Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle represents the heart of Dublin. Actually Dublin has its name from the pond of the castle. The name of the pond is Dubh Linn. The castle served as the center of the British power more than seven hundred years. It has also served as a prison, fortress and residence for the British. Dublin Castle was originally built as a defensive fortification for the city in the orders of King John of England in 1204, shortly after the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169. The castle represents some of the oldest surviving architecture in the city, and was the centre of English power in Ireland for over seven centuries until it was taken of by the Irish Free State in 1922. The castle is built with strong walls and good ditches. It was here the administration of Justice and the protection of the King’s treasure took place. The Irish crown jewels were stored in the castle, but they were stolen in 1907, and have never returned. The castle later evolved into a royal residence, resided in by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland or Viceroy of Ireland, the representative of the monarch and in some years it served temporarilyas courts of justice.The castle is also used for hosting official State visits, State banquets and Government policy launches. Now the castle is a tourist attraction and it is also used as a conference centre.The castle has also been used in films as setting (Becoming Jane etc.) and it is also hosting the Heineken Green Energy festival each May. Dublin castle contains a lot of important rooms for example: Saint Patrick’s hall which is the biggest room of the State Apartments, and contains one of the most important decorative interiors in Ireland. Formerly the ballroom of the Lord Lieutenant's administration. Throne room which contains a throne built for the visit of King George IV to Ireland in 1821. The state dining room which is also called the Picture Gallery, and formerly known as the Supper Room, this is the oldest room in the castle and largely retains its original decoration, having escaped major modification and fire over the years.

Comments: It could have been fun to see the pond, but we could not find it, maybe it has been removed. We were a little bit dissapointed that Dublin Castle was not more spectacular. We had exspected a lot more. Maybe it is because when Danish people think of a castle, then we think of princess castles with big towers and so on.

- Astrid, mathilde og Mia