There are plenty of cafes and the likes to grab a coffee and a bite to eat. One should visit St. Brigid's Cathedral, built between 1223-1230 CE over Brigid's monastic site. The castle is magnificent and sits on a 200 acres residence home. Birr Castle: a nice castle worth visiting for its grounds (the main house is still in use). These three branches which cover Natural history, decorative arts, and history are a must-visit. It is surrounded by lush green countryside perfect for long leisurely walks or relaxing picnics. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. If you have a place that youd like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and Ill check it out! Here, you'll find everything from hike and drive guides to funky places to stay and more! With cobblestoned squares, large playing fields and beautiful buildings, the college is definitely worth a . It is also a tourist attraction as its the oldest building in the whole city. Banana Pancake Trail: The Ultimate Guide 2023. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and a city famous around the world. It is located just 20 miles from the city and is worth visiting. Ive no doubt that weve unintentionally left out some brilliant Dublin castles from the guide above. In fact, Windsor Castle is one of the best day trips from London. It was used as a footbridge and is still standing to date. Temple Bar. Today, they are still used for important state functions. 5) Walk around St. Stephens Green: St. Stephens Green is a famous park in Dublin and definitely worth walking around during a trip to the city. Unfortunately, many people over the years have found itimpossible to seperate the current structure from the much earlier stronghold. It serves many functions, from hosting foreign dignitaries and state dinners to housing some of Ireland's government offices and commercial space available for private events. Temple Bar is a historic neighborhood along the River Liffey. Emails that go something along the lines of the question above tend to hit our inbox every few days. Ireland is such a unique country and Dublin is a great reflection of the island. .6/10 (753 reviews) Nice clean building and rooms were nice. Spanning across 11 acres (44,000 sq. Dublin is the birthplace of Guinness after all! Find the perfect companion for your ideal day or beachside relaxation. A Major fire caused . . It is considered a center for the history of the country. In 1922, following Ireland's independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. If you want to take a guided historical tour, companies such as Historical Walking Tours of Dublin and Pat Liddys Walking Tours of Dublinare popular choices. If youre looking for an energetic nightlife in the evening (and dont mind a crowd of tourists), this is the place to come. Dublin Castle was for 700 years the seat of British power in Ireland. The old library is popular for its amazing collection of books and especially on history. With the library having a unique Long Room, which is considered an architectural wonder, it can hold 200,000 books within a 200 feet space. Very fancy altogether. Ardgillan Castle is yet another popular and interesting castle worth visiting in Dublin. Ive no doubt that weve unintentionally left out some brilliant castles near Dublin from the guide above. When the abbey was dissolved in 1540, Monkstown Castle was given to an Englishman from Cornwall named John Travers who was aGroom of the Chamber to the King of England. Take a trip back to prehistoric Dublin by visiting the famous Dublin Castle. Turn off at the R639 or R691. 2021-12-12. Located in the heart of Dublin, Dublin Castle is a great place to get a taste of Irish history and culture. Several years later, in 1997, the castle reopened as a four-star hotel boasting 111 rooms and modernised interior. All of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you'd like more historical background and access to the Viking excavation and chapel royal, opt for a 70-minute guided tour. I live close-ish to Ardgillan Castle and tend to visit every couple of months. A view inside the state apartments of Dublin Castle. Some of the most popular things to do in Dublin include visiting Trinity College where you can see the Book of Kells in the iconic library. TIME TO SPEND. Swords Castle was built by the Archbishop of Dublin in and around 1200, with the intention of using it as a residence and administrative centre. The first section of our guide is packed with whatwethink are the most impressive castles around Dublin. Photo left by mjols84 (Shutterstock). Inside the square, there would have been a collection of wooden buildings. One of these towers, called the Record Tower, still stands today. These landmarks will give you an insight into the history of the area. When you're in Edinburgh, you can't miss out on the Castle. These round towers were bell towers that summoned monks and nuns to prayer at early Irish monasteries, and they date from the 12th century CE. When visiting Dublin, it'll be good to know its history. If you have a place that youd like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and Ill check it out! During that time, it served principally as a residence for the British monarch's Irish representative, the Viceroy of Ireland, and as a ceremonial and administrative centre. It helps me to keep my site up and running! The wooden drawbridge is no longer there but was replaced with a stone bridge in 1780. In a previous life, Cabra Castle was part of the 1,000-acre demesne of Dun Na R National Forest Park (well worth visiting if youd like to head off for a ramble!). Tour the Latest Art, Photographic, and Historical Exhibitions. Ireland's highest accessible round tower is also on the grounds. Inside, you can visit the tomb of the warlord Strongbow (whom the cider gets its name from), an extensive crypt featuring the famous mummified Cat and the Rat, and the cathedrals treasury. 17 Are there abandoned castles in Ireland? 6) Take a boat tour along the River Liffey: The River Liffey runs straight through the heart of Dublin, taking a boat tour along the river is a great way to see Dublin from another perspective. Breakfast options. You can take a look at the castle courtyard and the Chester Beatty Library for free. Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin. 14) Take a tour of Croke Park: If you are a sports fan, you may be familiar with Croke Park. Brittany Chrusciel|Catriona KendallMarch 13, 2023, Holly Johnson|Marisa MndezMarch 13, 2023. The history of Dublin Castle dates back to 1204 when John, King of England and Lord of Ireland, ordered that a castle be built to enhance the citys defense and to enable the administration of justice. 15. The Garda Museum is dedicated to the history of An Garda Sochna, Irelands national police service. Whenever they are not in use, however, they are open to the public through guided tours. NEXT:The Only Guide You'll Need To Dining (& Drinking) At Dublin's Best Pubs. That legacy is strong today, and Temple Bar is famous for its art galleries, restaurants, and pubs. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the best castles near Dublin? Buy tickets in advance on Viator. Visiting Dublin in June. Not to mention the rich history Dublin has too. The Chester Beatty Library, which is free to visitors, is not just a library; it houses impressive exhibits on historic cultures from around the world. Photo left: Fabianodp. Source: shutterstock. In 1600, it was required to withstand a flurry of attacks by clans from Wicklow during what was known as the Nine Years War. If you have a question that we havent tackled, ask away in the comments section below. Visitors to Ashtown Castle can enjoy a lively and entertaining exhibition on the history and the wildlife of the Phoenix Park along with a historical interpretation of the park from 3500 B.C. Having visited Dublin many times myself, being from the island of Ireland, I feel confident to give an answer on whether Dublin is worth visiting or not. Dublin: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 35+ Attractions. Dublin has many attractions that are worth visiting while you're in town: . You can pick up a brochure at the ticket desk to help you navigate the state apartments and exhibitions. The next section of our guide takes a look at some of the more popular castles around Dublin, with a mix of ruins and beautifully preserved structures. To conclude, if you are wondering Is Dublin worth visiting? the answer is yes. The Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney Village, which is 8 km northwest from Cork city in the south of Ireland. . St. Stephen's Green - Stroll through the park 4. 116 reviews of Dublin Castle "As long as your not being hauled in front of a tribunal, Dubin Castle is a great place to visit! It is a great tourist attraction site for the history it holds. Why is the Dublin Castle famous? You can check out the grounds, have a peek inside the State Apartments, and visit the Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal. The new castle was built in the style of a Georgian palace. Leap Castle is widely regarded as the most haunted castle in Ireland. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Malahide Castle, Dublin Castle, Swords Castle and Ardgillan Castle are all well worth visiting if you're in the capital. In the early 18th century, the Irish Parliament decided to construct a new parliament building in Dublin. With the Dublin All-Inclusive Pass, you get to enjoy access to more than 35 sites attractions and sites including the Guinness Storehouse, Chester Beatty Library, Christchurch Cathedral, and many more. Exploring Dublin in the sun is so much better than walking the streets in miserable, grey rain. If you fancy visiting it, you can walk to it via the nearby farm gates (close them after you!). 14 Is Dublin Castle worth visiting? The most ancient sections of the castle date to the 12th century, when it was used as a home by the Talbot family (they lived here for 791 years, as it happens). Dublin is a creative city and also has a thriving cultural scene. Below, youll find everywhere from Malahide Castle and Swords Castle to Ardgillan and a couple of other castles around Dublin that people tend to miss. Learn how your comment data is processed. Photo by drakkArts Photography (Shutterstock). A mixture of castle and palace, gardens and history. Below are some related questions to Is Dublin worth visiting? along with their answers. Visit the Historic Heart of Dublin. One of the most beautiful castles in Ireland lies only an hour's drive from Dublin in the province of Leinster - it's the Kilkenny Castle. Theres another legend that states that it was on the grounds of the castle that C Chulainn was born. With scenic sites, historic landmarks and an array of places to shop and eat & drink, Malahide is the perfect place to visit for anyone who wishes to get away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin's City Centre to a more calm and relaxed location. Beautiful stone buildings are arranged around green quadrangles. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the best castle in Dublin? Visit Dublin Castle. He did it by climbing in through the nearby forest and stalking the animals from the branches above. Many famous writers have come from here including Oscar . Upon Ireland becoming a Free State in 1922, however, Dublin Castle ceased to serve as Irelands administrative center. 2021-12-12. Today you can still view the remains of the 13th century structure as part of the guided tour. Among its alumni are such renowned writers as Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde. So, instead, we made a last minute decision to explore more of Ireland's Ancient . Clontarf is home to one of the few castles in Dublin that you can stay in. If you would like to see the inside of the castle, youll need to do so through a guided tour. This is something Bradley and I didn't do, but I still think it was worth mentioning on the things to do in Donegal list. I would recommend Dublin to anyone! About The Dublin Castle. What's this place all about? This castle is located just outside of London, so it is easy to get to and well worth the visit. "}}]}, A Guide To Portmarnock Beach (AKA Velvet Strand), Bray Restaurants Guide: The Best Restaurants In Bray For A Tasty Feed Tonight. RELATED:The Seaside Town Of Howth Is A Day Trip From Dublin. Dublin Castle is a regal classic and a remarkable example of Dublin's architecture. Many years ago, when the castle was ruled by a king, the woods surrounding it were occupied by a gigantic boar and sow. Kilmainham Gaol is known as a prison in the city. The village of Howth, at the far extremity of Dublin's north side is well worth a visit. History of Dublin Castle. The building was constructed with long pews where members of Parliament would sit and face each other. Popular attractions in the city include the Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty Library, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Zoo, the Guinness Storehouse and the Dublin Writers Museum. The prison was used to host several Irish leaders who served their sentences there in the past. 17 Surprising Facts About St. Patrick Day, Whatwethink are the best castles in Dublin, FAQs about the best castles around Dublin. Then a young lad called Purcell succeeded. 7) Shop til you drop on Grafton Street: Grafton Street is the place to shop in Dublin. The bridge is so beautiful it has become the most photographed in Dublin. They could, however, access Dalkey. The mighty (and often missed) Howth Castle dates back to the 1200s and it boasts a fine bit of folklore that should spark your interest. It is now a major . Read my disclaimer for more information. Theres something for everyone. Youll find it in Balbriggan, not far from the lovely little village of Skerries, and there are tours on offer along with plenty of walking trails. In its long history, its been host to many kings and queens. 17 Surprising Facts About St. Patrick Day, Castles around Dublin under a 1-hour drive from the city, Castles close to Dublin under a 2-hour drive from the city, 1. Youll find it Dundalk, where it overlooks the chilly waters of Castletown River. Reviewed on Dec 30 . Slane Castle in Meath is one of the better-known castles in Ireland. Loughmoe Castle (1 hour and 55-minute drive). Although the current structure (built on the orders of King John of England) dates back to 1204, theresarchaeological evidence of a wooden and stone castle on the site from the 1170s. Learn how your comment data is processed. Learn history at the Famine Village. The Chester Beatty Library has one of the largest collections of artifacts that are important to the history of Islam, and it is also well known for historic texts from the history of the Old Testament and New Testament. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Dublin is a pretty small city compared to other European capital giants. Dublin Castle. Of course, Dublin is packed to the brim with interesting historic and cultural sites that are worth visiting, as well. The Book of Kells is part of an exhibit at Trinity, so leave aside about an hour to see it, as it is often crowded. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Just by walking around the city you can see buildings and neighborhoods that date back centuries and open up a fascinating history. Malahide Castle dates back to 1185, when Richard Talbot (a knight) was given the land and harbour of Malahide. It carries a lot of history, especially of Irish volunteers during the Easter Rising in 1916. 1969 feet from St. Stephen's Green, the hotel offers a fitness center and a bar. During your visit, you will be given a tour of the castle. Tours include the state apartments, the medieval undercroft, and the chapel royal, and they cost 12 (adults 18-60 years). For a tourist who is interested in learning about religious history, then this is a good place to visit. The impressive castle that stands to this day survived the devastation of the 1916 rebellion and the subsequent Civil War. 12) Visit St. Patricks Cathedral: The world-famous St. Patricks Cathedral is definitely something you need to see while in Dublin. The castle dates back to the 15th century and offers an insight into Ireland's rich history. Leap Castle (1 hour and 50-minute drive), 7. The chances are, youll have the whole place to yourself. These 15 beautiful Irish castles are located all across the country and are well worth a visit. The story goes that the pirate queen of Connacht Grace OMalley dropped by Howth Castle one night in 1575, with the intention of dining with Lord Howth. It might not take a long time for you to take a tour around the castle (30-45 minutes), but it is a very interesting and important building for Dublin . Legend has it that shekidnapped the Earl of Howths grandson in retaliation. Let Me Tell Ye! Of course, along the way, I want to help thousands of people navigate the world on a budget through my blog posts. The General Post Office is found on OConnell street and it is an iconic historic site worth visiting in Dublin. The castle in my hometown of Swords is arguably the most overlooked of the many castles in Dublin. This is a large castle located right in the center of town, and it's been around since medieval times. Of all the books at the Old Library, the most famous and priceless one is the "Book of Kells." The castle was large and boasted several different buildings, many of which can no longer be seen. Since 1938, all the presidents of Ireland have been inaugurated in St Patrick's Hall. It was built by the De Verdun family and it served as their seat for many years. Being the capital of the country, it receives a high number of tourists every year as many people arrive there before going anywhere else. Walk the Cliffs of Moher, drive the Ring of Kerry, visit Dublin, and explore the Dingle Peninsula. Castles played a big part in the history of Ireland and are a great reason to visit. Loughmoe Castle in Irish isLuach Mhagh, which translates to the field of the reward. 11) Enjoy a drink at Temple Bar: Temple Bar is known around the world, it has over 500,000 posts on Instagram- it is very photogenic, but you can also enjoy a drink inside! 3) Visit Dublin Castle: Considered a must-see when in Dublin, Dublin Castle is a 13th Century castle which is well-preserved and great to visit. Dublin Castle served as the central administrative location of the Irish government. 17 Easy St. Patricks Day Cocktails + Drinks. Over the years, the castle has been attacked on a number of occasions. By bus - You can get to Cashel by taking the X8 Dublin-Cork line with Bus Eiranne. Experience the whales and other wildlife of the Pacific Northwest on these tours. . Loughmoe Castle in Irish is 'Luach Mhagh', which translates to 'the field of the reward'. Travel with a tour guide to learn more about the castle and grounds, or visit independently. From hard-sided suitcases to rolling duffels, these bags are ready for travels near and far. What castles around Dublin have we missed? You can see things such as measuring devices used by the Revenue Commissioners and interesting illegal items that have been confiscated at airports and ocean ports. Some tours also include admittance to a handful of sites along the way. From Dublin, it will take about 3 hours if you take the main highway. Related read:Check out our guide to 33 of the best things to do in Dublin (hikes, museums, coastal walks, scenic drives and more), Photo by Irish Drone Photography (Shutterstock). If you're looking for things to do in Dublin, take a ramble in here. The time in which it will be more worth it to visit Dublin will be between June and August, the summer months. From Kilkenny and Trim Castle that welcome thousands of tourists per year to lesser-known castles steeped in folklore in Louth, youll find something to tickle every fancy in this guide. The chances are, youll have the whole place to yourself (Im basing this on my last two visits). Below, youll find the incredible Dublin Castle and the hugely popular Malahide Castle to one of the most overlooked castles in Ireland. In the section below, weve popped in the most FAQs that weve received. If youre planning to join a guided tour, these are many of the sites you can expect to see. It is an imposing-looking structure that has been in the city for so many years. Dublin is the heart and soul of Ireland. Yep, were in Louth again next to visit Castle Roche. The Book of Kells is perhaps the most famous illuminated manuscript in the world, and it is a stunning example of the arts of illumination and calligraphy. Who is interested in learning about religious history, decorative arts, and the to! 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