Description of the attraction
Dublin Castle has changed many roles in its lifetime. Built by the Normans as a defensive fortress, it was both the royal residence, and the seat of the military garrison, and the seat of parliament and various courts. Now, receptions of official foreign delegations are held here, the inaugurations of the presidents of Ireland and other solemn events are held.
The construction of the fortress began in 1204 by order of the English king John Lackland and lasted until 1230. The fortress was located southwest of what was then Dublin, and the city walls began from the northeastern castle tower, went in the western and northern directions, skirted the city and returned to the castle, to its southwestern tower. Of these medieval buildings, only one tower has survived to this day. In the middle of the 18th century, the castle was almost completely rebuilt, turning from a defensive fortification into a ceremonial palace with richly decorated halls.
In 1907, the precious regalia of the Order of St. Patrick were stolen from the castle - the star and the badge of the order, decorated with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. The jewelry was never found.
Dublin Castle is now not only the venue for official government events, but also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the capital of Ireland. Every year, at the beginning of May, a contemporary music festival is held on the territory of the castle.
You can get inside the castle and into the state rooms (if they are not occupied for official state events) only as part of a group accompanied by a guide, but the entrance to the territory of the castle is free.
