Castle sights in Dublin
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Howth Castle
Most of the town backs onto the extensive grounds of Howth Castle, built in 1564 but much changed over the years, most recently in 1910 when Sir Edwin Lutyens gave it a modernist make-over. Today the castle is divided into four very posh and private residences. The original estate was acquired in 1177 by the Norman noble Sir Almeric Tristram, who changed his surname to St Lawrence after winning a battle at the behest (or so he believed) of his favourite saint. The family has owned the land ever since, though the unbroken chain of male succession came to an end in 1909.
On the grounds are the ruins of the 16th-century Corr Castle and an ancient dolmen (tomb chamber or porta…
reviewed
-
A
Dublin Castle
The stronghold of British power in Ireland for 700 years, Dublin Castle is mostly an 18th-century creation built on Norman and Viking foundations. Of the 13th-century Anglo-Norman fortress built on the site, only the record tower remains. Once the official residence of the British viceroys in Ireland and now used by the Irish Government, a tour will appeal to history and architecture buffs. On Sunday and holidays free tours run every 30 minutes. Please note that the State Apartments may be closed at short notice – call ahead to check.
reviewed
-
B
Rathfarnham Castle
Less castle and more fortified house, this was originally built by Adam Loftus, the archbishop of Dublin, around 1583 and is most interesting as a restoration in progress. Several of the rooms – including 18th-century interiors by William Chambers – have been returned to their original splendour, while others are clearly struggling under the ravages of time. The guides have an infectious enthusiasm for the project. It’s 6km south of the city centre.
reviewed
-
Malahide Castle
Despite the vicissitudes of Irish history, the Talbot family managed to keep the castle under its control from 1185 to 1976, apart from a brief Cromwellian interlude (1649–60). It's now owned by Dublin County Council. The castle is the usual hotchpotch of additions and renovations; the oldest part is a three-storey 12th-century tower house. The facade is flanked by circular towers that were tacked on in 1765.
The castle is packed with furniture and paintings; highlights are a 16th-century oak room with decorative carvings, and the medieval Great Hall, which has family portraits, a minstrel's gallery and a painting of the Battle of the Boyne. Puck, the Talbot family ghost…
reviewed
