Dublin Castle Tours and Activities

Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle which includes heritage elements, a park and heritage architecture
Dublin Castle which includes château or palace, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Dublin Castle featuring heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements


Discover medieval excavations from a Viking ruin and appreciate the majesty of the state apartments, the chapel and the landscape gardens.

The 18th-century Dublin Castle is among the city’s most iconic sites. A small park with pretty floral displays lies behind the castle, which replaced a 13th-century Viking military fortress. Learn its fascinating history as the seat of British and Irish governments over the centuries.

Arrive in the spacious Georgian courtyard and snap photos of the historic castle. Gaze up at the Bedford Tower, which dates back to 1761. The façade has a bright green dome atop a clock tower. Note the Romanesque qualities, such as the stately columns and large pediment, of the base of the structure.

Look for the Record Tower, the only preserved part from the medieval castle that predated the current structure. Take a guided tour of the castle for a better understanding of its history. See relics from Vikings and browse the stately Georgian chambers. Enter the majestic Chapel Royal for its extraordinary Gothic revival interior. Today, the castle is used for state receptions and presidential inaugurations.

Stroll through the pleasant Dubh Linn Garden and appreciate its landscape designs. Visit the charming individual gardens that have colourful flowers and plants. The central lawn is circular with patterns of brick paths weaving through it. It doubles as a helicopter landing pad. Note the Celtic symbolism in the snake paths and maze gardens.

Purchase souvenirs and items with a castle theme from the gift shop. Snacks and refreshments are available in the Silk Road Café. Hear tales about the castle’s rich past, including the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels here in 1907.

The castle is open daily year-round except for a few closures for festive holidays. Visit between morning and late afternoon. The castle opens several hours later on Sundays. Select a guided-tour ticket for access to the State Apartments. Children and students get discounts.

Dublin Castle is on the southern side of the River Liffey in the centre of Dublin in one of the most historical parts of the city. Take a bus to a stop in front of the castle. Visit the nearby attractions, such as City Hall, the Olympia Theatre and Christ Church Cathedral.

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The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton
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Top Dublin Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
The Mercantile Hotel

The Mercantile Hotel

3 out of 5
28 Dame Street, Dublin, Dublin
The Mercantile Hotel
Clink i Lár

Clink i Lár

2 out of 5
35-36 Abbey Street Upper. Dublin1, Dublin
Clink i Lár
The Grafton Hotel

The Grafton Hotel

4 out of 5
Johnsons Place, 31/32 Stephens Street Lower, Dublin, Dublin 2
The Grafton Hotel
citizenM Dublin St Patrick's

citizenM Dublin St Patrick's

4 out of 5
67-69 Bride Street, Dublin 8, Dublin, Leinster
citizenM Dublin St Patrick's
Wellington Temple Bar

Wellington Temple Bar

3 out of 5
23 Wellington Quay, Dublin, Dublin
Wellington Temple Bar
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

4 out of 5
23 Upper O Connell Street, Dublin, Dublin
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre

Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre

4 out of 5
Mary Street Little, Dublin
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dublin Castle

When visiting Dublin Castle, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including nearby sports and football events. Ideal for a city break, the castle is within walking distance of numerous attractions, making it perfect for day trips. Explore guided tours to uncover the rich history of the castle and its surroundings, ensuring a memorable experience in Dublin.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Dublin Castle, visit the Jervis Shopping Center, just 644m away, and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. The Brown Thomas Flagship Store is conveniently located 483m away, while Powerscourt Townhouse is a charming option only 322m from the castle.

Recreation

Aviva Stadium, located 3.2km from Dublin Castle, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Vicar Street, just 644m away, is ideal for live music lovers seeking vibrant entertainment. Croke Park, 1.6km from the castle, boasts thrilling sporting events and a lively ambiance.

Adventure

Embark on the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk for a scenic hike with stunning coastal views, located 25.7km from Dublin Castle. For family fun, visit Funtasia Waterpark, 40.2km away, or explore the Greenan Farm Museum and Maze, 48.3km from the castle, for a delightful day out.

Nightlife

Embark on a vibrant night at the Olympia Theatre, a mere 161m from Dublin Castle, enjoying captivating performances. Just 483m away, the Gaiety Theatre offers an enchanting cultural experience, while the nearby Smock Alley Theatre delights with its charm and romance. Dublin's nightlife awaits!

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dublin Castle

When visiting Dublin Castle, you'll find a range of attractions that highlight the city's rich culture and family-friendly experiences. Popular spots include the historic castle itself, beautiful urban parks, and majestic cathedrals. You can easily stroll to the castle, enjoy views of Dublin Bay, and explore centuries of history surrounding this iconic landmark. For a comfortable stay, consider a star hotel nearby to enhance your Dublin adventure.

  • Trinity College: A prestigious institution, Trinity College boasts stunning architecture and the iconic Book of Kells. Immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture as you stroll through its beautiful campus, just 644m from Dublin Castle.
  • St. Stephen's Green: This picturesque urban park, located 805m away, is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy leisurely walks, lush gardens, and tranquil ponds, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the city.
  • O'Connell Street: A bustling thoroughfare 966m from Dublin Castle, O'Connell Street is the heart of the city. It features iconic landmarks and vibrant shops, making it a fantastic place to experience Dublin's urban vibes.

Best time to go to Dublin Castle

The best time to visit Dublin Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dublin Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dublin Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dublin Castle

For a budget-friendly visit to Dublin Castle, consider travelling during the low season from December to February when accommodation prices drop. Book your stay about a month in advance for better rates, and aim for a Tuesday check-in to save more. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget options and consider package deals that combine flights and accommodation for extra savings. Don’t miss out on free activities, and explore public transport options, which can be a cost-effective way to navigate the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dublin Castle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Dublin Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dublin Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dublin Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and ideal type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Dublin Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.