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The 800-year-old heart of Ireland

For more than eight centuries, Dublin Castle has been the historic heart of the Irish capital. Today the castle serves as venue for important state events, such as the inauguration of the various presidents of Ireland. In the past, the building has served a variety of functions, including as a jail, a treasury and a law court. For 7 centuries the castle was also the seat of English rule.

Arts & Culture

An architectural mishmash

Irish history is reflected in the castle’s mixture of architectural styles. Since its foundation in 1204, the castle has undergone several thorough restorations, and each time a different generation left its own mark on the complex. In 1922 the castle was handed over to the Irish Free State. Today the complex encompasses government buildings, the State Apartments (the most important ceremonial halls in Ireland), museums, gardens, cafés and an international conference centre. Visitors may tour most of the castle grounds and museums on their own. The only exception are the State Apartments: these are only accessible on a special tour and accompanied by a tour guide.

The scandal of the Crown jewels

In 1907 the Irish Crown jewels were stolen from the castle. The circumstances were very suspicious: no door or lock was forced so it had to be an inside job, yet the culprit has never been found and an investigative report by the Scotland Yard vanished just as mysteriously as the jewels. Over the course of time many theories have emerged; most point to some sort of booze and sex scandal that has been covered up. The jewels have never been recovered.

Arts & Culture

One of the top tourist attractions in Dublin is Trinity College, the oldest and most famous educational institute in Ireland. One of the beautiful buildings houses the impressive library. The world famous ‘Book of Kells’ is one of the books on display here.

Arts & Culture

The Ha'penny Bridge is as much of a landmark to Dublin as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. However, this pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey is not just a tourist attraction. Approximately 30,000 people use it every day to safely cross from Bachelors Walk to Temple Bar.