Dublin Castle

We did a wonderful tour of Dublin Castle - we had a great tour guide (recent PhD in architectural history, teaching first-years at Trinity College now) who gave lots of interesting information on the history of the castle. 

The original castle was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1684, but some parts remain, such as the records tower.  In the 1980's, the base of another tower and part of a side wall was discovered. 

It was the first castle built by the British in Ireland over 1000 years ago, and 153 viceroys lived or worked there until 1922.  British rule of Ireland ended in 1922, and since then the castle has remained as an important ceremonial center for presidential inaugurations, receiving of foreign heads of state, and other official events. 

Records tower behind royal cathedral

Old gate excavated in 1980's

One of several Waterford crystal chandeliers in the state rooms of the castle

Ladies drawing room

A Van Dyke portrait of a countess, from the 1600's

The paintings on the ceiling in the main state room were not done in place, rather they were done on canvases and positioned up there afterward. 

After Dublin Castle, we found a nice place for dinner, then walked around town some more. 

One of the many bridges over the Liffey River