As kids, we all dreamt of living in a grand castle with sweeping staircases and secret passages. While that may not be possible, you can still get close to that fairytale life by visiting Dublin’s enchanting castles.
In this guide, we’ve curated the impressive castles once used by kings, will teach you about the area’s fascinating history, and will give you Instagrammable photos to achieve that royalty vibe in your feed.
So, let’s dive into this guide and become a seasoned “Dublin Castle Hopper” together!
1. Dublin Castle
Website: https://www.dublincastle.ie/
Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Contact details: +35316458800
Operating hours: 9:45 AM to 5:15 PM
Dublin Castle is a historic complex built on a Viking settlement site in the early 13th century. For many centuries, it served as the headquarters of the English and later British administration in Ireland.
After Ireland gained its independence in 1922, the castle was handed over to the new Irish government. Today, it functions as a significant government complex while also offering historical tours and exhibitions.
Pro tip:
Consider purchasing a guided tour to delve deeper into the castle’s rich history and hidden gems. A tour can provide insights you might miss on your own, and many tours even include access to the Chester Beatty Library.
2. Malahide Castle
Website: https://www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/
Address: Back Rd, Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Operating hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Malahide Castle is a historic fortress that has been turned into a residence and has attracted visitors for centuries. It is located near Dublin and has been home to the Talbot family for almost 800 years.
A vast 260-acre demesne, a peaceful and natural visitor haven, surrounds the castle. The Talbot Botanic Gardens is a must-visit attraction within the demesne, featuring over 5,000 plant varieties worldwide.
Pro tip:
Pack a picnic basket and find a scenic spot amidst the gardens to relax and soak in the demesne’s beauty. You can also rent a bike to explore the more expansive Malahide Demesne Regional Park, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
3. Swords Castle
Website: https://swordscastle.events/
Address: Bridge St, Townparks, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X439, Ireland
Contact details: +35318905600
Operating hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Swords Castle, built in the 13th century by Archbishop John Comyn, served as a grand residence and administrative center for the Archbishops of Dublin. Its impressive size of nearly 1.5 acres and complex buildings catered to a life of luxury and power.
Recent archaeological digs have revealed unexpected burials beneath the gatehouse, hinting at a more profound history waiting to be unraveled. Swords Castle offered a blend of comfort and administration, making it a piece of Ireland’s architectural and social history.
Pro tip:
While guided tours might not be readily available, consider contacting Swords Castle in advance to inquire about booking one. A guided tour will provide a richer experience, breathing life into the castle’s past and illuminating the stories.
4. Ardgillan Castle
Website: http://ardgillancastle.ie/
Address: Ardgillan Demesne, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, K32 WX87, Ireland
Contact details: +35318492212
Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ardgillan Castle, built in the 18th century, is more of a grand country house. It is situated amidst 200 acres of rolling parkland known as Ardgillan Demesne, with stunning views of the Irish Sea, Lambay Island, and the Mourne Mountains.
The grand drawing room and elegant dining room offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the landed gentry. Additionally, the castle houses a permanent exhibition showcasing the Down Survey maps of Ireland, a fascinating historical record.
Pro tip:
Consider packing a picnic basket. Ardgillan Demesne, with its sprawling lawns and scenic views, is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon under the Irish sky.
5. Dalkey Castle
Website: http://www.dalkeycastle.com/
Address: Castle St, Dalkey, Dublin, A96 DE61, Ireland
Contact details: +35312858366
Operating hours: Wednesday to Monday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Merchants built Dalkey Castle as a fortified warehouse to protect their goods from Dublin. It is a 14th-century medieval structure that boasts features like lancet windows, machicolations, and crenellations.
The Writers’ Gallery is another highlight of the castle. It showcases the works of 45 renowned Irish authors, including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Maeve Binchy, through interactive displays that delve into the writings that have shaped Irish literature.
Pro tip:
Participate in a guided Living History tour. The costumed actors will make history come alive and provide a fun and engaging way to learn about the castle and its inhabitants.
6. Howth Castle
Website: http://howthcastle.ie/
Address: Howth Castle, Howth, Dublin, D13 EH73, Ireland
Howth Castle is one of the longest continuously inhabited private homes in Europe. The castle has been the home of the St. Lawrence family for over 800 years, and the estate dates back to 1177.
The castle’s core structure is medieval, with a gate tower dating back to the 15th century. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and witness the architectural styles reflecting its rich history.
Pro tip:
Guided tours are offered on certain days, typically Sundays during June, July, and August, with occasional Saturdays in July included. Check the Fingal County Council website to book your tour in advance.
7. Clontarf Castle
Website: https://www.clontarfcastle.ie/
Address: Castle Ave, Clontarf East, Dublin 3, D03 W5NO, Ireland
Contact details: +35318332321
Clontarf Castle was built in 1837 by architect William Vitruvius Morrison in a Gothic Revival style. Its unique blend of history and modern luxury offers its guests light-filled spaces, exposed stonework, and beautiful gardens.
The castle has undergone significant renovations and functions as a luxurious four-star hotel, the Clontarf Castle Hotel. Modern wings have been added to the original structure to provide all the amenities you’d expect in a high-end hotel.
Pro tip:
If you’re staying at the Clontarf Castle Hotel, be sure to explore the original parts of the building. For an extra special experience, have afternoon tea in the grand drawing room, a beautiful space that retains much of its original character.
8. Drimnagh Castle
Website: http://www.drimnaghcastle.org/
Address: Medieval Castle, Long Mile Rd, Drimnagh, Dublin, 12, Ireland
Contact details: +35314502530
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Drimnagh Castle is a meticulously restored Norman castle in South Dublin. It is the only remaining moated castle in Ireland and has a rich history dating back to the 12th century.
Visitors can return in time by exploring the castle’s restored Great Hall, which features an impressive 17th-century fireplace. The castle’s intriguing medieval undercroft, which contains remnants of its earlier construction, is also worth a visit.
Pro tip:
Explore the castle’s captivating history through a guided tour. The knowledgeable guides bring the castle’s past to life, sharing stories of the de Bernival family and the intriguing events that unfolded within these walls.
9. Ashtown Castle
Website: https://www.phoenixpark.ie/
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland
Contact details: +35316770095
Operating hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Ashtown Castle is a tower house that may date back to the 15th century. For centuries, it was hidden within the walls of a Georgian mansion, Ashtown Lodge, until the lodge was demolished in the late 1980s, leading to the castle’s rediscovery.
Visitors can explore the four-story tower house and learn about medieval life. The castle’s modest size and layout are characteristic of tower houses built under a government program that offered financial aid for defensive structures.
Pro tip:
After exploring Ashtown Castle, stroll through the beautifully restored Victorian walled kitchen gardens within Ashtown Demesne, the castle’s surrounding estate. These gardens offer a glimpse into horticultural practices of the past.
10. Rathfarnham Castle
Website: http://www.rathfarnhamcastle.ie/
Address: Rathfarnham Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin, D14 K3T6, Ireland
Contact details: +35314939462
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 4:15 PM
Built-in the 16th century for Archbishop Adam Loftus, Rathfarnham Castle initially served as a fortified house with four flanking towers, a classic feature of Elizabethan architecture in Ireland.
Today, visitors can explore the remnants of its defensive past alongside the grandeur of its later years. The castle also boasts a collection of family portraits by renowned artists like Angelica Kauffman and Sir Peter Lely, adding another layer of historical intrigue.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the stunning reception room, known as the Gilt Room. Adorned with lavish plasterwork and gilded details, it’s a quintessential example of Georgian extravagance and a true highlight of the castle.
11. Luttrellstown Castle
Website: http://www.luttrellstowncastle.com/
Address: Kellystown, Castleknock, Co. Dublin, D15 RH92, Ireland
Contact details: +35318609600
Luttrellstown Castle is a 15th-century estate with a rich history. It was once owned by notable personalities such as the Luttrell family and Queen Victoria, who visited the castle.
Today, Luttrellstown Castle is a luxurious resort that offers 25 individually designed bedrooms within the castle and the Gardener’s Cottage. Guests can enjoy world-class hospitality and indulge in delicious meals.
Pro tip:
For an extraordinary experience, consider booking an afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of the castle. Savor delectable pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches accompanied by a selection of teas, all served on the finest china.
12. Monkstown Castle
Address: 2 Castle Park, Monkstown Castlefarm, Dublin, Ireland
Operating hours: 24/7
Cistercian monks originally constructed Monkstown Castle in the 14th century to manage their vast lands. The castle features a well-preserved gatehouse and a large, three-story fortified tower.
Throughout the centuries, it has undergone significant transformations and ownership changes, including being the residence of influential figures like John Travers, Edmund Ludlow, and the Cheevers family.
Pro tip:
Monkstown Castle is freely accessible to the public. Explore the grounds, soak in the old-world ambiance, and let your imagination travel back in time.