Dublin Castle, Ireland

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Our next stop was Dublin Castle, the interior was remarkable and was decorated beautifully for visiting dignitaries. During excavation they found water seeping into the bottom castle floor and they found more subterranean castle which the Irish historians have determined had once been a waterway to the River Liffey. We were fortunate to have toured this dark and damp underground excavation with complete commentary.

This castle was built in 1204 by King John, its history tells of many impaled Irish who hung from its walls. The British Administration has been housed here since 1922. The State Apartments as well as the Undercroft and Chapel Royal are open for visits with regular guided tours.

For more information and 360 degree panoramas of this castle see website address below.

Little remains of the original fortress which became the modern Dublin Castle grounds and buildings but a tour of the site is still well worth the 45 minutes spent there. Access to the castle is by guided tour only but offers visitors a glimpse of the castle and its history from Viking and Norman times up through the birth of the Irish Republic and the split from the United Kingdom. Many of the rooms visited on the tour are decorated in Victorian style and are still used in some cases for various government functions. A most interesting part of the tour was the background surrounding a table now housed in the castle which was made for Queen Victoria by an Irish prisoner that included figures depicting devils tormenting and harassing the queen. Needless to say the queen was unimpressed! The undercroft at the base of the castle, dating to the Norman era, was also worth a look despite the damp.

Situated near Trinity College and still walking distance from the Temple Bar. The castle was completed in 1204, and we missed out the time to visit the castle. It was already closed when we reached there.

Ghost, goblins and all the dark sources come out to play at night - when Dublin slumbers .... (*dolby surroundd sound effect of creaking door and wind*)

THE HAUNTED DUBLIN TOUR --- The tour has been described as being 'wacky, highly original, a nut cracker of entertainment...' etc. and last year The Irish Times nominated it as the best tour in Dublin.

WHAT IS IT? A night time theatrical walking tour / ghost tour / street theatre / circus / comedy / whatever?.. a cocktail mixture of all of the above and much, much more.
Visit the scenes of great escapes, murders and mythical happenings within the medieval city of Dublin. With the blind and ageing Zozimus as your story-teller, help him guide you down the eerie alleyways and austere courtyards.

WHERE? / MEETING POINT
Tours start from the Pedestrian Gates of Dublin Castle (opposite the Olympia Theatre) on Dame Street. Simply wait at the gates (there's a sign there) and a funny looking character will arrive and off we go to have a laugh.
Tours finish just beside Christ Church Cathedral. We will probably invite you to calm your nerves and "chill out" over a pint or two in our local - Brogans of Dame Street (next to where we start the tour).
If you're in a bus there is bus parking right next to where we finish the tour - just off Christ Church on Cook Street. For parking cars, there's a big multi-story car park just behind Jury's Christchurch Inn.

WHEN?
Operates every evening by appointment.
Start times vary depending on the time of year (that bit more fun when the evening shadows fall?)
As a guide line, tours normally start:-
Summer: ~ 9p.m. (21.00)
Winter: ~ 7p.m. (19.00)
PRE-BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
N.B. MORE THAN ONE TOUR PERFORMED NIGHTLY.
Tours also performed mornings and afternoons - more comical than anything else (group bookings only at present).
BEWARE! TOURS OPERATE IN ALL WEATHER AND IN ALL SEASONS - In the interests of safety PLEASE DRESS APPROPRIATELY and wear sensible shoes.

Price is ?10 per person (group rates available)

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This former Norman Castle from the early 13th century is one of the oldest forms of surviving architecture in Dublin.
Behind the castle there is a green square from which you can have a quiet look.

Dublin Castle is home to the Irish Government. A mix of old and new this buiding can look a little confusing as you walk around it, what with the different extensions to the main building it's juxtaposition and different colours are almost sureal. Take your time as you walk around and try to pick out some of the wonderful detail in the buildings.

The Dublin City Tour has been carefully designed to give you the freedom to explore and experience the history and culture of Dublin at your leisure. The complete tour lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, but your 'All Day' ticket will allow you to hop on and off, as often as you wish throughout the day at 16 conveniently located bus stops around the city. All stops display the distinctive green and cream open-top bus sign.