Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 on the orders of King John following the Norman invasion of Ireland. For over 700 years, it served as the centre of English and later British administration in Ireland. The castle complex was largely rebuilt after a fire in 1684, transforming it from a medieval fortress into the Georgian-style complex seen today. Following the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government and now serves as a major government complex, conference venue, and historic visitor attraction.