Dublin Castle has played a pivotal role in Irish history and government for over a millennium. In the 9th century the Vikings established a hill fort on the site. It was replaced with a Norman castle in 1204. All that now remains of the 13th century castle is the Record Tower.
In the 16th century son of the Earl of Kildare, Thomas Fitzgerald, or Silken Thomas as he was more popularly called, laid siege to the castle, but failed in his attempt to take it. Red Hugh O'Donnell escaped twice from the Record tower; in 1591 when he was recaptured, and again in 1592 when he escaped to the Wicklow mountains. In more recent centuries the castle developed into something of a palace for viceroys and visiting English monarchs, but continued to be both the seat and the symbol of British rule in Ireland until 1922.
Above the entrance archway stands the statue of justice - "with its face to the castle and its back to the nation," as Dubliners were fond of saying in the days of British rule. The castle continues to create history today as it provides the backdrop to elections, tribunals and many official state events, including presidential inaugurations.
The State Apartments originally built for the English Lord Lieutenant are now used for important state functions and receptions. These apartments are open to visitors with daily guided tours of the building.
