Travellers' notes
3.78/5 (104 votes)
Visit duration:
I book my visit!
Visiting the Irish capital? Don’t miss a visit to DublinCastle . Built in the city center, it is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and represents an important piece of Dublin’s history!
Quite old, most of its buildings date from the 13th century… although an ancient castle stood here before that… More than a symbol, the castle was the seat of British power from 1171 until 1922.
A long, rich and eventful period… marked by wars, battles and power struggles. Although you can’t visit Dublin Castle in its entirety, here’s a taste of what’s in store!
Dublin Castle – informatique – cc
Built in 1204 on the orders of King John, Dublin Castle was erected on the site of an ancient Viking fort.
Its construction was intended to symbolize British domination of Ireland, and thus Anglo-Norman rule over the Irish.
The castle was strongly influenced by the Romanesque style: its architecture featured a structure composed of a moat, walls and ramparts, and crenellated towers.
The Record Tower, erected in 1258, is the oldest vestige of this structure to have been preserved in its original state. The rest of the château evolved over the centuries into a more neoclassical style, as fires devastated the fortress wings (in 1670 and 1684). Sir William Robinson then ordered the construction of 2 inner courtyards: the Upper Yard and the Lower Yard.
In 1812, the Octagonal Tower was added. This is a tower inspired by the Record Tower style, but much smaller in size to emphasize the castle’s past Romanesque influences.
In the 20th century, the Bermingham Tower, the castle’s south-western tower, was upgraded, developing neo-Gothic accents.
In 1922, Dublin Castle was abandoned by the British Empire following the recognition of the State of Ireland. The building is now occupied by the Irish. It was only at the end of the 20th century that it gradually opened its doors to visitors, in recognition of the castle’s historical and cultural importance in Ireland’s collective memory. Some rooms, however, remain under lock and key.
Over the years, Dublin Castle has played host to great political and historical figures, and is still the venue for ceremonies to this day. The inauguration of the President, for example, and the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 took place in this castle.
Today, it’s possible to visit Dublin Castle. However, you won’t have access to all the parts. For €4.50, a guide will show you the castle’s secrets and fascinating history.
You can visit :
The tour is interesting and fun. We enjoy strolling the length and breadth of the building site, admiring the architecture, and pushing open the door to the Throne Room. A beautiful journey into the past, which will give you a better understanding of Ireland’s past and its tormented history when it was under the domination of the British Empire…
A great attraction for medieval history buffs! Top 10 must-see attractions in Dublin!
Don’t miss out on a visit to Christ Church Cathedral!
Address:
GPS :
Visit duration:
More places to visit in the area
Location:
Type :
Where to eat and drink?
