Ashtown Castle, Medieval tower house in Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland
Ashtown Castle is a four-story stone tower house standing within Phoenix Park, featuring a circular staircase and thick defensive walls from its medieval construction period. The building represents a typical residential fortress designed to protect inhabitants and their property.
Construction began in 1430 when the government supported the building of defensive structures across the region with financial assistance. Over the centuries, the tower was eventually enclosed within the walls of Ashtown Lodge, concealing it from view.
The castle functions as a learning space where visitors discover how people once defended their homes and property during medieval times. You can see how this type of building shaped settlement patterns across the region.
The castle is only open during specific seasons and days, so you should check opening times before planning your visit. Allow enough time to explore the interior fully and examine the architectural details at your own pace.
The tower was hidden from view for about 250 years, enclosed within the walls of a later mansion built around it. Its rediscovery came in 1978 when that overlying structure was demolished.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
