About Dublin Castle and Chester Beatty Library

Dublin Castle was the center of administration during 700 years of British rule up until 1922. The castle has witnessed many guises: medieval fortress, vice-regal court, and function of government. Presently, the castle is mainly used for ceremonial occasions, exhibitions, and even gatherings and concerts. The ornate state apartments are opened to visitors and there are a number of museums to explore, including the Chester Beatty Library and Gallery. The museum, founded in 1953 by an American living in Dublin, Chester Beatty, displays a fantastic collection of oriental art and numerous collections of manuscripts, books, and ancient texts. There are also European medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, Egyptian papyrus texts, and copies of the Qur'an, and the Bible. Buddhist paintings and Turkish and Persian miniatures are also on display, as well as the woodblock prints from Japan and Chinese dragon robes.

Must See

  • The Chester Beatty's rich collections from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe open doors for artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. It is a great learning experience.
  • The Castle Architecture is absolutely grandeur.
  • Do check out the books in the library. They are quite a treasure in themselves.
  • When you are there, watch out for the magnificent architecture of the Staterooms and Gothic Chapel.

How to reach

From Dublin city, you need to take a Taxi. It's 1.6 Km away and takes 11 minutes to reach via Parnell and Capel Street. If you go there by walking its take 17 minutes to reach there. By bus you need to take Bus no 26, 66, 66a, 67 it will reach there in 9 minutes and it’s available in every 9 minutes from Dublin city South, Westmoreland Street. By train, it will take 15 minutes via Abbey Street Luas stop in every 7 minutes.

The bus in Dublin costs €1.55 by Leap Card and €2.15 by Cash from stages 1-3. By Luas, a single journey starts at €1.54, if using a leap card. If paid through cash, it will start at €2.10.

Tips

  • Try to check out illustrated manuscripts, ancient scrolls, and papyrus, not just rare books
  • This must be the best collection of ancient religious texts in the world, so enjoy this visit.
  • Free collection of the Beatty offers countless Eastern art pieces and more than 240 Qurans, including one of the first ever written
  • Must wear flat shoes for comfort.

Visit Time

Dublin Castle:

Sunday: 09:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Monday: 09:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: 09:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: 09:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: 09:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Friday: 09:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Saturday: 09:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Closed on December 25,26 and January 01.

Chester Beatty Library:

Sunday: 01:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m.

Monday: 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 11:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Note: Closed on Mondays from November to February

Closed 1 Jan; Good Friday; 24-26 Dec & Monday Public Holidays

Time Icon

Waiting Time

1 hour

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes
Self-guided tours: Adults  €7 per person
Students & seniors:  €6 
Children: ( 12-17) €3 
Children under 12 years of age will be given free entry.
Chester Beatty Library: Free entry
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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 4 hours

 

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Weather

Light Intensity Drizzle 11.52°C

 

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