The castle was built in 1204 on the orders of King John. However a structure has existed at the site since around 930, this was a Danish Viking Fortress.

The castle has seen many events and has been damaged on a number of occasions. In 1684 much of the castle was destroyed by fire and was attacked in the Easter Rising of 1916.

Today Dublin Castle is open to the public and is also home to The Garda (Police) Museum, The Chester Beatty Library and the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland.