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Dublin Castle

Dame Street, Dublin, County Dublin

Description

Dublin Castle was designed with a central courtyard surrounded by defensive walls on a small hill in the 13th century. However, most of the current buildings date from the 19th century and have a residential and administrative purpose; the castle now hosts the inauguration of each President of Ireland and various State receptions. The complex includes several towers (the main one being the "Medieval Tower), the Chapel Royal, the State Apartments with highlights such as the State Drawing Room and St Patrick’s Hall, gardens, and a Viking excavation.

Access & Transport

The castle is 200m south of the River Liffey, close to Christ Church, in the centre of Dublin. Several bus services stop nearby on South Great George's Street and along Dame St.

Instructions & Recommendations

Guided tours run from 10h00 to 16h00 daily and tickets are available for purchase on site on the day itself. Online self-guided tickets are available to book online from 14 days in advance

Meta review

The castle is generally not ranked among the very best attractions in the city and the online reviews convey mixed feedback. There are some visitors who really enjoy the State Apartments and the Chapel Royal, advising to take the guided tour to get the most out of it, but a significant number of reviewers are somewhat underwhelmed whether because they expected a complex with more medieval character or because they compare the castle to some of its much more impressive counterparts elsewhere on the British Isles. Other recurring comments include the fact that admission is reasonably priced and that there is a lack information about the paintings on display.

Environmental & Social

Some electricity consumption. Part of the city's architectural and historical heritages.

Conclusion

We commend a visit to Dublin Castle for those who want to learn more about the city's history and that of the successive governments that ruled from there. If you interest is in medieval fortifications, you may be a little disappointed.

Key positive

Interesting historical background

Key negative

Lacks medieval charm

Suitability

Accessible for wheelchair users except for the Viking Excavation.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission is 30mins before closing

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday09:45 - 17:45

Tuesday09:45 - 17:45

Wednesday09:45 - 17:45

Thursday09:45 - 17:45

Friday09:45 - 17:45

Saturday09:45 - 17:45

Sunday09:45 - 17:45

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
60 - 99
€6
Adult
18 - 59
€8
Teen & Young
12 - 17
€4
Child
3 - 11
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Student Ticket (18+): €6.00
Family price

Max total number:5

Max number of adults:2

Min.child age:12

Max.child age:17

Price for family€20

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