Dublin Castle Tours
10 Reviews
Dublin Castle has served many functions since it was built by King John of England in 1230. Originally a defense center against Norman invaders and the seat of the English government, it has since also been the site of the Royal Mint and police headquarters. Today, the castle grounds attract visitors and function as a venue for Irish government functions and ceremonies, such as the President of Ireland's inauguration.
The Basics
Guided tours take visitors through the grounds, sharing the history and ever-changing purpose of each building. Most notable is the story behind the Record Tower, the only remaining building from the original medieval structure that has miraculously survived centuries worth of fires and warfare that ravaged the other buildings. Other noteworthy areas include the Chester Beatty Library and the Dubhlinn Gardens, which now grow over the spot where there was once a black pool (‘dubh linn’) from which the city of Dublin gets its name.
The long and rich history behind this complex is enough reason to tour Dublin Castle. Even those who are not history buffs will find something of interest within the vast castle grounds. Plan to spend about two hours at the castle learning about Irish history and exploring the lavishly decorated private quarters and entertaining halls of the State Apartments, the State Bedrooms, St. Patrick’s Hall, the State Drawing Room, the Chapel Royal, the Medieval Undercroft, and the Throne Room.
The Basics
Guided tours take visitors through the grounds, sharing the history and ever-changing purpose of each building. Most notable is the story behind the Record Tower, the only remaining building from the original medieval structure that has miraculously survived centuries worth of fires and warfare that ravaged the other buildings. Other noteworthy areas include the Chester Beatty Library and the Dubhlinn Gardens, which now grow over the spot where there was once a black pool (‘dubh linn’) from which the city of Dublin gets its name.
The long and rich history behind this complex is enough reason to tour Dublin Castle. Even those who are not history buffs will find something of interest within the vast castle grounds. Plan to spend about two hours at the castle learning about Irish history and exploring the lavishly decorated private quarters and entertaining halls of the State Apartments, the State Bedrooms, St. Patrick’s Hall, the State Drawing Room, the Chapel Royal, the Medieval Undercroft, and the Throne Room.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is located in central Dublin on Dame Street. The castle is accessed easily on foot, by taxi, or via public transportation. City Hall and Trinity College are about a five-minute walk from Dublin Castle and both are well worth a visit.
When to Get There
The castle is open from 9:45am to 4:45pm, with the exception of holidays and special events. Expect some crowds and lines in summer.
- Dublin Castle is open to the public unless a special event is taking place; be sure to check the castle’s schedule ahead of time.
- Choose to travel with a tour guide for personal attention, or opt for a self-guided tour.
- Dublin Castle is a stop on most city hop-on, hop-off tours.
How to Get to Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is located in central Dublin on Dame Street. The castle is accessed easily on foot, by taxi, or via public transportation. City Hall and Trinity College are about a five-minute walk from Dublin Castle and both are well worth a visit.
When to Get There
The castle is open from 9:45am to 4:45pm, with the exception of holidays and special events. Expect some crowds and lines in summer.
Address: Dame Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Hours: Mon–Fri: 10am–4:45pm, Sat & Sun: 2pm–4:45pm
Admission: Adults: €4.50
52 Tours and Activities to Experience Dublin Castle
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Dublin Pass with Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and Entry to Over 30 Attractions
Design your own ideal (and cost-efficient) tour of Dublin’s top things to do and see with the Dublin Pass and see attractions such as Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St., and Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. With your single- or multi-day ticket, visit brew houses, museums, castles, cathedrals and more. Explore the city at your leisure on a hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tour. Enjoy skip-the-line access to popular sites and discounts at city restaurants and shops. With free entry to more than 25 attractions around town, the Dublin Pass offers something for the whole family.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes (purchased by December 31) are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 30 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.
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Dublin Dark Side Walking Tour
See Dublin from a perspective often missed by visitors on a tour of the city’s dark side. In addition to navigating, your guide provides little-known stories about Dublin’s ghosts, hauntings, murders, and cults. The evening’s itinerary includes stops at the allegedly haunted Dublin Castle, St. Michan's Church, Olympia Theatre, and the infamous Hellfire Club.
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$16.81
From
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(Nearly!) All of Dublin in 5 hours
Short on time and want to see as much of Dublin as you can? This tour has you covered. In five hours, you'll see many of the city's top attractions, from Trinity College to Dublin Castle, along with a host of other important historical and cultural attractions along the way.
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From
$498.25
Price varies by group size
From
$498.25
Price varies by group size
Best Of Dublin Historical Walking Tour
Visit Dublin’s top sites on this guided, 2.5-hour, historical walking tour. See famous landmark locations like Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Temple Bar and many more. Stroll along the cobbled alleyways and learn about the city’s medieval past. Also, receive a discount at the Church, a popular café, bar, restaurant, club and tourist attraction rolled into one, and Abbey Theatre, also known as the National Theatre of Ireland. A complimentary map of Dublin is included.
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Big Bus Dublin Open-top, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Explore Dublin at your own pace with Big Bus tour; your 24- to 72-hour ticket allows you to hop on and hop off whenever you like at more than 30 stops. Choose from two routes offered live or digital commentary that teaches you about Dublin's history and culture, and you also get access to a walking tour (with a 48-hour ticket) and included drinks at some bars and distilleries. Hop on and off as many times as you like to explore Dublin highlights at your leisure, such as St. Stephens Green, Croke Park, EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum, and others.
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From
$28.09
From
$28.09
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
See Dublin By Bike
Explore Ireland’s buzzing capital on two wheels on this Dublin bike tour. Spin along Dublin’s stylish Fade Street with your guide. Take in top attractions and landmarks including College Green, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Brewery, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Temple Bar. Explore the Georgian streets around Parnell Square and Merrion Square, and gain insight into Dublin’s rich history. Head off the tourist trail to hidden spots such as the Roe Distillery’s windmill and Blessington Street Basin, then delve into the Grand Canal Dock area.
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$39.06
From
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Private Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour with Skip-the-Line at the Castle
Experience Dublin like a local during this private tour which includes stops at Dublin highlights and hidden gems, as well as skip-the-line entry to Dublin Castle. The ideal introductory experience for those with limited time in the region, you won’t have to wait around for other travelers, you can go at your own pace, and you'll likely experience places that many travelers overlook.
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From
$103.25
Price varies by group size
From
$103.25
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Withlocals City Kickstart: Dublin - Private 90 minutes Tour
Kickstart your visit to Dublin with this brief introductory tour led by a Dublin local, ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time in the city. Visit some of the city’s best-known attractions, such as the Temple Bar district, listen to stories not all travelers get to hear, and get tailored recommendations from your private guide.
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$31.22
Price varies by group size
From
$31.22
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems: Best of Dublin Private Tour
Spend half a day exploring some of Dublin’s top attractions, such as Trinity College, as well as a selection of hidden gems you might otherwise overlook. Plus, gain a greater insight into each destination thanks to your local guide on this private tour, during which you can forget the busy group excursions and tackle the city’s sights at your own pace.
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From
$69.64
Price varies by group size
From
$69.64
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private Couple Photoshoot Get a lifetime souvenir from Dublin
Perfect for engagement shoots, surprise proposals, or just souvenir portraits, this private photography session pairs you with a professional photographer to capture your best moments as a couple. Explore the history-packed city on foot, stopping at landmarks like Dublin Castle, City Hall, and Temple Bar. Strike a pose with your loved one, and receive up to 100 downloadable photographs after the tour.
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An Alternative View Of Temple Bar
Dublin’s Temple Bar is a well-known nightlife hot spot, but there is much more to this district than overpacked pubs. On this private walking tour, a local will show you an alternative side to Temple Bar, from its cultural and arts venues to funky boutiques and long-standing pubs loved by locals. The itinerary can be customized to suit your interests.
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$81.31
Price varies by group size
From
$81.31
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Dublin: Self-Guided City Experience
The fear of missing out is real when you’re traveling – no tourist wants to run the risk of skipping landmarks or attractions just because they didn’t know where they were or how to get there. With the VoxCity app, save yourself the time and anxiety that comes with planning your own self-guided adventures. Take advantage of the app’s detailed offline maps to find highlights that you want to visit, and follow the app’s pre-planned routes to each destination – no puzzling over public transport maps and timetables.
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$12.01
From
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Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Dublin Sights and Pints
After Irish Independence, a few men sat down and thought about what they would do with Dublin. “How could we make such a British Imperial city the new Irish capital?”, they thought. We can't possibly tear down all the British parts, can we? If we did that there'd be nothing left but the pubs...
Since then, Dublin has become a symbol of reconciling Ireland's British past with its Irish future. British Trinity College with its Protestant legacy has produced Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift, while Dublin's pubs have produced writers from the Irish tradition, such as Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan. This tour is therefore a tribute to Dublin's dual personality, and the pub door will be the boundary between the two worlds.
Besides the history lessons, you'll learn about beer, the Irish pub, as well as partake in an activity that the Irish are renowned for – conversation.
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$197.07
Price varies by group size
From
$197.07
Price varies by group size
The Fantastic Walking Tour of Dublin
Learn about Dublin while you explore the city on foot with this private, three-hour-long walking tour. You'll learn about everything from Irish Independence to local literature with your local guide as you walk through the city with the option to customize your itinerary depending on your personal interests.
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From
$302.55
Price varies by group size
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$302.55
Price varies by group size
The Best Of Dublin Walking Tour
Instead of burying your nose in a guidebook or trying to spot what the guide’s talking about from inside a crowded tour bus, don’t miss a thing as you discover Dublin by foot on this compact center-city walking tour. With a private guide by your side, discover the history of the city through its landmarks, from the age of Vikings to the present day. Visit historic and cultural landmarks like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral and much more.
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$32.52
Price varies by group size
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$32.52
Price varies by group size
Irish Music Tour In Dublin
A professional local guide and a musician will accompany you on a fun and educational tour through the hip yet historic district. You will visit famous classic pubs and bars. You will become a witness to the local drinking culture!
Temple bar- it is Dublin's cultural quarter and must see no. 1. Do you know who was Sir William Temple? What did the Vikings do in this bar? What world famous events happened there? What World Guinness Record was made there?
You will experience the vibrancy of Dublin’s traditional drink and Irish music scene. You not just gonna hear the stories but will feel the atmosphere and rich musical culture.
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From
$553.12
Price varies by group size
From
$553.12
Price varies by group size
Irish Music Tour In Dublin
A professional local guide and a musician will accompany you on a fun and educational tour through the hip yet historic district. You will visit famous classic pubs and bars. You will become a witness to the local drinking culture!
Temple bar- it is Dublin's cultural quarter and must see no. 1. Do you know who was Sir William Temple? What did the Vikings do in this bar? What world famous events happened there? What World Guinness Record was made there?
You will experience the vibrancy of Dublin’s traditional drink and Irish music scene. You not just gonna hear the stories but will feel the atmosphere and rich musical culture.
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From
$780.69
per group
From
$780.69
per group
Essential Private Dublin walking tour for up to 5 people
Explore a good mix of top attractions and off-the-beaten-path sights with this private, guided tour of Dublin. Your local guide will meet you at The Spire and take you to attractions such as Trinity College, Tempe Bar, and the Garden of Remembrance. You'll finish your tour off with a visit to Dublin Castle.
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From
$162.69
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From
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Irish Food Trail - Taste Dublin Food Walking Tour
Each location has been chosen to reflect the current food scene, we like to bring traditional Irish food together with modern cuisine. Taste Irish food influenced by contemporary tastes with a focus on local Irish produce.
We work with the best local guides who will help you discover the city through this eyes. Discover the history, culture and flavours of our beautiful city.
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From
$70.84
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'A Gorgeous Mask': Georgian Dublin Tour
Discover the history of Georgian Dublin on a half-day walking tour with your own private guide. Between 1690-1820, Dublin transformed into what became known as the ‘second city of the British Empire.’ See the era's architectural heritage and gain insight into its people as you take in landmarks such as the Georgian House Museum, Trinity College Dublin, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin Castle, and the Famine Memorial.
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From
$390.45
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From
$390.45
per group
Most of Dublin, in a day, on foot. History, politics, culture & architecture!
Lose yourself on the streets of Dublin and discover the city on your own terms on this full-day walking tour. With your own private guide, build an itinerary that reflects what you’re interested in – or visit some of the city’s historical and cultural highlights on a sightseeing experience curated by your guide. Whatever your tastes and curiosities, build a walking tour that works for you.
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$407.93
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A History of Ireland: St.Patrick to the Celtic Tiger
From the Vikings to the Normans, English royals to national independence, the story of Ireland is a tumultuous tale dating back hundreds of years. History enthusiasts can uncover the rich Irish story on this guided tour to several of the city's top landmarks, like Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College. Along the way, learn about important figures in Irish history, and even sip a pint of local beer in an historic pub—included in the tour.
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From
$390.45
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From
$390.45
per group
Silent Adventures Silent Disco Tour
Explore Dublin in a fun and unique way during this silent disco tour that takes you around the city’s famous landmarks. Don your hi-tech headsets and listen to funky music while you walk and dance through the streets with your group. Groove past landmarks like Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College during your journey of song and dance.
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From
$18.00
From
$18.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Private Driver Guided Tour of Dublin
Do Dublin your way with this customizable private tour of the city. There’s no need to waste time studying maps or waiting for public transport with a guide to drive you around. As a history graduate and genealogist, your guide can also share information on Dublin’s history and heritage, as well as its most interesting sights, from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the Ha'penny Bridge.
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From
$650.74
per group
From
$650.74
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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