Dublin Castle Tours

Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture and street scenes
Dublin Castle showing a park
Dublin Castle which includes a park, heritage architecture and chateau or palace
Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
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 colorful 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 center 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.

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Reviews of Dublin Castle

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
658
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
574
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
161
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
26
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The Chester Beatty Museum next to Dublin Castle was one of the highlights of our entire Ireland vacation. We had already seen The Book of Kells at Trinity College but this collection was amazing!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Get there earlier in the day

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Only toured the Beatty Museum located in the gardens of the Castle. Ancient relegious manuscripts dating back over a 1,000 years old...amazing.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Was included on our walking tour but wasn’t worth the walk.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very beautiful castle. Try to look in advance to find out when the tours are. The extra information is worth the time and effort.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Not a lot to see on self tour

Popular places to visit


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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dublin Castle

When visiting Dublin Castle, don't miss out on heritage tours that delve into its rich history. For a more personalized experience, consider private tours or even horse riding nearby. Make sure to engage a knowledgeable tour guide to enhance your visit. As the sun sets, explore the vibrant nightlife in the area, offering a perfect blend of local culture and entertainment to round off your day.

Shopping

For shopping near Dublin Castle, visit Jervis Shopping Center, just 0.4 miles away, offering a lively atmosphere. Brown Thomas Flagship Store is also nearby at 0.3 miles, while Powerscourt Townhouse is a short 0.2 miles away, featuring unique shops and dining options.

Recreation

Explore Croke Park for an exhilarating sports experience, just a mile from Dublin Castle, where you can soak in the energetic atmosphere. Enjoy a concert at the 3Arena, located two miles away, or unwind at Clontarf Golf Club, three miles away, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and outdoor vibes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Clara Lara Fun Park's zipline ropes course, offering an exhilarating outdoor adventure only 0.3 miles from Dublin Castle. For a scenic hike, embark on the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, a stunning 16-mile trail that showcases Ireland's beautiful coastline.

Nightlife

In Dublin Castle, the Gaiety Theatre offers a blend of culture and romance just 0.3 miles away, while the nearby Olympia Theatre and Smock Alley Theatre, both 0.1 miles away, promise captivating performances, making for a vibrant nightlife filled with entertainment and family-friendly vibes.

*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, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area. Explore nearby attractions like Clontarf Castle and the medieval architecture that defines historic Dublin. Enjoy leisurely walks in urban parks or discover educational experiences at local colleges. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or a taste of Dublin's vibrant atmosphere, there's plenty to see and do around this iconic landmark.

  • Trinity College: Explore Ireland's oldest university, home to the stunning Book of Kells. This historic institution offers a blend of rich culture and beautiful architecture, perfect for history enthusiasts and book lovers alike.
  • St. Stephen's Green: Enjoy a peaceful retreat in this beautifully landscaped urban park. Ideal for families, it features walking paths, lush gardens, and a tranquil lake, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
  • Grafton Street: Experience the vibrant energy of this bustling shopping street, where you can find everything from luxury boutiques to street performers. It's a lively hub for shopping and entertainment, reflecting the city's dynamic spirit.

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, plan your trip between December and February, when hotel prices are lowest. Book about a month in advance and consider Tuesday stays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, refine your search by budget and preferences, and explore package options that combine flights and hotels. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don't forget to check for free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Dublin Castle with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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