In the early 13th century Dublin Castle was built on the remains of a Viking fortification at the confluence of the Liffey and Poddle rivers, near the Dubh Linn, the tidal pool that gave Dublin its name.

Over the centuries fires and several major modifications have left few traces of the original building, with the exception of the imposing Record Tower.

Dublin Castle was the seat of the English / British government in Ireland and served as the residence of the Viceroy of Ireland.
After the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1921 the castle has been mainly used for ceremonial decorum events like state banquets, receptions and the presidential inaugurations.

The castle's lavish State Apartments are a museum and, when not in use for official ceremonies, open to the general public.

A guided tour brings you to the Chapel Royal, the Medieval Undercroft and the State Apartments.

We took this interesting tour of Dublin Castle in June 2018.