Dublin Castle, Dublin (must see)

A visit to Dublin Castle, just off Dame Street, should be on everyone’s “must see” list. It is used for state functions, including the inauguration of the Irish President. It also houses the Revenue Commissioners, offices of the Public Works and certain sections of the Garda Siochana.

The castle was first built in 1204, 35 years after the Norman invasion of Ireland. King John of England ordered its construction as a defense measure for the population and also to protect the King’s Treasury. A typical Norman construction, it consisted of a central courtyard, surrounded by high walls with four towers at each corner.

Inside, the castle courtyard contained several wooden buildings, until the Great Hall was added in the Middle Ages. Built of stone and wood, it was used for banquets, as a courtroom and sometimes as the Parliament house too. The hall was demolished in 1673 after suffering extensive fire damage.

The castle was rebuilt and extended between the 17th and 20th centuries, and today the main complex comprises the State Apartments, made up of St Patrick’s Hall, the State Dining Room, the State Drawing Room, the State Corridor and the Throne Room, which was once the Battleaxe Hall. These rooms, along with the Undercroft, the Heritage Centre, the Chapel Royal, the Craft Shop and the castle restaurant, are open daily to visitors.

Why You Should Visit:
Spacious and beautiful; the huge courtyard allows for breathtaking panoramic photographs.
Great history to read up on, large rooms and chandeliers, good little tea shop which sells cakes, pastries, etc., with doors to the ground which are nicely kept and good to walk around.

Tip:
Definitely go for the guided tour! If you just see the castle grounds from the outside (free), you will miss the real thing. Note: the numbers on the tours are limited, so it would be worth booking to guarantee a slot at the time you want.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:45am-5:15pm