Description: Dublin Castle was original built in 1204 under England's King John as a fortification against the Vikings who had a presence in Dublin for nearly 300 years. Later in the 16th century it became more of a palace than a fortress, serving as the home to England's colonial rule over Ireland including the military and government officials and offices until the time of their surrender to Irish leadership in 1922. Today Dublin Castle serves as an official building where State events including the inauguration of every President of Ireland to date, since her independence in 1922. Foreign dignitaries including Heads of State have come to Dublin Castle. In 2011 England's Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh attended a State Dinner in her honor during that visit.
During British rule, kings and queens including Queen Victoria made official visits to Ireland and stayed here as the official Irish Palace to His/Her Majesty. An interesting story is told in the Throne Room about a time when she visited and expressed concern over the dankness of the room decor. Additionally, the throne had been built for the portly King George IV in 1821, making Queen Victoria appear as a small child in the huge chair. The legs were cut down and a special foot stool build so as to accommodate the queen.
Much of the power struggle between England and Ireland was discussed and military strategies devised in the offices here. This is also where several of the Irish rebellions including Easter Rising in 1916 took place.
Of the original castle, only the Record Tower remains. Also of particular interest is the Bedford Tower, which was built in 1761 and is often considered the center of the grounds. It was from here that the Irish Crown Jewels were stolen in 1907.
During the guided tour, many of the State Apartments are visited. Due to fire in 1830 some of the rooms' furnishings were destroyed so today they have been replaced by reproductions. Many of the rooms, however, are furnished with items that are original to the castle/palace. Richly decorated, these rooms feature lavish chandeliers, wall coverings and tapestries, and original portraits and paintings. Today they are used to entertain during official functions of the State.
St. Patrick's Hall is perhaps the most significant room today it serves as the location for the Presidential Inauguration. The Picture (or Portrait) Room houses a spectacular collection of original oil paintings of 13 of the British Viceroys who served as political appointees in Ireland in the 19th century.
After touring the inside of Dublin Castle, visitors are encouraged to visit the Chapel Royal which is adjacent to the castle property.
Dublin Castle is one of the 11 OPW (Office of Pubic Works) Heritage sites that we visited during our 15 days in Ireland. While the outside grounds and the Chapel Royal are open to the public at no fee, there is a charge to enter Dublin Castle and to take the guided tour. (Access inside is only available by guided tour.) If you are planning to visit more than a couple OPW Heritage sites, you would be well served to buy their annual Heritage Card. More information may be obtained at: http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/Info/HeritageCards/.
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