Dublin castle has changed in my lifetime many roles. Built by the Normans as a defensive fortress, and he was a Royal residence, and the place of accommodation for the garrison and the meeting place of Parliament and various courts. Now here are the official receptions of foreign delegations, held the inauguration of the presidents of Ireland and other celebrations.

The construction of the fortress began in 1204 on the orders of the English king John, and continued until the year 1230. The fortress was located southwest of the then Dublin, and the city walls began from the North-Eastern towers of the castle, went to the West and North, skirting the city and returned to the castle, to the South-West tower. Of these medieval buildings to have survived only one tower. In the middle of the XVIII century the castle was almost completely rebuilt, turning from the fortifications in front of the Palace with richly decorated rooms.

In 1907 from the castle were stolen precious regalia of the order of St. Patrick – star and badge of the order, decorated with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. The jewels were never found.

Now Dublin castle is not only a venue for official state events, but one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ireland's capital. Every year in early may on the grounds of the castle is a music festival of contemporary music.

To get inside the castle and in the state rooms (if they are not busy with an official state events) only in the group with a guide, but the entrance to the castle is free.