Dublin Castle is a former seat of British administration in Ireland, dating back to the 13th century, located on Dame Street in central Dublin. It combines medieval remains, an 18th-century State Apartments complex, and the Chapel Royal, and today hosts state functions, exhibitions, and public tours.
As of 2026, public tours are paused from May 5 through December 31 while the castle serves as Ireland’s operational base for its rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Outside that closure period, standard hours are daily 9:45am to 5:45pm, with last admission at 4:30pm.
When open, a guided tour runs about an hour, while a self-guided visit through the State Apartments takes roughly 30 minutes. Adult admission is normally €8.
