The Dublin Castle in Ireland

The Dublin Castle is one of the most significant structures in the Republic of Ireland. It has stood for centuries and had its share of renovations and changes both to the physical part of the Castle as well as with the governing powers that have ruled over Ireland.

The Castle was originally created as a defensive fortress for the city of Norman, but it soon played a very different role and became the royal residence for the leaders of Ireland. It has been constantly renovated, repaired and maintained in the state it is right now.

A visit to the Dublin Castle would be futile without a glimpse into one of the famous halls in all of Ireland - the St. Patrick's Hall. The room alone has its share of impressive architecture and valuable artwork. The State Corridor of the Castle is also something to gawk at; it stretches out, decked in white with impressive moulded archways.

The Throne Room is also very impressive. It was originally used as a presence chamber for the Irish Monarchs that have lived in the castle, now it remains as a reminder to the wonderful history of the structure.

The Dublin Castle is also known for its beautiful State Drawing Room and impressive State Dining Room. The drawing room was originally used as the foremost receiving room, but is now used to entertain foreign dignitaries.

The State Dining Room of the Dublin Castle has also been given the name as the picture room and the super room and dates back since the original construction of Dublin Castle.

The Dublin Castle is also the site for the inauguration of new presidents for the Republic of Ireland. It is a practice that has been done every seven years since the first president was inaugurated in the 1930s.

The Dublin Castle also had its share of State Visits and foreign dignitaries that have walked through her halls. It is also home to several state bedrooms and the last dignitary who stayed in the chambers was Margaret Thatcher and her husband.

The Dublin Castle is also the root for a some derogatory comments like: "Castle Catholics" which denotes Irish Catholics that were quite friendly to the British who had set up rule in Ireland and had their office in Dublin Castle. The term exists to this day although it is used less often, but it still denotes negativity and a disloyal or non-patriotic attitude.