We were fortunate to be here on a very quiet day where we could really stop and look at everything with almost no one else around. I can't speak for what it's like when it's busy, but having all the space to ourselves to look around was really fun. A few areas were decorated for Christmas, and it was quite beautiful. The architecture both inside and out is gorgeous. There is a good amount to look at even without the guided tour, which we opted not to take. I would definitely go back if we're in Ireland again, and I would try out the guided tour next time myself to see some of the areas where you cannot go if you're not guided. I also wanted to mention the lovely garden on the grounds just near the castle. It's a stunning place, which was quiet and relaxing on the sunny but chilly winter morning that we visited. Overall it was a fantastic experience and I would recommend a visit!

Jennifer RossJan. 22, 2018

We did the self-guided tour and enjoyed ourselves, but for only €3 more the guided tour might be worth it if you appreciate more detail. However, the self-guided brochure offers quite a bit of information. The history of the castle is interesting and the state apartments are beautiful to see. Visitors are not allowed to carry in bags, but they do offer free lockers with admission.

Audrey StachmusJan. 8, 2018

Free to walk around, but not free to enter. Definitely worth a visit even if you don't go in. Great history, nice little shop, great architecture. Right beside the Chester Beatty museum, cafe and bookshop. Walking tours are great around here. Right beside town Hall with is a great free museum to check out as well.

Harry JonesFeb. 23, 2018

Definitely one of the must sees of Dublin. The tour was awesome, we got to check out the underground tower area, the old church, and the palace itself. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and reminded me of my grandfather. There was also a cafe next to the backpack locker room where I was able to get a ham and cheese croissant with pasta and coleslaw for 4€!

Andrew McIntireJan. 25, 2018

I went to the Chester Beatty Library, it is a must see. Give yourself plenty of time to really browse as there are so many treasures worth seeing. Very well laid out, I would recommend taking one of their execllent guided tours. The little cafe on ground floor has nice fresh food. I have a good appetite & I find their servings too large for one person, even their small salad is tons of food. Reasonably priced for what you get. Enjoy

MJ O'BrienJan. 30, 2018

This is more like visiting a stately home than a castle so f you're looking for arms and war stories you'll be disappointed. The state apartments and chapel are beautiful with lots of associated history. The guided tour was very interesting and definitely worth doing. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, although she spoke quickly with a strong accent so may have been difficult to understand for anyone whose English was rusty / not their first language. There's a temporary exhibition about the famine which wasn't comfortable viewing but worthwhile reflecting on, especially if you're English.

Sue HarveyMärz 29, 2018

We did he self guided tour. It was pretty easy to guide ourselves and read the information around the castle. We went through the tour in about 30 min and cost 7€ each. Took lots of pictures and was interesting in some spots. There were some great rooms like the throne room and St. Patrick's hall. Could have been more interesting.

Josh WrayMärz 30, 2018

It's so odd seeing a castle in the middle of a city but it's really cool. The tour was very informational and it was interesting to see how the castle is still used today for many social events. And they walk you through the history while explaining how modern day society still benefits from using the castle.

Annabel DoughertyMärz 5, 2018

A nice stop while walking around the city. Took a self guided tour around the castle and grounds. The guided tour obviously goes into more detail and is rather charming. There are lockers for storing your stuff as they don't allow backpacks.

Rachel GuraApr. 2, 2018

Rather odd to see a castle in the middle of the Dublin city but from the other side it's interesting since the castle is still often used for social events. Ideal for taking many nice pictures. The place looks like a castle but is more like a museum with state rooms, Gothic Chapel and attached beautiful gardens and library. Many world famous politicians passed through this castle before you !

Jan TorfsMai 2, 2018

So this actually turned out to be an unexpected highlight in our trip to Dublin! ( I would have given it 5 stars except it’s not really a castle so much as a palace built on the remains of a castle so the name is slightly misleading). That being said, if you go spend the money for the guided tour - so worth it and they do an amazing job walking you through the sites history from its start as a Viking settlement to its current use for state affairs. The church on site has amazing woodwork, and the palace rooms have some beautiful antiques. A must do in Dublin!

stephanie comitoApr. 13, 2018

Without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Dublin. They offer a guided tour which gives you access to the underground portions of the castle while also being able to go into a couple other areas, all while learning about the history of Dublin and the Castle. Our tour guide was very friendly and encouraged people to take pictures and ask questions. This is one of the most historical places in all of Ireland and it's located near a couple other places within walking distance.

Chris FerryApr. 23, 2018

Great place for tourists. If you decide to go there get the guided tour. The guide was very kind and was explaining everything without rushing things. She was also answering all the questions that the visitors had. Very nice place to learn about how Dublin looked in the very beginning and about different "layers" that the city had over the years.

Mincho GaydarovApr. 22, 2018

A really beautiful place to hang out with friends or family. It has a garden behind it. And a beautiful museum to know more about the history. You can spend couple of hours at this place. U need to pay for entering the museum..rest is all free.

Manasi PatilMai 1, 2018

Certainly a great experience but it's not what you would think. The tour is on the shorter side. You do get to see a few spots of the medieval castle as well as you get to view the church which was certainly a site to see. The rooms though have all been remodeled and updated. If you know that going into it, you won't be disappointed. I read reviews prior that communicated it would be more historic and medieval which set my expectations very high unfortunately. If you get a Dublin pass the castle is free.

Tori ClarkJuni 13, 2018

The extra 3 Euro for the guided tour (so 10 rather than the 7 Euro for the self-guided tour) is SO worth it! The self guided tour is only of some of the state rooms (which are very cool, don't get me wrong) in the functioning "palace" that is active government buildings. The guided tour, beyond getting fun history tidbits you might miss doing it yourself, grants you access first to the old remains of the powder tower and viking excavation area where they carefully over 2 years excavated the base of one of the 4 towers of the original castle (there is only 1 remaining that you can see above ground, near the Chapel Royal, being renovated into a museum during the next two years) and some of the moat, and down to the original viking sea break wall.... Awesome history beneath administrative buildings! After that you get guided-tour only access to the Chapel Royal which is amazing, and has fantastic details explained by the guides, and an absolutely stunning pipe organ. After those 2 exclusive places, and discussion of the fire in the castle, and all that history, you head into the palace to get the rest of the history and see the lovely State Rooms. It was fantastic! Make sure you enjoy the green, the original site of the "black pool" that Dublin got its name from, was. There's some construction (tower and an archway), but that's life, so I didn't deduct points. It wasn't overly intrusive.

Sarah GaleMai 16, 2018

Booked online the night before for a self-guided tour. The site loaded indefinetely after I made the payment, had a transaction on my credit card for the amount of the tickets on my card, but didn't receive any email. I went to the castle the next day, with my transactions history and explained the situation. The girl at the reception could not care less and told me the transaction was for another historic site in Dublin that I didn't even know about. She told me she doesn't manage the website which is their official website. She refused to reimbursed but gently offered me to buy new tickets. One of the most beautiful country there is, but the people are the bitchiest and all seem like they wish you would drown at sea. Never going back.

Karl DufresneJuni 1, 2018

The guided tour was not costly and it was every well worth it! We went in not knowing much history, but came out feeling pretty educated about the relations between England and Ireland throughout time. Was fascinated to learn fun facts such as where the name “Dublin” originated, the original purposes of the the castle, and how it’s purposes were transformed. Was a short tour (45-60 min) but was definitely worth a visit while in Dublin!

Nikita DeshpandeMai 11, 2018

We were fortunate to be here on a very quiet day where we could really stop and look at everything with almost no one else around. I can't speak for what it's like when it's busy, but having all the space to ourselves to look around was really fun. A few areas were decorated for Christmas, and it was quite beautiful. The architecture both inside and out is gorgeous. There is a good amount to look at even without the guided tour, which we opted not to take. I would definitely go back if we're in Ireland again, and I would try out the guided tour next time myself to see some of the areas where you cannot go if you're not guided. I also wanted to mention the lovely garden on the grounds just near the castle. It's a stunning place, which was quiet and relaxing on the sunny but chilly winter morning that we visited. Overall it was a fantastic experience and I would recommend a visit!

Jennifer RossJan. 22, 2018

We did the self-guided tour and enjoyed ourselves, but for only €3 more the guided tour might be worth it if you appreciate more detail. However, the self-guided brochure offers quite a bit of information. The history of the castle is interesting and the state apartments are beautiful to see. Visitors are not allowed to carry in bags, but they do offer free lockers with admission.

Audrey StachmusJan. 8, 2018

Free to walk around, but not free to enter. Definitely worth a visit even if you don't go in. Great history, nice little shop, great architecture. Right beside the Chester Beatty museum, cafe and bookshop. Walking tours are great around here. Right beside town Hall with is a great free museum to check out as well.

Harry JonesFeb. 23, 2018

Definitely one of the must sees of Dublin. The tour was awesome, we got to check out the underground tower area, the old church, and the palace itself. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and reminded me of my grandfather. There was also a cafe next to the backpack locker room where I was able to get a ham and cheese croissant with pasta and coleslaw for 4€!

Andrew McIntireJan. 25, 2018

I went to the Chester Beatty Library, it is a must see. Give yourself plenty of time to really browse as there are so many treasures worth seeing. Very well laid out, I would recommend taking one of their execllent guided tours. The little cafe on ground floor has nice fresh food. I have a good appetite & I find their servings too large for one person, even their small salad is tons of food. Reasonably priced for what you get. Enjoy

MJ O'BrienJan. 30, 2018

This is more like visiting a stately home than a castle so f you're looking for arms and war stories you'll be disappointed. The state apartments and chapel are beautiful with lots of associated history. The guided tour was very interesting and definitely worth doing. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, although she spoke quickly with a strong accent so may have been difficult to understand for anyone whose English was rusty / not their first language. There's a temporary exhibition about the famine which wasn't comfortable viewing but worthwhile reflecting on, especially if you're English.

Sue HarveyMärz 29, 2018

We did he self guided tour. It was pretty easy to guide ourselves and read the information around the castle. We went through the tour in about 30 min and cost 7€ each. Took lots of pictures and was interesting in some spots. There were some great rooms like the throne room and St. Patrick's hall. Could have been more interesting.

Josh WrayMärz 30, 2018

It's so odd seeing a castle in the middle of a city but it's really cool. The tour was very informational and it was interesting to see how the castle is still used today for many social events. And they walk you through the history while explaining how modern day society still benefits from using the castle.

Annabel DoughertyMärz 5, 2018

A nice stop while walking around the city. Took a self guided tour around the castle and grounds. The guided tour obviously goes into more detail and is rather charming. There are lockers for storing your stuff as they don't allow backpacks.

Rachel GuraApr. 2, 2018

Rather odd to see a castle in the middle of the Dublin city but from the other side it's interesting since the castle is still often used for social events. Ideal for taking many nice pictures. The place looks like a castle but is more like a museum with state rooms, Gothic Chapel and attached beautiful gardens and library. Many world famous politicians passed through this castle before you !

Jan TorfsMai 2, 2018

So this actually turned out to be an unexpected highlight in our trip to Dublin! ( I would have given it 5 stars except it’s not really a castle so much as a palace built on the remains of a castle so the name is slightly misleading). That being said, if you go spend the money for the guided tour - so worth it and they do an amazing job walking you through the sites history from its start as a Viking settlement to its current use for state affairs. The church on site has amazing woodwork, and the palace rooms have some beautiful antiques. A must do in Dublin!

stephanie comitoApr. 13, 2018

Without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Dublin. They offer a guided tour which gives you access to the underground portions of the castle while also being able to go into a couple other areas, all while learning about the history of Dublin and the Castle. Our tour guide was very friendly and encouraged people to take pictures and ask questions. This is one of the most historical places in all of Ireland and it's located near a couple other places within walking distance.

Chris FerryApr. 23, 2018

Great place for tourists. If you decide to go there get the guided tour. The guide was very kind and was explaining everything without rushing things. She was also answering all the questions that the visitors had. Very nice place to learn about how Dublin looked in the very beginning and about different "layers" that the city had over the years.

Mincho GaydarovApr. 22, 2018

A really beautiful place to hang out with friends or family. It has a garden behind it. And a beautiful museum to know more about the history. You can spend couple of hours at this place. U need to pay for entering the museum..rest is all free.

Manasi PatilMai 1, 2018

Certainly a great experience but it's not what you would think. The tour is on the shorter side. You do get to see a few spots of the medieval castle as well as you get to view the church which was certainly a site to see. The rooms though have all been remodeled and updated. If you know that going into it, you won't be disappointed. I read reviews prior that communicated it would be more historic and medieval which set my expectations very high unfortunately. If you get a Dublin pass the castle is free.

Tori ClarkJuni 13, 2018

The extra 3 Euro for the guided tour (so 10 rather than the 7 Euro for the self-guided tour) is SO worth it! The self guided tour is only of some of the state rooms (which are very cool, don't get me wrong) in the functioning "palace" that is active government buildings. The guided tour, beyond getting fun history tidbits you might miss doing it yourself, grants you access first to the old remains of the powder tower and viking excavation area where they carefully over 2 years excavated the base of one of the 4 towers of the original castle (there is only 1 remaining that you can see above ground, near the Chapel Royal, being renovated into a museum during the next two years) and some of the moat, and down to the original viking sea break wall.... Awesome history beneath administrative buildings! After that you get guided-tour only access to the Chapel Royal which is amazing, and has fantastic details explained by the guides, and an absolutely stunning pipe organ. After those 2 exclusive places, and discussion of the fire in the castle, and all that history, you head into the palace to get the rest of the history and see the lovely State Rooms. It was fantastic! Make sure you enjoy the green, the original site of the "black pool" that Dublin got its name from, was. There's some construction (tower and an archway), but that's life, so I didn't deduct points. It wasn't overly intrusive.

Sarah GaleMai 16, 2018

Booked online the night before for a self-guided tour. The site loaded indefinetely after I made the payment, had a transaction on my credit card for the amount of the tickets on my card, but didn't receive any email. I went to the castle the next day, with my transactions history and explained the situation. The girl at the reception could not care less and told me the transaction was for another historic site in Dublin that I didn't even know about. She told me she doesn't manage the website which is their official website. She refused to reimbursed but gently offered me to buy new tickets. One of the most beautiful country there is, but the people are the bitchiest and all seem like they wish you would drown at sea. Never going back.

Karl DufresneJuni 1, 2018

The guided tour was not costly and it was every well worth it! We went in not knowing much history, but came out feeling pretty educated about the relations between England and Ireland throughout time. Was fascinated to learn fun facts such as where the name “Dublin” originated, the original purposes of the the castle, and how it’s purposes were transformed. Was a short tour (45-60 min) but was definitely worth a visit while in Dublin!

Nikita DeshpandeMai 11, 2018