Drimnagh Medieval Castle and Gardens — Attraction in Dublin

Drimnagh Medieval Castle is a hidden gem that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting multiple times, and each visit has left me more enchanted than the last.

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Nestled in the outskirts of Dublin, this beautifully restored medieval castle offers a unique glimpse into Ireland's rich history and architectural splendor.

When you step onto the castle grounds, you’re transported back in time. The castle’s exterior, with its imposing stone walls and crenellated battlements, immediately captures your imagination.

The moat, which is the only flooded castle moat in Ireland, adds a picturesque charm and a sense of authenticity that is rare to find. Walking across the wooden bridge over the moat, you can almost hear the echoes of history whispering through the air.

The castle's interior is equally captivating. The Great Hall, with its grand fireplace and wooden beams, is a magnificent space that showcases the architectural ingenuity of the medieval period.

Each room is meticulously restored, preserving the castle’s historical integrity while offering insights into the daily lives of its former inhabitants. On my first visit, I was struck by the attention to detail – from the period furniture to the intricate tapestries that adorn the walls.

One of the most memorable aspects of Drimnagh Castle is the guided tours. The knowledgeable guides bring the history of the castle to life with their engaging stories and deep understanding of the site's significance.

During one of my visits, our guide shared fascinating tales about the castle’s origins, its various owners, and the restoration efforts that have preserved its beauty for future generations. These tours are not just informative; they are truly immersive experiences that make you feel a part of the castle’s storied past.

The gardens of Drimnagh Castle are another highlight that should not be missed. The formal gardens, complete with meticulously manicured hedges and vibrant flower beds, provide a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll.

The herb garden, with its array of aromatic plants, is a delightful sensory experience. On a sunny day, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting on one of the garden benches, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the historical ambiance of the castle.

What makes Drimnagh Castle truly special is its atmosphere. Unlike more commercialized tourist attractions, Drimnagh Castle maintains a serene and intimate environment. There’s a sense of stepping into a time capsule, where the hustle and bustle of modern life fades away, leaving you to explore and appreciate the historical beauty at your own pace.

Drimnagh Medieval Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a unique and peaceful escape from the city. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and the personal touch of its guided tours make it a standout attraction. Each of my visits has been an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Dublin.

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Drimnagh Castle – Irish spirit and history at its best. Spoiler: This is a small castle. Does not compare with, example, Cardiff castle. But here you will find out about life around 1200, how people lived and what they dreamed of. And, slowly, you will go through ages and come to today. This is not a place to break your neck looking up at super-high ceilings with huge decorations and say “woah”. At Drimnagh the “woah” will come at the end when you will realize how many new things you know. So, we found Drimnagh while riding on LUAS and searching (on Google) for things to do. You will have to walk 5-10 min from the closest public transportation stop (depending if you go by bus or LUAS). Highly recommended to make an online reservation so the staff will be prepared. They run only on local / community money. So, staff is low. But they are dedicated and … they do have a gardener! Make sure you have THOMAS to show the castle. We spent ~2 hours and I wanted to know more. Thomas can teach you so many things and have a lively presentation. Amazing! I’m not trying to spoil his stories, but you will hear and learn about life around year 1200, how Vikings influenced it, where from the word “garderobe” came, why all circular stairs go up clockwise, herbs used for culinary and medical purposes … Slowly you will come to modern days and find out that “Excalibur” movie was shot here (plus other movies). And, something that impressed me: from 1986 to 1991 this castle was restored from a ruin to what it is today by LOCAL PEOPLE. NO international or governmental money involved! Residents donated the money; local companies donated “hours” of work to bring the castle back to life. All this lead by a group of volunteers. Imagine the “good vibe” you will feel in this place where everything was done from the heart! Some practical info: For the castle – Schedule your visit (online, phone, etc). A group is better than individuals. The more, the merrier! Thomas has a very interactive presentation. General – Buy a Leap VISITOR pass (8 euros) good for 24 hours on ALL public transportation (bus, train and LUAS = tram). If you fly to Dublin, get out of terminal, go to the “white building” across terminal and inside you will find Wright Food. They are the only ones selling these passes. Note that the other place selling the VISITOR passes is the Main Bus Station in downtown, near the “Needle”. Nobody else sells VISITOR passes! Note: We are NOT Irish and don’t have Irish roots. Went to Dublin for Guinness Brewery that is also a MUST SEE. Discovered Drimnagh Castle by accident and we are so...

We are shocked by the aggressiveness and unfriendly reaction of the staff to a simple remark. Refusing to organize a visit during working hours and then accusing potential visitors of far-fetched sins. This is too much. You should have called us by phone, the administration says. Is there an alternative? We called. And received a multifaceted surprising, but unacceptable result. We are forced to shed more light on the situation for other future visitors. First, pay attention to the site itself. Not help within the legislative field of Europe, but extortion and demands. Only one way of communication and booking - by phone. Online booking is completely absent. The requirement to pay only in cash, cards are excluded. There are other oddities. The administration's response is not constructive and contains only accusations and unacceptable idiomatic expressions. Worse than that. The employee allowed himself to show an extreme degree of chauvinism and discrimination. In what law is it written that in Ireland tourists are obliged to contact the administration only in English. And we probably prefer a Gaeilge (Gaeilge na hÉireann). We are sure that if such a creature continues to work for you, you will inevitably have problems with the law. Below is the response received. This is a disgrace for an organization that should bring culture and education to people.

owner's response: Hi Alex what an absolute load of rubbish. Comment on the owner's response: Instead of correcting mistakes or trying to understand the situation, insults follow. It is extremely unpleasant to see inadequacy from interested persons. The refusal was precisely at the permitted time. You did not bother to make changes to the records, and stated over the phone that you needed it. It is extremely ugly to shift your mistakes onto someone else's head, and even in a...