Dublin Castle

Built in the city center, Dublin Castle is a magnificent 13th century building, partially open to the public. Strong symbol of the Irish capital, this castle has been through many historical events, and remains to this day, one of the most important monuments in the whole of Dublin! A strong tourist site, to be discovered without hesitation!

History of Dublin Castle

A castle symbolizing the supremacy of the Normans over the Irish..

Built in 1204 by order of King John, Dublin Castle was built on the site of a former Viking fort. Its construction was intended to symbolize the British domination over Ireland, and by extension, the reign of the Anglo-Normans over the Irish.

The castle was strongly influenced by the Romanesque style: its architecture, purely based on medieval building rules, consisted of a structure of moats, walls and ramparts as well as crenellated towers.

Architecture of Dublin Castle…

The Record Tower, erected in 1258, is to this day the oldest vestige to have been preserved as is. The rest of the castle has evolved over the centuries towards a more neoclassical style, due to fires that devastated the wings of the fortress (1670, 1684). Sir William Robinson thus ordered the construction of 2 inner courtyards: the Upper Yard and the Lower Yard.

In 1812, the Octagonal Tower was added to the construction. It is a tower inspired by the style of the Record Tower, whose much smaller size highlights the castle’s past Romanesque influences.

In the 20th century the Bermingham Tower, the south-west tower of the castle, was upgraded to push its neo-gothic accents.

Over the years, Dublin Castle has welcomed great personalities within its walls, and is still to this day the site of political ceremonies. The investiture of the President, for example, or the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 took place in this castle.

Visit Dublin Castle

Only a few accesses, for a castle with multiple influences

Nowadays it is possible to visit Dublin Castle. However, you will not have access to all the rooms. For 4.50€, a guide will show you the secrets and exciting history of the castle.

So you can visit:

• the Bermingham Tower: Gothic Revival style tower with dining room
• the Octogonal Tower: a Romanesque tower dating from the 19th century
• the Record Tower: the oldest of the castle’s towers: this one dates from 1258
• the Church of the Most Holy Trinity : neo-gothic church
• the Belford Tower: neo-gothic tower built in the 18th century to enhance the entrance to Cork Hill
• the Throne Room: the room where the vice kings received their guests. This room is highly visited, because of the throne that was installed there: William of Orange would have given it as a gift after his victory at the Battle of the Boyne.

The visit is interesting and playful. A great attraction that will suit medieval history enthusiasts!

So much more to discover...