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In the centre of the capital city, Dublin Castle stands proudly, not only as a historical landmark and popular tourist attraction but also as a major political and cultural centre of Ireland. For 700 years, it was the seat of British administration in Ireland, until the country liberated itself from colonial power in 1921. Now, the castle remains as a symbol of the national spirit of the country, a part of the land and its history, proudly exhibiting its beautiful architecture and Irish spirit to visitors from around the world.

The most significant features of Dublin Castle are the State Apartments, which contain the beautifully decorated quarters once personally used by the Lord for accommodation and public entertainment. The grandest room is Saint Patrick’s Hall, the former ballroom still used for presidential inaugurations and formal events, including the welcome dinner for Queen Elizabeth in 2011. Other important rooms are the Throne Room, containing the throne of King George IV, the State Drawing Room, which still acts as an aesthetic reception, and the State Dining Room, the oldest room in the castle dating back to the 1740s. The Chapel Royal is a noble crypt and modern art centre, and the tower of the Great Courtyard is the last surviving medieval tower in Dublin, which was once a Tudor prison.

Dublin Castle is in the centre of Dublin, behind the City Hall. It is only a 5-minute walk from other major landmarks such as Trinity College and the end of O’Connell Street. Many bus routes travel in the direction of the castle and stop at Dame Street or Lord Edward Street, both of which are very close.

There has been a fortress occupying the space of Dublin Castle since the 13th Century when, during the Norman invasion, the king built a defensive structure to protect the city and greater Ireland. Officials in the Middle Ages made many additional extensions to the castle, but it burnt down in a fire before being officially demolished in 1673. Dublin Castle as it is today dates back to the 18th Century Georgian construction when it became a court, a place of law and a major parliamentary centre.