Dublin Castle: 2026 Closure, Reopening & Dublin Pass Status
N/A while closed (normally 1.5 - 2 h)
Historic Castle & Former Seat of Power
Originally built 1204; State Apartments date largely to the 18th century
Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Practical Visitor Info & Tips
N/A — no admission price is currently fixed while closed
Public tours expected to resume January 2027
N/A while closed. Prior to closure, no reservation was required for general admission.
Normally: the State Apartments, Chapel Royal, and heritage exhibition spaces of the historic seat of British and Irish administrative power (originally built 1204). During the closure, the wider castle campus — including the Chester Beatty Library and Dubh Linn gardens — remains partially accessible, though the Chester Beatty Library itself is separately closed June 15 - December 31, 2026.
| Option | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Apartments/Chapel Royal | Closed | May 5 - Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Dubh Linn gardens (partial campus) | Free | Check current access before visiting | |
| With Dublin Pass (any tier) | Not applicable | N/A while closed |
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Ticket Options
Check whether a city pass already covers this attraction before buying separately.
See pass compatibility below ↓Overview & History
Dublin Castle was the seat of British administrative rule in Ireland for over 700 years and now hosts state functions for the Irish government. Its State Apartments, Chapel Royal, and heritage exhibition spaces are confirmed closed to visitors from May 5 through December 31, 2026, while the campus hosts Ireland's EU Presidency — a genuinely time-limited closure, with public tours expected to resume in January 2027.
What to Expect When It Reopens
The State Apartments
Grand 18th-century rooms still used for state functions and presidential inaugurations.
The Chapel Royal
A Gothic Revival chapel with an ornately decorated interior, within the castle complex.
The Medieval Undercroft
Excavated remains of the original 13th-century castle and Viking-era fortifications beneath the modern buildings.
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Does the Dublin Pass Include This?
Compare Dublin PassesNot applicable while the castle is closed to visitors. No Dublin Pass tier currently offers admission here, and this is expected to remain the case until the castle reopens in 2027.
Dublin Pass - Essentials Pass
Not confirmed by the provider. Dublin Castle is closed to visitors May 5 - Dec 31, 2026 for Ireland's EU Presidency, making pass inclusion moot regardless of tier — do not assert INCLUDED or NOT_INCLUDED while the site is closed.
Dublin Pass - Explorer Pass
Not confirmed by the provider. Dublin Castle is closed to visitors May 5 - Dec 31, 2026 for Ireland's EU Presidency, making pass inclusion moot regardless of tier.
Dublin Pass - All-Inclusive Pass
Not confirmed by the provider. Dublin Castle is closed to visitors May 5 - Dec 31, 2026 for Ireland's EU Presidency, making pass inclusion moot regardless of tier.
Data Provenance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dublin Castle closed?
When will Dublin Castle reopen?
Can I still visit any part of the castle campus?
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