Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is the historical heart of the city. Built in the 13th century by King John of England. It served as a military fortress, a prison, treasury, court of law, and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Today it’s used for important State events and Presidential Inaugurations.
The buildings of Dublin Castle were added throughout the centuries, with styles ranging from Medieval to Georgian times, made from bare stone to fine plasterwork. Take a tour and journey through the history of the castle and of Dublin city. Noteworthy areas include the Record Tower, the Chester Beatty Library and the Dubh Linn Gardens.
The gardens
The beautiful gardens of Dublin Castle have been preserved since the 17th century. Once you’re through the Celtic-inspired wrought iron gates, through the ‘four seasons’ garden, four smaller gardens lie. Each contain specially commissioned works of sculpture. One is dedicated to the memory of journalist Veronica Guerin. Another commemorates the 2003 Special Olympics held in Ireland, with the 30,000 volunteers who contributed to the games inscribed on plaques. The third, and largest, is the Garda Memorial Garden, where inscribed on a roll of honour are the names of all members of the Irish police killed in the line of duty. Then at the heart of the gardens is the Dubh Linn Garden, where patterns of sea serpents are cut into the lawn to represent the Vikings harbour.
Hop off our Dublin bus tour to enjoy the beauty and history for yourself.
Other interesting facts about Dublin Castle
- The castle in Dublin is built on what was originally a Viking site
- The Irish castle has been the backdrop of many films, TV series and music videos – The Tudors being one
- It hosts the Heineken Green Energy festival every May bank holiday weekend
- The Record Tower is the only remaining building to survive the fires and warfare over the centuries
