Rathfarnham Castle
Elizabethan fortified house in south Dublin, remodelled in the 18th century, with period rooms, guided tours and a tearoom.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Rathfarnham Castle was built in the 1580s for Adam Loftus, an English-born clergyman who became Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor of Ireland. It is a good example of an Elizabethan fortified house, with four flanker towers at the corners. Musket loops in the towers allowed defenders to cover every approach to the building, and some are still visible.
In the late 18th century the castle was remodelled on a lavish scale as a fashionable country villa. Designs for several rooms are credited to Sir William Chambers and James “Athenian” Stuart, including the Ballroom, the Gilt Room and the Four Seasons Room. The collection includes family portraits by Angelica Kauffman, Sir Peter Lely and Hugh Douglas Hamilton.
The Society of Jesus acquired the castle in the early 20th century and used it as a retreat house and residence until the 1980s. It was then declared a National Monument and bought by the Irish State. The Office of Public Works runs it today, and restoration work that began in the 1990s is still continuing. The castle also hosts contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events.
Highlights
- Elizabethan fortified house with four flanker towers
- Ballroom, Gilt Room and Four Seasons Room from the 18th-century remodelling
- Family portraits by Kauffman, Lely and Hamilton
- Guided tours or self-guided visit of the historic rooms
- Tearoom and playground on the grounds
Permanent exhibition
- Historic rooms and collection – The tour covers restored 18th-century rooms such as the Ballroom, the Gilt Room and the Four Seasons Room, with period furniture and family portraits.
- Operated by
- Office of Public Works (OPW)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €3Child and student rate. |
| Seniors | €4The same rate applies to groups. |
| Students & apprentices | €3 |
| Groups | €4 per person |
| Families | €13 |
Free admission: First Wednesday of each month for individual visitors and families (Free Wednesday scheme); not for organised groups.
Free Wednesday tickets are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A lift and a wheelchair-accessible toilet are listed. Visitors who need step-free access to the tour route should contact the castle before visiting. Assistance dogs are allowed; other dogs must be on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €13 |
|---|
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
A playground and baby changing are available, and a family ticket is offered.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Dublin Bus routes 16 and 15B serve Rathfarnham from the city centre.
By car
Parking available
Heritage Ireland lists a car park, coach parking and bicycle parking; tourism listings describe the car parking as paid.
The castle is in Rathfarnham village in south Dublin.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The Stuart and Chambers Tearooms serve snacks and meals in the historic building. Phone and internet connection at the castle is currently unavailable.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Heritage Ireland lists the castle as an events venue.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours are available, and group tours must be booked in advance by phone or email. Visitors can also explore the historic rooms at their own pace. |
