For the “Dublin on Your Own” assignment, I decided to visit Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle was one of the main attractions I wanted to visit. I thought that doing it after Thinkhouse on Friday was the perfect opportunity to go.
Dublin in general has amazing history and architecture, which is why I decided to walk there rather than take public transportation. I have never really been in a city where I could walk to nearly all of my destinations and enjoy it. I feel like every street I walked on has its own character and every turn didn’t leave me disappointed. It made me wish there were more places like it in America.
Walking through the grounds of the castle I felt like I had been transported through time. I began to imagine the history that had occurred in the courtyard area and the people who have stood where I stood. Dublin Castle has witnessed some of the most important moments in Irish history. But what struck me most was how well preserved everything was outside and inside. Obviously there have been repairs throughout its lifetime, but it didn’t feel like that at all, the authenticity is still there.
I did the self-guided tour where I explored the State Apartments. There contained intricate and ornate designs on the ceilings, beautiful artwork and furniture pieces that truly felt like stepping back in time. It was crazy to think that those rooms were once gathering areas for royal ceremonies, banquets and political decisions. Being there in person gave me a new appreciation for Ireland’s history.
As someone who enjoys history, especially through architecture Dublin Castle was a dream. It’s the perfect place for those who enjoy intricate moldings, pastels and lots and lots of details. In the U.S., so much of our architecture is uniform and modern, so being surrounded by these original details felt refreshing and inspiring. What I loved most was how this castle blended the feeling of walking through a living museum with the city of Dublin right outside its gates.
Taking the time to pause and admire all of the details really made the experience amazing. I definitely recommend if you go, to go alone or with a small group so you can go at your own pace. At first when booking the solo tour, I was a little nervous that I would stand out by being alone, but I can’t recommend going alone enough. Doing a tour allowed me to take in the atmosphere with no distractions and I got to truly connect with the space.
The details such as the intricate stonework, great staircases or the unique chandeliers that hang in each room, all offered something that is worth noticing. I never walked into a room and thought, “this is boring.”
If you are planning to go back to Dublin in the future, I can’t recommend Dublin Castle enough. It was so amazing, and I think anyone would appreciate it as much as I did. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture styles or are just curious, it is a place that will leave you with a deeper connection to Dublin. For me, walking back out of the castle and back into the city was a reminder of how beautifully Dublin blends its past and present together, which is what made this visit so unforgettable.