IMPORTANT NOTICE
PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER 2025
THE VIKING EXCAVATION WILL NOT BE PART OF THE GUIDED TOUR EXPERIENCE DUE TO UPGRADE WORKS.
WE ARE SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Due to Government business requirements, Christmas at the Castle, Dublin Castle, will not to take place in 2025 or 2026. Dublin Castle is first and foremost a campus serving Government business. The OPW is engaged in preparations for Ireland’s Presidency of the EU next year. Dublin Castle will be a central location for a large number of events during the Presidency which runs from 01 July-31 Dec 2026.
The New Year’s Eve Festival with Fáilte Ireland will be proceeding at Dublin Castle on 30th, 31st Dec and 1st January.
Visitors can discover the magic of Christmas at numerous OPW locations nationwide, where historic sites and stunning locations provide the perfect backdrop for the festive celebrations. Please visit www.heritageireland.ie in the coming weeks for more information about our Christmas events.
Welcome to Dublin Castle
Constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. It is now a major government complex and a key tourist attraction. We hope you enjoy your visit.
Accessibility
All areas in the State Apartments and the Chapel Royal are universally accessible. The Viking Excavation is only accessible by stairs.
The Coach House Gallery located in the Dubh Linn Gardens is also universally accessible, as are the gardens themselves.
Caution is advised on the uneven surfaces in the Upper Courtyard of the Castle.
Opening Times
Open all Year Round
Monday – Sunday and Public Holidays 09:45 – 17.45
Last admission at 17:15
Closed 25 – 27 December and 1 January
Average Length of Visit: Guided Tour 1 hour. Self Guided Tour 30 minutes.
Ticket Prices
Self-guided Tour
Adult Ticket: €8.00
Senior Ticket (60+): €6.00
Student Ticket (18+): €6.00
Child Ticket (12-17 yrs): €4.00
Child Ticket (under 12 yrs): €0.00
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 3 children): €20.00
Guided Tour
Adult Ticket: €12.00
Senior Ticket (60+): €10.00
Student Ticket (18+): €10.00
Child Ticket (12-17 yrs): €6.00
Child Ticket (under 12 yrs): €0.00
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 3 children): €30.00
Latest Posts
Read the latest posts below, and click through to the full Castle Blog for all news updates.
EXHIBITION: IRREVERENT IRELAND
The Office of Public Works at Dublin Castle presents Irreverent Ireland, a new exhibition that runs from 29th October 2025 until 26th April 2026. Irreverent Ireland marks the long-awaited return of the Van der Hagen Painted Hangings - spectacular 18th century party...
EXHIBITION: ARTISTIC ISLANDS
The Office of Public Works (OPW) announces Artistic Islands, running at Dublin Castle's Coach House Gallery from 29th September 2025 - 22nd March 2026. The exhibition explores the creative legacies of Ireland and its diaspora through the work of Irish artist Maria...
EXHIBITION: The Fine Art of Textile
‘The Fine Art of Textile’ in the Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle is an international exhibition of contemporary textile that crosses artistic genres – painting, sculpture, drawing and sewing. Donegal tweed also plays a role through ‘The Wild Donegal Tweed Project’....