Dublin Castle has always been at the epicentre of Irish politics and culture and is one of our most important historical landmarks and a must see Dublin attraction. It’s been a military fortress, a prison, a court of law, a treasury, and today a tourist attraction. Just a short walk from us, we couldn’t recommend a better activity to pair with a visit to us here at the Storehouse.
To give you a taste of just how important the Castle has been to Dublin and Dubliners since it was first built on a viking settlement in the 13th century, we’ve been making a list of some cool things about Dublin Castle that you may not know - here are 10 great facts about Dublin Castle…
Upon the orders of King John of England in 1204, after the Norman invasion of Ireland, Dublin Castle was first founded as a major defensive fortress. It was to have thick, strong walls and wide ditches – a place where justice would be administered, the city would be defended, and the king's treasure protected of course!
The castle as you see it today is not what was built there first. That was largely destroyed by fire in 1684 and had to be demolished and rebuilt. What had been a medieval fortress evolved into a beautiful Georgian Palace, which is the castle you see when you visit today.
In fact, it was the seat of British power in Ireland from when it was built in the 13th century, right through to its handover to Irish revolutionary leaders in 1922 after the War of Independence. On 16 January of that year, Michael Collins led a delegation to meet with the last Lord Lieutenant of IReand, Viscount FitzAlan, to arrange the handover. You’ll find the date commemorated by a plaque in the Upper Castle Yard.
In the late 1770s, Guinness became one of two official suppliers of ale and beer to Dublin Castle, where it was served at banquets, balls and other events. Of course Guinness was already a firm favourite in Ireland at the time, but this helped solidify its international reputation as Ireland’s iconic beverage and beer tasting brewery.
Dublin Castle is the site of every Irish presidential inauguration since 1938. The inaugurations take place at St Patrick’s Hall, the grand golden gilded and royal blue reception room that’s one of the Castle’s most iconic sights. You can visit the beautiful hall during your visit to the Castle - though likely not on an inauguration day!
The Record Tower is still standing, the one remnant of the original medieval fortress built here. Its walls are almost 5 metres thick and was once the King’s clothing tower, and maybe even Ireland’s most secure walk-in wardrobe! You can’t see inside the tower at the moment due to restoration works, but you’ll get a great sense of what the castle used to be just by looking at the outside of this imposing tower.
In fact it’s starred in quite a few hollywood hits and TV shows. Barry Lyndon, The Tudors, Reign, Becoming Jane, and of course Michael Collins have all featured the Castle, and it’s still in regular use as a filming location. The Guinness Storehouse also had its fair share of famous faces who visited over the years.
Dublin Castle is built at the site of the original, Dubh Linn, the black pool where vikings first came and harboured their ships to set up a trading base that eventually grew into the city as we know it today. The exact location is marked at the Dubh Linn Garden on the Castle grounds.
Here, you can find one of the world’s most extensive and well-kept collections of ancient and rare manuscripts, artworks and books. It’s an incredibly interesting museum that offers a fantastic insight into global and local traditions, and it’s totally free to visit.
Bram Stoker began working in Dublin Castle in August of 1871, eventually working his way up to become Inspector of Petty Sessions. It was this job that led to his first published book - “The Duties of Clerks of the Petty Sessions of Ireland”. Perhaps it’s not too surprising that it was Dracule, rather than this one, that made his name as an author!
As well as Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse is a must visit offering fun group activities and tourists can enjoy eating and drinking experiences in Dublin’s oldest brewery.