Dublin Castles

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin. Dublin Castle fulfilled a number of roles through its history. Originally built as a defensive fortification for the Norman city of Dublin. It was decided in 1938 that the inauguration of the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde would take place in the castle, and the complex has been host to this ceremony ever since. The castle is also used for hosting official State visits as well as more informal foreign affairs engagements, State banquets, and Government policy launches, as well as acting as the central base for Ireland's hosting of the European Presidency approximately every 10 years.

Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle, set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside town of Malahide. Malahide Castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was the home of the Talbot family. This was a remarkable tenure by a single family and is one of the longest in Ireland. In 1169, at the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion, Malahide was under the control of Hammund Mac Turkill, the last Viking King of Dublin.The estate survived such losses as the Battle of the Boyne, when fourteen members of the owner's family sat down to breakfast in the Great Hall, and all were dead by evening, and the Penal Laws, even though the family remained Roman Catholic until 1774.

Rathfarnham Castle

Rathfarnham Castle with its 18th century interiors by Sir William Chambers and James “Athenian” Stuart, came under siege during the 1641 rebellion. The British Civil War began in 1642 and Parlimentary troops were stationed at the castle. It has also been reported that Cromwell held council in the castle before going on his Irish campaigns.

By Peter Gerken, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Swords Castle

As it stands at the moment Swords Castle presents a vivid snap-shot of 15th century life, comprising a gatehouse, apartments for knights, a chapel, banqueting hall, the all-important Archbishops apartments and two large towers, one of which was the home of the area's constable and his family. Swords Castle was lying idle for a number of years before it was bought from the Cobbe family by Dublin County Council in 1985. The castle and the surrounding lands were acquired for the provision of the Ward River Valley Regional Park.

Dalkey Castle

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre. Visit the historic heritage town of Dalkey! Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre is situated in the 14th Century Castle/Town House just less than 5 minutes from train (DART) and bus stations. All year actors from Deilg Inis Living History Theatre Company are on site to enlighten, entertain and engage you in a Live Performance every half hour in ‘The Tudors are Back...’.Depending on the season you can encounter the Ghost, The Merchant and Rupert the Archer.