Dublin Castle, Dublin City
Since its foundation in 1204 Dublin Castle has been at the heart of the history and evolution of the city. Today, spanning an area of over 44,000 square meters (11 acres), 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.
The Chapel Royal is a gothic revival building designed by Francis Johnston. It is famous for its vaulting, its particularly fine plaster decoration and carved oaks and galleries. Of particular interest are the coats of arms of the Justiciars, Lord Deputies and Lord Lieutenants from the first, Hugh de Lacy (1172), which was two years after the Norman invasion, to the last, FitzAlan (1922), which, remarkably, occupies the last available space.
The Garda (Police) Museum is situated in the 13th century Norman 'Record Tower'. This is the last intact tower not only of the Castle but also of medieval Dublin itself and was once a top security jail for state prisoners.
The Chester Beatty Library exhibits open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. Their rich collection includes manuscripts, prints, icons, miniature paintings, early printed books and objects d'art from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
The Revenue Museum, which is situated in the Crypt of the Chapel Royal, offers interesting and often amusing insights into the long history of the collection of taxes and duties in Ireland. Exhibits include inter-active smuggling games, video footage of alcohol duty assessment, and counterfeit goods and stamping equipment.
Location
Add to Custom Tour
Create your very own Ireland tour with our Tailor Made Tours section. Once you've created an account and logged in, you can add your favourite attractions, accommodation and activities. And, when you're happy with your choices, just send them on to one of our Ireland experts and we'll design a custom itinerary and quote tailored just for you.
Features In:
Best of Ireland Self-Drive Tour 11 Days
The very best of Ireland in just under two weeks.
Starting from $1,121 pps
Dublin City Tour Self-Drive 4/5 Day
An action packed journey through Dublin's Fair City.
Starting from $719 pps
Best of All Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 15 Days
The ultimate chauffeur drive tour - Ireland north and south.
Starting from $5,374 pps
Taste of Ireland Escorted Bus Tour 6 Days, Dub/Shan
Dublin to Shannon Escorted Bus Tour of Ireland.
Starting from €907† pps
Best of All Ireland Self-Drive Tour 15 Days
Experience the best of Ireland north and south.
Starting from $1,559 pps
Mystical Ireland Escorted Bus Tour 8 Day
Explore Mystical Ireland on this 8 Day Escorted Bus Tour
Starting from €1,319† pps
Honeymoon Self-Drive Tour 12 Days
Romancing the Emerald Isle and each other!
Starting from $1,786 pps
Luxury Golf in Ireland's East Chauffeur Drive Tour 4 Days
Golf in the east with private driver/guide.
Starting from $2,132 pps
Luxury Golf in Ireland's East Self-Drive Tour 4 Days
Hit the fairest fairways of the east.
Starting from $1,005 pps
Taste of Ireland Escorted Bus Tour 6 Days
Visit the most iconic attractions of the Emerald Isle
Starting from €853† pps
Taste of Ireland Escorted Bus Tour 5 Days
See the most popular Irish attractions on this 5 day Tour
Starting from €739† pps
Best of Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 6 Days
Enjoy this 6 day tour and see some of best of Ireland.
Starting from $2,110 pps
Best of Ireland Chauffeur-Drive Tour 11 Days
Best of Ireland with driver/guide.
Starting from $3,832 pps
Best of Ireland Chauffeur Drive Tour 8 Days
Sit back, relax and enjoy the best of Ireland.
Starting from $2,947 pps
Best of Ireland Self-Drive Tour 6 Days
Enjoy highlight after highlight during this short tour.
Starting from $892 pps
Best of Ireland South Chauffeur Drive Tour 15 Days
Traverse the south in style.
Starting from $5,403 pps
Best of Ireland South Self-Drive Tour
Take in Ireland's south at your own pace.
Starting from $1,545 pps
Ancient Ireland Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
Uncover the secrets of Ireland's ancient past.
Starting from $1,008 pps
Best of Ireland Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
History, heritage, breath taking scenery. An unforgettable tour.
Starting from $1,028 pps
Castles of Ireland Self-Drive Tour 8 Days
Enjoy the best castles in Ireland
Starting from $1,369 pps
Jewels of Ireland Escorted Bus Tour 14 Days
Find Ireland's hidden Gems on this Dublin to Dublin Tour
Starting from $2,731 pps
