Handover
Kevin O'Higgins and members of the Provisional Government leave Dublin Castle
On 16 January 1922, the last Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Fitzalan, received the cabinet members of the provisional government of the Irish Free State to hand over power to them in the name of the British government. Kevin O'Higgins is pictured leaving Dublin Castle with Michael Collins and Eamon Duggan.
Courtesy of MultiText Project in HistoryKevin O'Higgins and members of the Provisional Government leave Dublin Castle
Courtesy of MultiText Project in History
Courtesy of MultiText Project in History
Kevin O'Higgins and members of the Provisional Government leave Dublin Castle
On 16 January 1922, the last Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Fitzalan, received the cabinet members of the provisional government of the Irish Free State to hand over power to them in the name of the British government. Kevin O'Higgins is pictured leaving Dublin Castle with Michael Collins and Eamon Duggan.
Courtesy of MultiText Project in HistoryFor over seven centuries, Dublin Castle was a symbol of British rule in Ireland. On January 16th 1922, Michael Collins received the handover of the Castle on behalf of the new Irish Free State Government.
Unlike many other buildings which were reminders of British rule in Ireland, Dublin Castle was not blown up or burnt down. It was neglected however and fell into disrepair.
Various offices of Government Departments were moved into rooms at the Castle. The Four Courts had been badly damaged during the Civil War and were moved into the old viceregal departments where they stayed until 1932.
Functions Today
Inauguration of Mary McAleese as President of Ireland
Dublin Castle is the site of the inauguration of Irish Presidents. The ceremony takes palce in St. Patrick's Hall. This photograph shows Mary McAleese bein=g inaugurated as President of Ireland in November 1997.
© The Irish TimesInauguration of Mary McAleese as President of Ireland
© The Irish Times
© The Irish Times
Inauguration of Mary McAleese as President of Ireland
Dublin Castle is the site of the inauguration of Irish Presidents. The ceremony takes palce in St. Patrick's Hall. This photograph shows Mary McAleese bein=g inaugurated as President of Ireland in November 1997.
© The Irish TimesThese days a number of State functions are carried out at the Castle. Presidential inaugurations take place in St. Patrick's Hall. Banquets take place there when the leaders of other countries come to Ireland on official trips.
Conference facilities were constructed in part of the Upper Castle Yard and meetings and conferences take place there on a regular basis.
Sand Sculpture, Dublin Castle
A group of artists create large sculptures from sand in the Great Courtyard at Dublin Castle.
Sand Sculpture, Dublin Castle
Sand Sculpture, Dublin Castle
A group of artists create large sculptures from sand in the Great Courtyard at Dublin Castle.
The Castle is also a major tourist attraction. Throughout the year various cultural events take place there which are open to the public, and it is the location of the Chester Beatty Library. A number of outdoor concerts take place in the Great Courtyard every year. What do you think some of the past inhabitants of the Castle would think of that?