Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle, a central landmark in the heart of Dublin, has a rich history that stretches back to the medieval period. Established in the early 13th century, it was initially built as a defensive fortress by King John of England. The castle’s strategic location on a site bounded by the Poddle River and a defensive moat, which has since been replaced by a tarmac road, played a crucial role in its military and administrative functions.
The earliest fortifications of Dublin Castle included a moat filled by the Poddle River, a crucial defensive feature that helped protect the castle from invaders. Over time, the castle evolved significantly. The medieval structure originally included several key towers, such as the Bermingham Tower and the Record Tower. The Bermingham Tower, constructed around 1213, was notable for its role in imprisoning notable figures like Hugh O’Donnell, who famously escaped through the Poddle in 1591. The tower underwent several reconstructions, including major repairs in the 17th century and a complete rebuild in the 18th century.
By the 18th century, Dublin Castle had transitioned from its medieval origins to a more modern appearance. The Upper Yard, which reflects the layout of the medieval fortress, was surrounded by new solid brick buildings rather than the original curtain walls. This transformation was part of a broader architectural evolution that included the construction of the Genealogical Office, noted for its columned minstrels’ gallery and triumphal archways.
St. Patrick’s Hall, originally built in 1747, became a prominent feature of the castle, serving as the investiture hall for the Knights of St. Patrick and later as a venue for the inauguration of the President of Ireland. The Hall is adorned with allegorical paintings by Vincent de Waldre and remains a significant ceremonial space.
In recent years, Dublin Castle has been a venue for various state functions and public events. During preparations for a major state reception in 1932, the castle’s historical features, including the old moat area and remnants of the medieval structures, were highlighted. The castle’s historical significance is also evident in its ongoing use as a site for important state functions and ceremonies.
Association with Poddle
The Poddle River, once a crucial part of the castle’s defensive system, continues to influence the castle’s layout and historical narrative. The river, which once filled the moat, now runs beneath the tarmac roads surrounding the castle. The discovery of a “forgotten” tunnel in 1961, believed to have been part of the moat system, underscored the mystery and historical importance of the castle’s original defensive features.
What the Newspapers Say
- Many of the articles just state that the Poddle river flows under the courtyard of the Castle and used to form the moat of the Castle.
- In 1913, at the Courthouse on Green Street, before the Right Hon. Recorder John Roche, a laborer named John Roche sought compensation for injuries he sustained while working at the drainage works near Dublin Castle. On June 12, while working in the River Poddle in the Lower Castle Yard, Roche’s right hand was crushed, leading to blood poisoning. After treatment at Cork Street Hospital for two months, he returned to light work but was later dismissed on January 12 due to reduced work. Roche still experienced headaches and dizziness. The Recorder ruled the respondents liable, awarding him £40 in compensation.
- On March 8, the Engineer in Charge reported being forcibly taken by Crown forces in an armored car to his office, where he was pressured to reveal information about ordinance sheets and plans of the River Poddle and sewer arrangements near Dublin Castle. His office was searched, and some plans and maps were seized. The next day, he was forced to accompany a military officer along the Poddle. Additionally, on March 16, Auxiliary forces visited the Clontarf pumping station, where they searched drawers and lockers, inspecting their contents. The Improvements Committee of Dublin Corporation was informed of these events.
- On January 16, 1931, it was reported that Dublin Castle’s Bermingham Tower, built around 1213 and named after Sir John de Bermingham, was transitioning from its role as a state prison and court to the Four Courts. The Tower, which had weathered significant historical events and numerous repairs, including damage from an explosion in 1775, was infamous for housing notable prisoners. Hugh Red O’Donnell, imprisoned there in 1587 and 1591, made two dramatic escapes, the latter involving a daring escape through a tunnel into the River Poddle. The Tower’s function had evolved from a prison to part of Dublin’s judicial system.
- In January 1931, it was noted that Dublin Castle, having evolved over centuries, was to be repurposed from its previous judicial functions. Originally built following the Scandinavian conquest and expanded under King John, the Castle once featured a moat filled by the Poddle River and was fortified with strong curtain walls and towers, including the Birmingham Tower. Over time, the Castle had served various roles: a treasure depository, a court, and a prison. Notable events included the gladiatorial contests and the harsh treatment of Irish figures like Shane O’Neill and Red Hugh O’Donnell, who famously escaped through a tunnel into the Poddle. Although much of its original structure was lost, the Castle’s historical layers were being preserved amid its transition, including St. Patrick’s Hall, which was to return to its former ceremonial use.
- In January 1931, it was noted that Dublin Castle, having evolved over centuries, was to be repurposed from its previous judicial functions. Originally built following the Scandinavian conquest and expanded under King John, the Castle once featured a moat filled by the Poddle River and was fortified with strong curtain walls and towers, including the Birmingham Tower. Over time, the Castle had served various roles: a treasure depository, a court, and a prison. Notable events included the gladiatorial contests and the harsh treatment of Irish figures like Shane O’Neill and Red Hugh O’Donnell, who famously escaped through a tunnel into the Poddle. Although much of its original structure was lost, the Castle’s historical layers were being preserved amid its transition, including St. Patrick’s Hall, which was to return to its former ceremonial use.
- On June 21, 1932, Dublin Castle prepared for a grand state reception. Workmen readied the site, including the Cork Hill gate, where visitors would cross the former site of the ditch and pass the Main Guard’s remnants. The Upper Yard, representing the medieval castle’s limits, featured the Wardrobe Tower and traces of the Bermingham Tower. Below the event space, the River Poddle still flowed, albeit through a brick sewer. St. Patrick’s Hall, the reception venue, was adorned with historical paintings and stood over the original Castle’s thick curtain walls. The modern Chapel Royal, built in 1814, featured ornate windows and statues of
- On February 2, 1961, workers discovered a seven-foot-high tunnel beneath Cork Hill, Dublin Castle. While probing for rock, they found the tunnel just two feet below the road surface, with its ends bricked up and a gas main laid over it. The discovery sparked speculation that the tunnel might be part of a series linked to the Castle’s past moat, supplied by the underground River Poddle. The Board of Works planned to investigate further. Interestingly, the tunnel contained five tons of coal, linked to a past incident where a coal delivery had gone missing, suggesting a manhole once led to the tunnel.
- On January 10, 1963, Dublin Castle, once criticised as the “worst castle in the worst situation,” was noted for its transformation since the medieval period. Originally poorly defended by the small Poddle stream, only a few medieval structures remained, including the re-Gothicised Record Tower. The Castle’s medieval layout had been largely replaced by 18th-century buildings, with notable features including the Genealogical Office and the State Apartments. St. Patrick’s Hall, formerly a key site for the Irish parliament, was now used for presidential inaugurations. The Chapel Royal, also known as the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, was praised for its Gothic architecture
- On April 5, 1968, it was recalled that on Epiphany 1591, three fugitives, including Hugh O’Donnell, escaped from Dublin Castle by swimming the dark moat, now replaced by a tarmac road. The moat once filled by the Poddle River, had been crossed by the fugitives who fled towards the Wicklow Mountains. The area where the moat had been is now connected by a small footbridge linking the former State Apartments to the grounds, which were once the Viceroy’s garden, established after 1700.
- On April 5, 1968, it was recalled that on Epiphany 1591, three fugitives, including Hugh O’Donnell, escaped from Dublin Castle by swimming across the moat, which was filled by the Poddle River. This moat area, now replaced by a tarmac road, was crossed by the fugitives as they fled toward the Wicklow Mountains. Today, the former moat is connected by a small footbridge linking the old State Apartments with the grounds, which had been the Viceroy’s garden established after 1700.