Cool Castles Near Dublin

Studying abroad at Dublin City University comes with many educational opportunities on and off campus. Ireland is famed for its rich history, so it's a must-do to see at least a couple of the country's many fabulous castles. Check out these attractions in and near the city of Dublin. 

Swords Castle

The 800-year-old Swords Castle is conveniently located about two miles north of Dublin's international airport. Built for John Comyn, the first Archbishop of Dublin, this underappreciated jewel dates back to around 1200 and is a fine example of an ancient structure that has survived in Ireland. Despite being close to the city center, it is seldom busy and receives little attention as a tourist destination. 

The castle stands out because of its pentagonal design and much taller outside walls than were typical for the era. Additionally, Swords Castle has a fascinating contemporary past. The well-known television program "The Tudors" used it as a shooting site. Daily tours of the castle are provided upon request and are open all year round. 

Malahide Castle

Nine miles north of Dublin in the quaint coastal town of the same name is the perennially attractive Malahide Castle. The wealthy and well-connected Talbot family, who lived in the castle for 800 years, constructed it in the twelfth century. None other than King Henry II gave the family the surrounding territory. Although it is open daily, summertime traffic increases should be considered when planning a visit. 

Malahide Castle is said to be Ireland's most haunted castle, with five entities that are known to frequent the property. During your visit, ask an employee to learn more about this fun and exciting lore and embrace Irish storytelling at its finest. 

Those who wish to spend more time admiring the landscape might visit the castle's beautiful grounds. The Walled Garden's history dates back more than two centuries, when it was created as a garden to raise produce for the kitchen. Today, more than 5,000 different plant species, including exotic shrubs imported from around the globe, call the horticultural paradise home.

Dublin Castle

Going to the famous Dublin Castle is an excellent place to start if you live and study in Dublin, thanks to its proximity to everything in town. Guests are welcome to explore the castle's gardens and grounds at no cost daily. Or, splurge on the 70-minute guided tour for access to the Chapel Royal, the Undercroft, and the luxurious palace apartments.

Originally constructed atop a Viking town, this magnificent stronghold dates back to the 13th century. Since then, it has been the site of an astounding variety of historic occasions, including the inauguration of many Irish presidents and the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. A medieval tower and a Viking wall on the same property can even be seen on the trip.

Recently, the castle was reportedly utilized as the British government's seat in Ireland. This once-powerful city center fortress now enjoys a more relaxed existence as an administrative hub.

Trim Castle

Located in Trim, the center of County Meath, this medieval masterpiece is about an hour's drive from Dublin. In 1173, the dashing Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, constructed Trim Castle, Ireland's biggest Anglo-Norman one. A stunning emerald environment surrounds the great structure.

Trim Castle has something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, a movie enthusiast, or just looking for an exciting experience! This enormous stronghold shows its builder's ambition with its distinctive cross-shaped design, distinguishing it from other medieval fortresses. This castle has also received a considerable deal of attention in recent times, as it served as the background for the famous 1995 movie Braveheart. 

It's recommended that you check Trim's website since their operating hours are subject to change throughout the year. The castle grounds are open for free exploration. Take a guided tour to see Trim with all the bells and whistles.

Drimnagh Castle

One of Dublin's less well-known castles is Drimnagh Castle. It is the only castle in Ireland that still has a complete moat.

The property upon which Drimnagh Castle was built was granted to a Norman knight named Hugo de Bernivale in 1215, marking the beginning of the castle's history. As was customary then, Hugo received the property in exchange for his family's assistance in the conquest of Ireland.

Drimnagh Castle has been a shooting site for many TV series and films, including the critically acclaimed Tudors and The Old Curiosity Shop.

Keep this list handy when you have some downtime on the weekend and would like to explore these beautiful Dublin structures! If you think this program would be a good fit for you, talk to a SAF counselor for more information about Ireland and DCU.