After viewing The Book of Kells, we moved on to Dublin Castle, formerly the center of British government in Ireland. The current building looks more like a Georgian Palace than a castle, though we were assured that there had once been a Medieval castle on the spot. I do love Georgian architecture with its clean lines and symmetry. (In the US it’s called Federal style, since George III was so heartily disliked.)
There are plaques in the courtyard, including this one commemorating Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. All signs were in both English and Irish Gaelic, which is taught in the schools.
We went a little ways underground to see where the old walls of the castle were being excavated. It was a bit damp down there, not to mention dark, so it was hard to get good photos. Here’s one of the wall.
The chapel is quite lovely.
Inside the main building we saw the assembly rooms that were used for official functions and entertaining. The rooms are still used for state functions. Upstairs there is a room dedicated to the martyrs of the April 1916 Easter Rebellion.
There’s a lot more information about the castle at the official website. Click if you’re interested in more about the castle’s history.
I’d love to go back to Dublin some day. It’s a lovely city.
