Dublin Castle: Past, Present and Future
Dublin Castle was the centre of British Rule in Ireland from 1800 until 1922 when a treaty was signed between Ireland and England that handed Ireland back to the Irish except for the 6 counties that now form Northern Ireland. Although a castle did stand on the site that dates back to the 12th Century, much of the building today dates from the 18th Century.
In a historical sense the Castle has served in a number of guises over its history, from the seat of the Lordship of Ireland (1171 1541), Kingdom of Ireland (1541 1800) to the centre of British Rule in Ireland to its current role as a tourist attraction and a political building. The president of Ireland is inaugurated in Dublin castle and during the Irish presidency of the EU the castle was used extensively.
The Castle is situated along Dame Street in Dublin Centre and forms a large complex of buildings and courtyards which date from different times in Irish history. The courtyards and some of the surrounding streets are steeped in history and are covered in coble stones. The castle is home to some of the oldest architecture in Dublin.
If you are planning to visit Dublin, make sure to visit Dublin Castle where you will be able to take a tour of the castle which will take in the State Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal. After the tour there is a restaurant, craft shop and heritage centre to be visited.
