Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle was built in 1204 on a site previously settled by the Vikings and has been the heart of Dublin City’s history, making it a must see on your to do list in Dublin!

It was used as a military fortress, a prison, treasury, courts of law and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Rebuilt in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Dublin Castle is now used for important State receptions and Presidential Inaugurations.

Today the site contains 2 museums, 2 cafés, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, Government Buildings and the State Apartments which are the most important state rooms in the country.

The grounds of the site are free to explore, as is the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum. Access to the State Apartments is by guided tour only and tickets may be purchased from the Apartments in the upper castle yard.

Free Access to Dublin Castle on First Wednesday of Every Month.

Our Location

If you are planning a visit to Dublin for a sight seeing adventure why not make a night of it and stay in the Red Cow Moran Hotel.

Situated just off Dame Street on the south side of the River Liffey, Dublin Castle is only a 17minute drive (9.4km) from the Red Cow Hotel and public transport services are easily accessible via bus 13. Dublin bus stop is only a short distance from the hotel and will take you into the city centre, leaving you just 3 minutes from Dublin Castle.