heart of the city. With lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and vibrant flowerbeds, it's perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, situated 805m from Dublin Castle.
  • Grafton Street: A bustling thoroughfare, Grafton Street is famous for its lively atmosphere, street performers, and a variety of shops and cafes. It's the ideal place for a leisurely stroll, located 483m from Dublin Castle.

Best time to go to Dublin Castle

The best time to visit Dublin Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dublin Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dublin Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dublin Castle

To save money on your visit to Dublin Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings. Don't forget to check cancellation options and amazing deals to maximise your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dublin Castle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Dublin Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dublin Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dublin Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation at Dublin Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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