Venue

Welcome to Dublin Castle

Erected in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. It is now a major government complex and a key tourist attraction.

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Dublin Castle’s conference, reception and dining facilities were purpose built for Ireland’s presidencies of the European Union, in this unique, city centre historical and cultural setting. Each area has its own architectural flavour. The State Apartments are among the most prestigious State Rooms in the country and dominate the south range of the Great Courtyard in Dublin Castle. The Printworks, where GAPC 2020 will be hosted is the venues most modern meeting space with capacity for 600 delegates.

Dublin Castle has been holding events for 800 years; that’s what you’d call a proven track record! The Castle is in the heart of the city and the heart of Irish history. Past events include the handing over of the Castle to Michael Collins in 1922, EU presidencies in 1996, 2004 and 2013, the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland in 2011, and the celebrations marking the passage of the Marriage Equality Referendum in 2015. The Castle today is one of the country’s premier cultural sites and is used by the Government for prestigious functions of State, most significantly the inauguration of the President.