Ashtown Castle, Dublin

Ashtown Castle is a fortified house in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

It was discovered hidden within the walls of a much more recent building that was in use until 1978. Then the more recent building was deemed structurally irreparable as a result of dry rot and was demolished. Ashtown castle was discovered while the demolition was being carried out. It was subsequently restored and now forms part of the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

The castle is thought to date from the 1430s, because it is built to dimensions that conform with a government policy of the time when £10 was offered to those who built a castle for their own safety. In the late 1700's the castle was incorporated into the construction of Ashtown Lodge which served as the official residence of the Under Secretary from 1782.

The visitor centre now hosts an exhibition on the history and the wildlife of the Phoenix Park. Visitors can enjoy a historical interpretation of the park from 3500 B.C. to the present day. There is also a restaurant and Victorian Kitchen Garden in the grounds of the Visitor Centre.

Opening Times

November - Mid March:
Open Wednesday - Sunday: 9.30am - 17.30pm

Mid March - October:
Open daily 10:00am - 17.45pm

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VISITOR CENTRE MAY BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AT SHORT NOTICE

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Ticket Prices

Free

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 00 353 (0) 1 6770095
Email: phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie

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