Today, the Dublin Castle in Ireland is a government building used for official ceremonies, dinners, presidential inaugurations, and other state affairs.  Historically, however, it has had a varied past and was once called home by the Vikings, Normans, English, and British.  Through most of its history, it has served as the administrative seat for English and British rule in Ireland.  In 1922, it was finally handed back to the people of its country and has served them ever since.  

Dublin Castle

The City of Dublin was founded by the Vikings in the 10th century.  In 1204, after the Normans had invaded and settled into Dublin, King John of England ordered the construction of defensive towers and walls on the ruins of the Viking settlement.  He wanted a place where he could protect the treasury as well as the citizens who lived there in times of need.  This set of buildings was heavily used and modified over time up until it was destroyed by a fire in 1684.

With the exception of the Medieval Tower, all of the castle you can see today above ground was built in the 18th century.  Keeping current with the times, when the castle was rebuilt after the fire of 1684, it was built as a palace in the Georgian architectural style.  Dublin Castle served as the administrative seat for the English, then British rule when Ireland was part of the United Kingdom.  

In 1922, the British handed the castle over to Michael Collins and the new Irish government.  Ever since 1938, the castle has been the location of the inauguration for Ireland’s presidents.  Today, Dublin Castle is a government building used for special state functions.   

Remnants of the older Viking and Medieval Fortifications

Dating to circa 1204-1228 during the reign of Henry III, the Medieval Tower was part of the original medieval fortifications.  It’s earliest use was as the location to store the King’s treasury and personal belongings.  With walls at about 15 feet thick, it would have been a very secure location.  The castle was then used as a place to house prisoners, before being converted into the headquarters for the Master Gunner.  In the 1800s, it was modified into a place to hold important state documents and records.  During this time, the battlements were added to the top of the tower making it even taller.

Below the castle, visitors can access early medieval remains that have been identified through archaeological digs.  This includes parts of the original fortifications such as the medieval curtained town wall and postern gate that led down to the moat that once surrounded the castle, as well as an archway that passed over the moat.  Additionally, archaeologists identified features present from the earliest Viking settlement below the castle including a stone covered embankment.

Irish Crown Jewels

In 1783, a knight order called the Order of St. Patrick was established by George III.  The British made regalia for the order, a diamond star and diamond badge, using emeralds, rubies, pink diamonds, and clear diamonds from existing English crown jewels.  These are Ireland’s royal Crown Jewels and they were kept in the castle.  In 1907, the crown jewels and five knights’ collars from the Order of St. Patrick were stolen and have never been recovered.

Where is it Located?

The Dublin Castle is located in the City Centre on Ship Street Gate just off of Dame Street in Dublin, Ireland.  You will find it just south/southwest of the City Hall.