Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
4
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles • Government Buildings
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9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
Monday
9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
Tuesday
9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
Wednesday
9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
Thursday
9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
Friday
9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
Saturday
9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
Sunday
9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
About
Dublin Castle was for 700 years the seat of British power in Ireland. Today you can still view the remains of the 13th century structure as part of the guided tour. The present Dublin Castle dates from the mid 1700's and today is used by the Irish Governemnt for state events such as the inauguration of the Irish President and state banquets for visiting dignatories. Amongst the highlights are the Ladies Drawing Room, the Throne Room and St. Patricks Hall.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: South City Centre
How to get there
- Jervis • 7 min walk
- St. Stephen's Green • 8 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,096 within 3 miles
Attractions
641 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- David WPaignton, United Kingdom811 contributionsNot how I expected the castle to beWhile touring the island of Ireland while stopping near Dublin we decided to visit Dublin Castle. It wasn’t how I imagined the castle would be with no visible moat and fairly well intact buildings. When we arrived, we booked for an escorted tour of the castle which allows access to areas that are only accessible with a guide like the Chapel Royal. At the pay desk by the entrance we were told we would need to pay with cash as they weren’t able to accept card payments due to a problem with their system. The guide was very helpful and informative and the tour. The state rooms are really spectacular along with the rest of that part of the castle. To me the tour gave a good insight into the history of the Irish War of Independence.Thanks for visiting and leaving us a review, we are so glad you enjoyed your guided tour!Written January 18, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2019Written January 5, 2020
- Tony McMahonLondon, United Kingdom320 contributionsFascinating piece of Irish historySome people get upset because it's not "castle" enough for them. What has happened, as the guide explains, is that over time the medieval castle was rebuilt as 17th century state apartments for the British rulers of Ireland. But it was always called Dublin Castle. It can't be renamed just to satisfy some easily confused tourists. I recommend using the guide's services who will take you underground to look at the remains of the medieval castle and then up above to see the apartment rooms. Also - worth noting that Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, worked here.Visited December 2019Written January 5, 2020
- csul17Indianapolis, Indiana110 contributionsNice Walk Through StopDublin castle is a beautiful bit of architecture in the city. You can pay to enter and find a guided tour but you can walk the grounds and garden for free. There is plenty of signage on the outside to learn about its history and I would recommend spending your time creating a tour (if you're on a student budget). I can't speak for the information on the tour but the info on the signs outside were plenty informative. It's a nice little stop for an hour or so if you're looking for something to do in the city! For free!Visited November 2019Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
5,347 reviews
Excellent
1,844
Very good
1,986
Average
1,189
Poor
247
Terrible
82
Maja I
Osijek, Croatia246 contributions
Dec 2019
This was also a location we visited with our Dublin Pass, so we got off cheap, otherwise the ticket price is too high for what they offer. With a self-guided tour you only get to see the State Apartments, which are a bit underwhelming, and you don't get to see the Medieval Section and Chapel Royal. Also, most of the "castle" actually consists of modern age buildings, and the Medieval Tower is closed off to public. When we were there in December 2019 there was an exhibit of Lady Betty Cobbe's porcelain which had some really beautiful pieces, but other than that we just wandered around the vast and almost empty space. This location for me was one of the most disappointing places in Dublin we saw.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bigwawao
New York City, NY10,138 contributions
Oct 2019
Small castle- don't think it is huge. Not as big as Windsor in my opinion but still very stately.
I suggest you do the tour as it includes the basement excavation where they found viking artifacts that are currently on display at the National Museum Archeology. The guide also gave depth and meaning to the different rooms we visited and gave a short history of Dublin as it related to the castle. Also with a guide you get access to the Medieval section and to the Chapel Royal - something you cannot do on your own.
The castle now is less of a traditional historical castle but more of a place for state functions and has State apartments (which are the only places you can visit on your own).
There was question of whether to buy the tickets in advance or on the day. For some reason, I did not buy it in advance ( as a rule I do) as I did not want to be tied to a specific day and time. I was ready to skip the castle but was thankful I did not. Anyway, I was able to buy the ticket right there and then and was able to get a guided tour slot. The slots do go a bit fast though. I was not able to get the first available slot to me but the next after it. I guess those slots were sold out online.
Highly suggested to visit the Castle.
They have free lockers to use. Restrooms also available.
As a tip, the Chester Beatty museum is within spitting distance. You can visit it before or after the Castle.
I suggest you do the tour as it includes the basement excavation where they found viking artifacts that are currently on display at the National Museum Archeology. The guide also gave depth and meaning to the different rooms we visited and gave a short history of Dublin as it related to the castle. Also with a guide you get access to the Medieval section and to the Chapel Royal - something you cannot do on your own.
The castle now is less of a traditional historical castle but more of a place for state functions and has State apartments (which are the only places you can visit on your own).
There was question of whether to buy the tickets in advance or on the day. For some reason, I did not buy it in advance ( as a rule I do) as I did not want to be tied to a specific day and time. I was ready to skip the castle but was thankful I did not. Anyway, I was able to buy the ticket right there and then and was able to get a guided tour slot. The slots do go a bit fast though. I was not able to get the first available slot to me but the next after it. I guess those slots were sold out online.
Highly suggested to visit the Castle.
They have free lockers to use. Restrooms also available.
As a tip, the Chester Beatty museum is within spitting distance. You can visit it before or after the Castle.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting and leaving us a review! We are so glad you enjoyed your guided tour!
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tim C
Milborne Port, UK173 contributions
Oct 2021
This is the free bit of Dublin Castle and it is very good within the confines of what is accessible.
All clean, with proper security on Covid - people actively check whether you have a mask and you are shepherded around a fixed route with limited stuff to touch.
Great that everyone can see, for free, the location where the ceremonial components of Irish national life take place. That said, they could do with putting a bit more information onto what the various paintings/sculptures/furniture were, and where they had actually put some explanatory note, this was very short and uninformative. There was limited opportunity to slide off into an alcove and be more informed.
Nonetheless, free and interesting, well laid out and a hint at what the castle must have been like a century and a bit ago.
All clean, with proper security on Covid - people actively check whether you have a mask and you are shepherded around a fixed route with limited stuff to touch.
Great that everyone can see, for free, the location where the ceremonial components of Irish national life take place. That said, they could do with putting a bit more information onto what the various paintings/sculptures/furniture were, and where they had actually put some explanatory note, this was very short and uninformative. There was limited opportunity to slide off into an alcove and be more informed.
Nonetheless, free and interesting, well laid out and a hint at what the castle must have been like a century and a bit ago.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hanna718
NOVA554 contributions
Jul 2022
Bought my ticket ahead of time online, but only option (maybe still due to COVID restrictions) was the self-guided tour. Was able to upgrade at check in, though had to wait about 1.5 hours until the next available. This was a weekend, so on a weekday you might be able to get in sooner to your time. I was glad I paid the extra 4(?) Euro to do so, The self-guided ticket only gets you into the state apartments, which are interesting and full of art, but pretty limited. With the guided tour we also got to see the viking excavation and the chapel. The Tower itself remains closed. Worth seeing, but do not go in expecting castle. It was blown up, and then renovated much through the years, it is now used for official government events.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott B
Wantagh, NY676 contributions
Sep 2022
We paid for the tour and that was two parts, a tour of the unground castle ruins and the nearby Abbey, and then the self guided tour that is in the other portions of the building which hosts large national events, dignitaries, swearing in of officials (and presidents). This is a very fancy decorated building with artwork throughout, and some extremely large rooms for official functions.
The tour of the undergrounds was interesting where you see the ruins of the old castle and even water seeping in from the nearby river. The tour of the church explains why it is no longer used, since they want to keep state and church separate. But it is still very decorative and they said over the holiday season in December they deck it out fully and admission is free to the church only.
The tour of the undergrounds was interesting where you see the ruins of the old castle and even water seeping in from the nearby river. The tour of the church explains why it is no longer used, since they want to keep state and church separate. But it is still very decorative and they said over the holiday season in December they deck it out fully and admission is free to the church only.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and leaving us a review, we are glad you enjoyed your guided tour!
Written October 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthew J
Warrington, UK356 contributions
Aug 2023
We visited Dublin Castle whilst in the City Centre and I have to admit, this exceeded my expectations!
When we arrived, we bought tickets for four adults at the desk. The guy serving was friendly and helpful and worked through the short queue of customers nice and quickly.
This castle itself is very grand and it's lovely to walk around the various different rooms. When you look at it from the outside, it doesn't look like a castle in a traditional sense, but the interior is truly magnificent. You can also read about the castle's history and artefacts in each of the different rooms as there is information on the walls.
I also liked that some of the rooms have seating areas so you can take a seat if you have mobility problems.
The whole place is VERY well-kept and the gent's toilets were spotless.
The only thing I would raise is that the entrance fee is not the cheapest in the world. We paid 8€ per person, so for us that was 32€ spent before we entered, which was a bit steep considering there's not a lot to the inside. You can easily see the full place in an hour. Also, The Wedgwood Room features a couple of male sculptures that display parts of the human anatomy that you might not want to see, if you know what I mean! This is not a criticism - it's just something you might want to bear in mind!
Having said that, I would still recommend a visit here as it is still cheaper than some other attractions in the area. Would recommend!
When we arrived, we bought tickets for four adults at the desk. The guy serving was friendly and helpful and worked through the short queue of customers nice and quickly.
This castle itself is very grand and it's lovely to walk around the various different rooms. When you look at it from the outside, it doesn't look like a castle in a traditional sense, but the interior is truly magnificent. You can also read about the castle's history and artefacts in each of the different rooms as there is information on the walls.
I also liked that some of the rooms have seating areas so you can take a seat if you have mobility problems.
The whole place is VERY well-kept and the gent's toilets were spotless.
The only thing I would raise is that the entrance fee is not the cheapest in the world. We paid 8€ per person, so for us that was 32€ spent before we entered, which was a bit steep considering there's not a lot to the inside. You can easily see the full place in an hour. Also, The Wedgwood Room features a couple of male sculptures that display parts of the human anatomy that you might not want to see, if you know what I mean! This is not a criticism - it's just something you might want to bear in mind!
Having said that, I would still recommend a visit here as it is still cheaper than some other attractions in the area. Would recommend!
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Matthew. We're delighted that you found our team of staff helpful and our toilets 'spotless'! Thanks for your review of the site.
Written September 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luce
8 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
A great, well-maintained and historical building with a modern twist. The self guided tour was easy to follow with the information booklet and tickets were fairly priced. I opted for the additional guided tour of the medieval remains and chapel and would highly recommend if you are short on time during your visit.
Our guide Darragh was very informative and engaging, and provided lots of historical facts about the medieval engineering of the ruins. The chapel was also stunning. The tour was well timed to an hour and all staff were very friendly and helpful.
Our guide Darragh was very informative and engaging, and provided lots of historical facts about the medieval engineering of the ruins. The chapel was also stunning. The tour was well timed to an hour and all staff were very friendly and helpful.
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lucy. Thanks for your positive feedback. We'll be sure to pass on your lovely comments to our Tour Guide Darragh and the rest of our wonderful guiding team. Thanks again.
Written May 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Minnie0108
Zagreb, Croatia111 contributions
Apr 2022
Definitely worth a visit!
It might not take a long time for you to take a tour around the castle (30-45 minutes), but it is a very interesting and important building for Dublin and Ireland.
We saw some beautiful paintings and pieces of furniture and read some incredible stories about certain rooms in the castle.
The tickets are also quite inexpensive so if you are in Dublin, I think you should visit the castle.
It might not take a long time for you to take a tour around the castle (30-45 minutes), but it is a very interesting and important building for Dublin and Ireland.
We saw some beautiful paintings and pieces of furniture and read some incredible stories about certain rooms in the castle.
The tickets are also quite inexpensive so if you are in Dublin, I think you should visit the castle.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting and leaving us a review! We're glad you enjoyed your experience here in Dublin Castle.
Written May 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gaetano A
Malton, UK709 contributions
Dec 2019
This Castle was once the royal residence of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Until 1922 it was a seat of the British Government's administration in Ireland. Nowadays, it is a major Irish government complex, a conference centre and a tourist attraction. You can go around the Castle for free but to admire the marvelous and richly decorated buildings inside you have to join a guided tour at a price.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ju W
Fort Lauderdale, FL71 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Might be worth shelling out the extra cash for a guided tour. We did the self guided. You can tell that the small castle is mostly used for diplomatic meetings and state visits. Very strong British presence with British portraits hung throughout and the English primrose displayed almost everywhere.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H
1 contribution
I'm confused about the difference in self guided and guided tours, looks like I can sign up for self guided 14 days in advance but a full tour with guide can't be reserved except on the day of the tour. is that correct? Thanks
GAR
191 contributions
I think this is correct, I had the same problem myself. I ended up doing a self guided tour, they give visitors a booklet which I think provided plenty of information
What time do the tours commence each day? On the website I can only find timeslots for self guided tours
Mandy C
Arlington, VA121 contributions
When we visited in October 2022 the first tour was at 10:00 am.
Concha B
17 contributions
hola queria saber si tienen audioguia en español o algun tipo de informacion para hacer el recorrido en español.
DublinCastle_OPW
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
We have written information in Spanish, but our audio guide is currently only in English.
Josephine B
Charlestown, RI584 contributions
Where is there parking close to Dublin castle? Thanks
Robert K
Santa Clara, CA22 contributions
Google parking lots near me. We walked and used the Green Hop and Hop Off Bus and walked in town. It's in a commercial area with lots of restaurants so there has to be parking nearby.
Vacation43007801386
2 contributions
Ciao a tutti volevo sapere se la visita guidata al Castello di Dublino c'è anche in Italiano oppure no. Grazie a tutti
ITRT
Virginia38,554 contributions
contact them directly at dublincastle
Guided Tours
Guided Tour (60 minutes) of the State Apartments, Medieval Section and Chapel Royal.
Admission
Adult €12
Senior (60+) €10
Student (valid student ID required) €10
Child (12-17) €6
Family (max. 2 adults & 5 children) €30
Self-guiding
Visitors can choose to self-guide (access to State Apartments and exhibitions only). We offer brochures on the State Apartments in seventeen languages at the ticket desk as well as additional information resources – simply ask one of our guides at the information desk in the State Apartments.
Admission
Adult €8
Senior (60+) €6
Student (valid student ID required) €6
Child (12-17) €4
Family (max. 2 adults & 5 children) €20
chicchic325
Houston, TX48 contributions
Do we need to buy tickets in advance? Do they actually seel out at the ticket booth?
DublinCastle_OPW
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
Hi there, tickets are available to book online but we have tickets available for walk-ins as well. These sell out during the day so the earlier you come in, the more choice you have.
Terry G
Norwich, UK12 contributions
do you have to go on guided tour to visit undercroft? can you see it on self-guided tour?
DublinCastle_OPW
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
Hi Terry, you can only visit the undercroft with the guided tour.
virtusTorino
Province of Turin, Italy59 contributions
All'interno del Castello si possono effettuare foto o riprese con la telecamera?
DublinCastle_OPW
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
You are allowed to take photos without flash!
Xannabob
10 contributions
A tad confused. Went to book a guided tour so we could see all areas today. Came to choose the date and time and the price came up at €12 even though it states on their website it is €10 admission for tour. What has everyone else paid?
DublinCastle_OPW
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
Hi there, from January 1st 2018 our prices will increase, so if your chosen date is in the new year you will be paying the new price.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dublin Castle
- Dublin Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:45 AM - 5:15 PM
- We recommend booking Dublin Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 78 Dublin Castle tours on Tripadvisor
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