Hey its Wes and Chanda and welcome to Dinklife! During our time exploring Dublin, Ireland, we decided to check out one of the city’s most recognizable historic attractions, Dublin Castle! Located right in the heart of Dublin, just a short walk from the famous Temple Bar area, the castle seemed like a great place to spend part of our day. When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that admission was completely free! We weren’t exactly sure why they weren’t charging that particular Saturday, but we certainly weren’t going to argue with free admission. There was some construction and restoration work happening around the grounds, but the castle was still open for visitors. We really didn’t know what to expect inside, which made exploring it even more interesting.
Once we entered Dublin Castle, we headed upstairs to explore the beautiful historic rooms that were open to visitors. We immediately noticed the impressive ceilings, elaborate decorations, and incredible artwork throughout the building. One of the most interesting rooms was the Drawing Room, where we learned something new about the history behind its name. Apparently, the Drawing Room was where ladies would withdraw after dinner, leaving the gentlemen behind. We had heard about that tradition before, but we never realized that was where the name came from! We also saw some fascinating paintings, unusual decorative figures, and a throne that was approximately 205 years old. Some of the artwork almost appeared three dimensional when viewed in person, which made it even more impressive. Although the interiors weren’t quite as elaborate as some of the European palaces we’d visited, including Versailles, we actually appreciated the slightly more understated appearance.
Our self guided visit lasted approximately 35 minutes, which was right around the estimated time suggested for exploring the available rooms. Unfortunately, it appeared that we only saw a portion of the entire castle complex, as several areas weren’t accessible during our visit. We also learned that Dublin Castle offered guided tours on certain days, which typically lasted around an hour and provided access to additional areas. There weren’t any guided tours available when we visited, so we made the most of the rooms we could explore on our own. Even with the limited access and ongoing construction, we really enjoyed walking through the castle and seeing the historic architecture, artwork, and decorations. We had visited quite a few castles and palaces during our travels, and Dublin Castle still managed to offer something interesting and memorable.
After finishing our visit, we both agreed that Dublin Castle was definitely worth checking out, especially for anyone spending time in central Dublin. Its convenient location made it an easy stop while exploring the city, and we loved that we could experience a piece of Irish history without having to dedicate an entire day to it. While we were lucky enough to get free admission, visitors should check the current admission prices and tour availability before arriving. If we had the opportunity to return, we would definitely consider taking the guided tour to see more of the castle and learn about its history. Whether you’re visiting Dublin for the first time or returning to explore more of the city, we thought Dublin Castle was a fantastic addition to an Ireland travel itinerary. We were glad we stopped in, and we’d absolutely recommend giving it a look if you’re in the area. Remember, as always, whatever you decide to do, just get out there and do it!
Website: https://dublincastle.ie
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