Dublin Castle is a historic complex of buildings at the heart of Dublin‘s city centre, comprising the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, the Medieval Tower, the Viking Excavation, and the Castle Gardens. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, the crucial difference between guided and self-guided options, transport, parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Last updated: February 2026. Three pieces of information routinely stated incorrectly in older guides require correction. First, the Viking Excavation and the Chapel Royal can only be accessed as part of a paid guided tour — self-guided ticket holders cannot enter these areas. Many guides describe all areas of Dublin Castle as generally accessible without making this distinction. Second, Dublin Castle is a working Irish Government building, and rooms, areas, and access arrangements are subject to change at short notice due to official State functions; the castle does not guarantee access to all areas on any given day. Third, the OPW Heritage Card and the Go City Dublin Pass are only valid for self-guided visits; holders who wish to take a guided tour must pay an upgrade fee of €3 per person at the ticket desk.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2, Ireland (entrance via Cork Hill or the Castle Yard off Dame Street) |
| Open | Daily |
| Building hours | 09:45am – 5:45pm (last admission 5:15pm) |
| Tour times | Guided and self-guided tours available 10:00am – 4:30pm |
| Self-guided adult | €8.00 |
| Self-guided senior (60+) | €6.00 |
| Self-guided student | €6.00 |
| Self-guided child (12–17) | €4.00 |
| Self-guided child (under 12) | Free |
| Self-guided family (2 adults + 3 children) | €20.00 |
| Guided tour adult | €12.00 |
| Guided tour senior (60+) | €10.00 |
| Guided tour student | €10.00 |
| Guided tour child (12–17) | €6.00 |
| Guided tour child (under 12) | Free |
| Guided tour family (2 adults + 3 children) | €30.00 |
| Viking Excavation / Chapel Royal access | Guided tour only – not included with self-guided ticket |
| Heritage Card / Go City Pass | Valid for self-guided only; €3 upgrade fee to join guided tour |
| Nearest Luas | St Stephen’s Green (Green Line) or Jervis (Red Line) |
| Visitor parking | None on site |
| Nearest car parks | Q-Park Christchurch, Werburgh Street; Park Rite Drury Street |
| Wheelchair access | State Apartments and gardens fully accessible; Viking Excavation not accessible (stairs only) |
| Buggy / pram access | Not permitted in State Apartments museum rooms; stored free at info desk |
| Typical visit duration | 1–2 hours self-guided; 1.5–2.5 hours with guided tour |
Dublin Castle opening hours
Dublin Castle is open Monday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays. The building opens at 09:45am and closes at 5:45pm, with last admission at 5:15pm. Guided and self-guided tours run from 10:00am and the last tour of the day departs at 4:30pm. Visitors arriving after 4:30pm can enter the building (until 5:15pm) but will not be able to join a guided tour.
Important: Dublin Castle is a working Irish Government building. Security, access to individual rooms, and opening arrangements are subject to change at short notice when State functions or official events are taking place.
Opening hours were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
5 great Dublin experiences to book
- 🌊 Cliffs of Moher day tour: Take a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, including the Wild Atlantic Way and Galway.
- 🚶 Dublin walking tour: Discover Dublin’s highlights and hidden gems on a city walking tour packed with stories.
- 📚 Book of Kells and castle tour: See key historic sites on a guided tour combining the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle.
- 🍺 Food and drink tour: Enjoy eight tastings on an indulgent walking tour.
- 🚤 River Liffey cruise: Take a sightseeing cruise along the River Liffey.
Dublin Castle ticket prices
Dublin Castle offers two distinct ticket types: a self-guided visit and a guided tour. The difference is significant and frequently misunderstood. A self-guided ticket gives access to the State Apartments and any exhibitions on site, at the visitor’s own pace. A guided tour ticket gives access to all of the above plus the Viking Excavation and the Chapel Royal, which cannot be accessed any other way. The guided tour also provides a narrated walk through the State Apartments with a guide.
Self-guided visit prices:
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €8.00 |
| Senior (60+) | €6.00 |
| Student (with valid ID) | €6.00 |
| Child (12–17) | €4.00 |
| Child (under 12) | Free |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | €20.00 |
Guided tour prices:
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €12.00 |
| Senior (60+) | €10.00 |
| Student (with valid ID) | €10.00 |
| Child (12–17) | €6.00 |
| Child (under 12) | Free |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | €30.00 |
OPW Heritage Card and Go City Dublin Pass: Both passes are accepted for self-guided visits at no additional cost. However, if a cardholder wishes to join a guided tour instead of self-guiding, they must pay an upgrade fee of €3 per person at the ticket desk. This is not stated on the Dublin Castle website, and visitors who assume their pass covers all access modes may be caught out.
The Go City Dublin Pass also covers entrance to several other Dublin attractions, including 14 Henrietta Street, the Guinness Storehouse, the National Wax Museum Plus and the Little Museum of Dublin.
All prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Go City Dublin Pass?
- 🎟️ Access to 40+ Attractions: Enjoy entry to Dublin’s most iconic sites, including the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St., and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save significantly on admission fees compared to buying individual tickets at the gate for each landmark.
- 🚌 Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Includes a 1-day Big Bus sightseeing tour, making it easy to navigate the city and reach top districts without extra transport costs.
- 📱 Digital Convenience: No need for paper tickets; simply scan your digital pass from your smartphone at each attraction for seamless entry.
- ⏱️ Flexible Sightseeing: Choose a pass duration (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days) that fits your itinerary and explore the city at your own pace.
How to get to Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is located in Dublin’s city centre, off Dame Street, with the main visitor entrance accessible via Cork Hill.
By Luas: The closest Luas stops are St Stephen’s Green (Green Line), which is approximately a 7-minute walk, and Jervis (Red Line), which is approximately a 10-minute walk.
By Dublin Bus: Many bus routes stop on Dame Street, Lord Edward Street, and George’s Street, which are all within a short walk of the castle. Routes serving these stops include the 9, 13, 15, 16, 27, 40, 49, 54a, 56a, 65, 68, 68a, 77a, 122, 123, 140, 150, and 151. Plan your journey at dublinbus.ie.
On foot: Dublin Castle is within easy walking distance of most central Dublin attractions. It is approximately a 12-minute walk from Trinity College, a 10-minute walk from St Stephen’s Green, and a 15-minute walk from Temple Bar.
By car: Dublin Castle is located in the city centre and is not recommended for visitors arriving by car. There is no visitor parking on site.
Parking at Dublin Castle
There is no visitor parking at Dublin Castle. This applies to both the Upper and Lower Castle Yards — no public car parking is available within the complex. The nearest public car parks are Q-Park Christchurch on Werburgh Street and Park Rite Drury Street on Drury Street, both a short walk from the castle entrance. Central Dublin parking can be expensive; arriving by public transport, on foot, or by bicycle is strongly recommended.
How long to spend at Dublin Castle
A self-guided visit to the State Apartments typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how thoroughly visitors explore the rooms and any temporary exhibitions. A guided tour, which additionally covers the Viking Excavation and the Chapel Royal, typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours including travel time between areas of the complex. The Castle Gardens can be explored in 20 to 30 minutes and are accessible without a ticket.
Visitors who wish to visit all areas of Dublin Castle — State Apartments, Chapel Royal, Viking Excavation, and Castle Gardens — should allow at least two hours and must purchase a guided tour ticket.
Accessibility at Dublin Castle
State Apartments: All areas in the State Apartments are universally accessible. Visitors who require the lift to access the museum rooms on the first floor should ask a member of staff at the information desk. The lift is available on request.
Viking Excavation: The Viking Excavation is not wheelchair accessible, as it is only accessible by stairs. Visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility cannot access this area.
Chapel Royal: The Chapel Royal is partly accessible and can be visited as part of a guided tour. Contact the castle in advance to discuss specific requirements.
Castle Gardens and Coach House: Both the gardens and the Coach House (where temporary exhibitions often take place) are wheelchair accessible.
Buggies and prams: Buggies and prams are not permitted in the museum rooms of the State Apartments. Visitors can leave buggies at the information desk, where staff will store them during the visit. Visitors should ask at the info desk on arrival.
Backpacks and bags: All visitors are required to leave backpacks in free lockers provided before entering the State Apartments. This is to protect the collections and is not optional. Valuables such as cash, credit cards, and travel documents should be kept on the person. Lockers are free of charge.
Dublin Castle offers autism-friendly tours and dementia-inclusive programmes; contact the castle directly to arrange these. An Irish Sign Language (ISL) resource is available online.
Audio guide: A free audio guide is available to download in English. Visitors can access the castle’s free Wi-Fi to download it to their own device. Earphones are not provided by Dublin Castle.
Foreign language brochures: Printed brochures covering the State Apartments are available in Irish, English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Arabic, Polish, Swedish, Turkish, Portuguese, Dutch, and Japanese, free of charge from the ticket desk.
Inside Dublin Castle: what to see and do
The visitor experience at Dublin Castle encompasses five distinct areas. Access to each depends on the ticket type purchased.
The State Apartments (self-guided and guided ticket) are the centrepiece of any visit and fill the entire south range of the Upper Castle Yard. Originally the residential and ceremonial quarters of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (the Viceroy), they now serve as the venue for presidential inaugurations and EU Presidency meetings. The suite of rooms available to visitors includes the following.
The Grand Staircase, constructed in 1749, is the first and most visually striking element of the Apartments, a large imperial staircase which has formed the main ceremonial route for the inauguration of the President of Ireland since 1938. The State Corridor, designed in 1758, is a neoclassical gallery connecting the formal reception rooms; it was the route along which the handover of Dublin Castle from British to Irish Free State authority took place on 16 January 1922, when Michael Collins accepted the transfer from the last Viceroy.
St Patrick’s Hall is the largest and grandest of the rooms and has served as the ballroom, the meeting room of the Knights of St Patrick (whose banners still hang from the walls), and since 1938, the setting for every presidential inauguration. The painted ceiling, completed by the Italian artist Vincenzo Waldré from 1788, is considered the most significant decorative ceiling scheme of its type in Ireland. State visitors received here have included John F. Kennedy, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Throne Room (1788) was the seat of royal ceremony in Ireland; the throne it contains was made for the visit of King George IV in 1821 and was used by Queen Victoria and King Edward VII during their visits. On display above the doors are six mythological paintings by the Italian artist Gaetano Gandolfi, painted in 1767. The Portrait Gallery functions as the State dining room, laid with Waterford crystal and the Irish State dinner service, and hung with portraits of Irish Viceroys collected from 1849. The State Drawing Room (1838) houses a late portrait by Sir Anthony Van Dyck and is still used by the President of Ireland to receive visiting dignitaries.
The Wedgwood Room (1777), with its blue and white neoclassical scheme, was formerly the castle billiard room and is lit from above by a glass dome. The Gothic Room (1775) is architecturally notable as the earliest example of Gothic Revival style in an Irish State building, and the Apollo Room contains a spectacular rococo plasterwork ceiling dated 1746, rescued from a nearby Georgian townhouse and reinstalled in eleven separate sections in the 1960s. The James Connolly Room is an important Easter Rising landmark: used as a military hospital from 1915, it was here that James Connolly was treated for wounds sustained in leading the 1916 Rising, before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol for execution on 12 May 1916.
The State Apartments Galleries feature a rotating programme of exhibitions relating to the history of the castle, held in rooms that were originally the Viceroy’s private quarters, two of which retain original mid-18th-century rococo plasterwork ceilings by the stuccodore Bartholomew Cramillion.
The Viking Excavation (guided tour only) is one of the most significant Viking-age archaeological sites in Ireland, located beneath the floor of the Lower Castle Yard. Excavations carried out during the construction of the Conference Centre in the 1980s uncovered the remains of the Viking and medieval settlement of Dyflin, including the original Poddle River channel and the base of the medieval city wall. The excavation is reached by stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
The Chapel Royal (guided tour only) was completed in 1814 to a design by Francis Johnston in the Gothic Revival style. The interior is notable for its intricate fan-vaulted plasterwork ceiling, carved oak galleries, stained glass windows depicting Irish saints, and over 90 carved stone heads on the exterior, representing Irish historical figures. The chapel was the principal place of worship for the Viceregal court and the site of significant ceremonial events throughout the period of British rule.
The Medieval Tower (also known as the Record Tower) is the only substantially intact surviving element of the original medieval castle, dating from the early 13th century. It can be viewed externally from the Castle Yard and forms part of the guided tour route, though access inside the tower is not included in standard tickets.
The Castle Gardens are free to enter without a ticket and are accessible from both the Upper and Lower Castle Yards. The gardens are laid out on the site of the former moat and include the Garda Memorial Garden, formal planting, and views of the castle’s towers and the Chapel Royal. The Coach House in the gardens hosts temporary exhibitions, which are also typically included in the admission ticket.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Choose the right ticket | If you want to visit the Viking Excavation or the Chapel Royal, you must buy a guided tour ticket. These areas cannot be accessed with a self-guided ticket under any circumstances. |
| Book online | Online booking for self-guided visits is available up to 15 days in advance. A limited number of walk-up tickets are available at the desk on the day, but popular periods can sell out. |
| Guided tours: buy at the desk | At the time of this guide’s last update, guided tour tickets were purchased on site at the ticket desk in the State Apartments, not online. |
| Heritage Card / Go City holders | Your card covers self-guided entry. To join a guided tour instead, pay the €3 upgrade at the desk. Do not assume your pass includes the Viking Excavation and Chapel Royal — it does not without the upgrade. |
| Leave your bag in a locker | Backpacks must be left in the free lockers before entering the museum rooms. Keep your valuables with you. |
| No buggies in the museum rooms | Leave buggies at the information desk, where staff will store them. Ask on arrival. |
| State functions may affect access | Dublin Castle is a working State building. Access to specific rooms can change at short notice. Check the official website for any advised closures before visiting. |
| Gardens are free | The Castle Gardens, Garda Memorial Garden, and the Coach House (temporary exhibitions) can often be accessed free of charge without a ticket. Check the website for the current position on Coach House exhibition access. |
| Photography | As with many European castles, photography and video for personal use are permitted throughout. Inside the State Apartments, flash must be turned off as the collections are light sensitive. Selfie sticks are not allowed inside any building. |
| Audio guide | Download the free English audio guide via the castle’s free Wi-Fi before or during your visit. Bring your own earphones as none are provided. |
| No toilets in the Viking Excavation | The nearest toilets are in the State Apartments. Visit before descending to the excavation. |
| Language brochures | Free brochures are available in 15 languages at the ticket desk. |
Frequently asked questions about Dublin Castle
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are Dublin Castle’s opening hours? | Monday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, 09:45am to 5:45pm. Last admission 5:15pm. Tours run from 10:00am to 4:30pm. |
| How much does it cost to visit Dublin Castle? | Self-guided: Adult €8, senior/student €6, child (12–17) €4, under 12 free, family (2+3) €20. Guided tour: Adult €12, senior/student €10, child (12–17) €6, under 12 free, family (2+3) €30. |
| Can I visit the Viking Excavation and Chapel Royal with a self-guided ticket? | No. Both the Viking Excavation and the Chapel Royal are exclusively accessible as part of a guided tour. Self-guided tickets do not include these areas. |
| Is my OPW Heritage Card or Go City Dublin Pass valid at Dublin Castle? | Yes, for self-guided visits. If you want to join a guided tour instead, you must pay a €3 per person upgrade fee at the ticket desk. |
| Is Dublin Castle wheelchair accessible? | The State Apartments and Castle Gardens are fully accessible. The Viking Excavation is not accessible (stairs only). The Chapel Royal is partly accessible. |
| Is there parking at Dublin Castle? | No visitor parking is available on site. The nearest public car parks are Q-Park Christchurch on Werburgh Street and Park Rite Drury Street. |
| Can I bring a buggy or pram? | Not into the State Apartments museum rooms. Buggies can be stored free at the information desk during the visit. |
| Do I need to book in advance? | Online booking for self-guided visits is available. Guided tours are purchased at the desk on the day. Booking online is advisable during busy periods to avoid disappointment if walk-up tickets are sold out. |
| Is Dublin Castle closed on any days? | It is open seven days a week and on Bank Holidays. However, as a working State building, rooms or areas may be closed at short notice for official functions. |
| Are the Castle Gardens free to visit? | Yes, the Castle Gardens can be explored without purchasing a ticket and are accessible independently during opening hours. |
Things to do near Dublin Castle
All of the following are within a 15-minute walk of Dublin Castle.
Chester Beatty Library (free) – Located within the Dublin Castle grounds in the Clock Tower Building, the Chester Beatty Library holds one of the world’s most significant collections of manuscripts, prints, icons, and artefacts from across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. Entry is free, and it is consistently rated among Ireland’s best visitor attractions. Do not miss it if you are already at the castle.
Christ Church Cathedral – A 7-minute walk from Dublin Castle, Christ Church is one of Dublin’s two medieval cathedrals, founded by the Vikings in 1030 and substantially rebuilt in the Norman period. It contains the reputed tomb of Strongbow and Dublin’s oldest mediaeval crypt, which is open to visitors. Admission is charged; free on Sundays during religious services.
St Patrick’s Cathedral – Approximately a 10-minute walk from the castle, St Patrick’s is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and the largest church in Ireland. Associated with Jonathan Swift, who served as Dean here from 1713 to 1745, the cathedral contains his tomb and memorial.
Kilmainham Gaol – Located approximately 3km west of the city centre and accessible by bus or on foot, Kilmainham Gaol is directly connected to several of the narratives encountered in the James Connolly Room at Dublin Castle. The gaol was the site of the executions of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising and is one of Dublin’s most significant historical visitor attractions. Guided tours run throughout the day; advance booking is essential as tours regularly sell out.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (paid) – A 15-minute walk from Dublin Castle via the quays, EPIC is located in the vaults of The CHQ Building on Custom House Quay and covers the history of Irish emigration and diaspora. A combination ticket with the nearby Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship is available.
Dublinia – Located adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia is an interactive museum covering Viking and medieval Dublin, making it a logical extension of the Viking Excavation at Dublin Castle for families or those interested in the pre-Norman and Norman periods of the city’s history.
Temple Bar – Dublin’s cultural quarter is a 10-minute walk from Dublin Castle along Dame Street. The area contains numerous galleries, pubs, independent shops, street markets (particularly at the weekends), and the Irish Film Institute. The National Photographic Archive, which holds the Irish Photographic Archive, is located in Meeting House Square.
More Dublin travel
Other Dublin travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Taste Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse Experience, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street and the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
- What you’ll see at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.
- Enjoy the character-packed tours at the Little Museum of Dublin.
- Trace the tale of the Easter Rising at the GPO Museum.
- Explore Malahide Castle, Newbridge House and Farm and the Skerries Mills to the north of Dublin.
