Sight
Dublin Castle
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Dublin Castle stands in the heart of the city as a symbol of Ireland's complex history. Built on a site originally settled by Vikings, the castle served as the center of British administration in Ireland for over 700 years. Today, it is a major tourist attraction and still used for state functions, including presidential inaugurations. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, richly decorated with tapestries and chandeliers, the medieval Record Tower, and the beautiful Dubh Linn Gardens. The castle's architecture spans centuries, from the 13th-century tower to the 18th-century Georgian buildings. The Chester Beatty Library, housed in the castle grounds, holds a world-class collection of manuscripts and artifacts.
Don't miss
- Tour the opulent State Apartments, used for state receptions
- Climb the Record Tower for views over the city
- Stroll through the Dubh Linn Gardens, named after the dark pool that gave Dublin its name
- Visit the Chester Beatty Library, a world-class museum of manuscripts
- See the Viking excavations in the Undercroft
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Dublin Castle
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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