Dublin's Forgotten Castles: A Self-Guided Castle Tour
When most visitors think of castles in Dublin, Dublin Castle is probably the first place that comes to mind. But the capital and surrounding county have a surprisingly rich collection of castles, tower houses and fortified residences—many of which are overlooked by visitors.
Some are hidden in suburban streets, others stand beside modern developments, and a few survive only as fragments of the buildings that once dominated the landscape.
If you enjoy history and want to discover a different side of Dublin, why not follow this self-guided Dublin castle tour?
This route takes you from the heart of medieval Dublin into the suburbs and countryside, visiting some of the city's lesser-known castles along the way.
Dublin's Forgotten Castles at a Glance
Tour: Dublin's Forgotten Castles
Best for: History lovers, photographers and curious visitors
Suggested duration: 1–2 days, depending on how many castles you visit
Transport: Walking, Dublin Bus, DART and Luas, depending on the route
Difficulty: Easy, although some locations are spread across Dublin
The castles below aren't intended to form one continuous walking route. Instead, think of them as a self-guided Dublin castle trail, allowing you to choose the locations that interest you most.
1. Dublin Castle – Where to Begin
No tour of Dublin's castles should start anywhere else.
Although much of what you see today is the result of centuries of rebuilding, Dublin Castle stands on a site with a long and fascinating history.
The Anglo-Norman castle was established in the early 13th century under King John of England. Its position beside the River Poddle was strategically important, helping the English administration control medieval Dublin.
The castle became the centre of English—and later British—administration in Ireland.
For centuries, Dublin Castle was associated with government, royal officials and major political events. In 1922, the castle was formally handed over to the new Irish government following independence.
What to see
Explore the castle complex and its State Apartments, medieval tower and underground remains. The Record Tower, one of the surviving medieval towers, is particularly impressive.
The castle is also a useful starting point for understanding how Dublin developed from a medieval walled city into the capital of modern Ireland.
Allow: 1–2 hours.
2. Dublin's Medieval Walls and St Audoen's
A short walk from Dublin Castle brings you into one of the city's oldest surviving areas.
Near St Audoen's Church are remnants of medieval Dublin's defensive walls and the surviving St Audoen's Gate.
This isn't a traditional castle, but it is an essential stop if you're interested in understanding why Dublin developed as a fortified city.
The medieval settlement was surrounded by defensive walls, towers and gates. St Audoen's was located close to the western edge of the medieval city.
Why visit?
This is where you can begin to imagine what medieval Dublin actually looked like.
Look beyond the modern streets and picture a compact walled city filled with merchants, craftsmen, churches and narrow streets.
Allow: 30–45 minutes.
3. Rathfarnham Castle
From medieval Dublin, head south towards Rathfarnham Castle, one of the most impressive surviving historic buildings in suburban Dublin.
The castle began life as a fortified residence in the late 16th century. It was built for Archbishop Adam Loftus, an important figure in the Elizabethan administration in Ireland.
Over time, the defensive character of the building became less important and Rathfarnham Castle was transformed into a more comfortable aristocratic residence.
The castle has survived remarkably well despite Dublin's enormous expansion around it.
What makes Rathfarnham special?
Its history reflects the changing nature of castles in Ireland.
What began as a fortified building gradually became a country residence as warfare and political circumstances changed.
Today, the castle provides visitors with an opportunity to see how wealthy families lived in an historic Irish mansion.
Allow: 1 hour.
4. Old Rathfarnham Castle and the Castle's Neighbours
Rathfarnham is also worth exploring beyond the castle itself.
The village has developed considerably over the centuries, but its historic connections remain visible.
Nearby areas contain old houses, churches and streets that help explain how Rathfarnham evolved from a rural settlement into a Dublin suburb.
For visitors interested in architectural history, this makes Rathfarnham a particularly rewarding stop.
Tip: Combine your castle visit with a walk through Rathfarnham village and nearby parks.
5. Dundrum Castle
Next, head towards Dundrum to discover the remains of Dundrum Castle.
Unlike Rathfarnham, Dundrum Castle is now largely a ruin—but its location gives you a sense of why castles were built where they were.
The castle was associated with the Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland and the powerful de Bermingham family.
Its elevated position provided strategic advantages and offered views across the surrounding countryside.
Today, only substantial remains survive, but the ruins are a reminder that the landscape around modern south Dublin was once dotted with fortified settlements.
Why visit?
Dundrum demonstrates an important point about Dublin's castles: many are not grand buildings like Dublin Castle.
Some survive as ruins, fragments or archaeological remains hidden within the modern city.
Allow: 30–45 minutes.
6. Dalkey Castle and the Medieval Coast
Make your way south towards the coast and the historic town of Dalkey.
Dalkey Castle is one of the best places to understand the medieval importance of Dublin's coastline.
During the Middle Ages, Dalkey was an important port. Several fortified tower houses were built to protect the settlement and its valuable trade.
The surviving castle complex provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval Dalkey.
Dalkey's seven castles
Dalkey is famous for its medieval tower houses, and historical sources refer to the town having seven castles.
Some have disappeared, while others have been incorporated into later buildings.
The surviving structures give the town a unique character and make Dalkey one of the best places near Dublin for anyone interested in medieval history.
Don't leave immediately
Allow time to explore the village itself.
Dalkey has narrow streets, historic buildings, cafés and pubs, while the surrounding coastline provides spectacular views towards Dalkey Island and the Wicklow Mountains.
Allow: 1–2 hours.
7. Bullock Castle
While in the Dalkey area, continue towards the harbour at Bullock.
Bullock Castle is another reminder of the area's medieval importance.
The castle was associated with the Cistercian monks of St Mary's Abbey in Dublin, who controlled the harbour and surrounding lands.
The harbour was strategically important because Dalkey and Bullock played a role in supplying Dublin.
Although the building has been altered considerably over the centuries, the site remains an interesting stop for anyone exploring Dublin's medieval coastline.
Allow: 20–30 minutes.
8. Howth Castle – A Castle with 800 Years of History
From south Dublin, head across the city towards Howth.
Few castles around Dublin can match the extraordinary history of Howth Castle.
The St Lawrence family arrived in Howth following the Anglo-Norman period and remained associated with the area for centuries.
The castle developed over generations, eventually becoming a substantial country residence.
The surrounding estate also contains important historic features, including the beautiful gardens.
The legend of Grace O'Malley
Howth Castle is associated with one of Ireland's most famous legends.
According to tradition, the pirate queen Grace O'Malley (Gráinne Mhaol) arrived at Howth Castle seeking hospitality. The gates were closed because the Earl was dining.
The story says that Grace was angered by the refusal and subsequently abducted the Earl's young heir.
The Earl supposedly agreed that the gates would never again be closed to anyone seeking hospitality.
Whether every detail of the story is historically accurate or not, it has become one of the most enduring legends associated with Howth Castle.
Important visitor note
Howth Castle has had a complex history of ownership and development, so check current access arrangements before making it a central part of your itinerary.
Allow: 1–2 hours for the wider Howth Castle estate and surrounding attractions.
9. Malahide Castle
No Dublin castle tour would be complete without Malahide Castle.
Located north of Dublin city, Malahide Castle has a history stretching back almost 800 years.
The Talbot family occupied the estate for generations after Richard Talbot was granted lands in the area in the 12th century.
Remarkably, the family remained associated with Malahide Castle until the 20th century.
A castle full of stories
Malahide has survived wars, political upheaval and enormous changes in the surrounding landscape.
The castle's interiors contain portraits, furniture and decorative features that help tell the story of the families who lived there.
The surrounding gardens are another major attraction and are worth allowing plenty of time to explore.
Why visit?
Malahide offers perhaps the best combination of:
Castle history
Beautiful gardens
Coastal scenery
Historic village
Restaurants and cafés
Easy access from Dublin
Allow: 2–3 hours.
10. Swords Castle
Continue north to Swords Castle, one of the most fascinating medieval sites in County Dublin.
The castle was founded around the beginning of the 13th century and was associated with the Archbishop of Dublin.
Unlike many Irish castles, Swords was not simply a private fortress.
It was an important ecclesiastical settlement, surrounded by substantial defensive walls.
The complex included a residential area, chapel and defensive structures.
Why Swords Castle matters
Swords Castle provides a fascinating insight into the relationship between religion, politics and military power in medieval Ireland.
It also demonstrates how important the area north of Dublin was long before Dublin Airport and the modern town existed.
Allow: 1 hour.
11. The Castle of Howth – Look Beyond the Obvious
If you're visiting Howth, don't limit yourself to the castle itself.
The peninsula is filled with historical remains and archaeological sites, reflecting thousands of years of human settlement.
Howth's strategic location overlooking Dublin Bay made it important long before the modern city developed.
Combine a visit with a walk around the harbour, the village and the coastal paths.
You can turn a castle visit into a full day exploring one of Dublin's most historic and scenic areas.
12. Ardgillan Castle – A Castle by the Sea
For an even more adventurous castle trip, head north towards Ardgillan Castle, near Skerries.
Despite its castle-like appearance, Ardgillan is technically a large country house rather than a medieval fortress.
It was built in the 18th century for the Taylour family and overlooks the Irish Sea.
The estate's combination of woodland, gardens, coastline and historic architecture makes it an excellent destination for visitors looking to escape the city.
Why include it?
Because it shows how the idea of the Irish "castle" changed.
By the Georgian period, wealthy families were building grand residences inspired by castles, but their purpose was comfort and status rather than defence.
Allow: 2 hours.
Planning Your Dublin Castle Tour
You don't need to visit every location in one day.
In fact, attempting to do so would mean spending more time travelling than enjoying the castles.
Instead, divide the tour into sections.
Route 1 – Medieval Dublin
Dublin Castle → St Audoen's → Medieval Dublin
This is the best option if you have limited time.
Route 2 – South Dublin Castles
Rathfarnham → Dundrum → Dalkey → Bullock
Allow most of a day if you want to explore the surrounding areas properly.
Route 3 – North Dublin
Swords → Malahide → Howth
This is arguably the best castle-focused day trip from Dublin because you can combine castles with villages, coastline and beautiful scenery.
Route 4 – The Extended Castle Trail
For serious history enthusiasts:
Dublin Castle → Rathfarnham → Dundrum → Dalkey → Howth → Malahide → Swords → Ardgillan
This is better treated as a multi-day adventure rather than a single-day tour.
Dublin's Forgotten Castles: More Than Just Buildings
One of the most fascinating things about exploring Dublin's castles is discovering how much the city has changed.
A castle that once stood in open countryside may now be surrounded by housing estates.
A medieval tower that once guarded a harbour may now stand beside a busy road.
And the remains of a fortified settlement can sometimes be hidden in plain sight.
These buildings tell the story of Dublin's transformation—from a Viking settlement and medieval walled city to a centre of English administration and eventually the capital of an independent Ireland.
They also reveal something about the people who shaped Dublin: medieval lords, archbishops, merchants, soldiers, aristocratic families and ordinary communities living in the shadow of fortified buildings.
Final Thoughts
If you've already visited Dublin Castle and want to discover another side of the capital, Dublin's forgotten castles are an excellent way to explore the city's history.
From the medieval ruins of Dundrum to the coastal towers of Dalkey, the grand houses of Malahide and Howth, and the medieval complex at Swords, each location tells a different story.
And that's what makes a Dublin castle tour so rewarding.
You aren't simply visiting old buildings.
You're following the story of Dublin itself.
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