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Location
Phoenix Park, Dublin., County Dublin, Ireland
Description
Ashtown Castle is found in Phoenix Park in the north west of Dublin.
Ashtown Castle is a fully restored fortified Medieval four-storey tower house thought to have been constructed in the 17th century. Restoration and survey work carried out in 1989 revealed alterations made in the 18th and 19th centuries which included Georgian windows, new flooring and work to part of the roof.
Facilities
The Castle is incorporated into the Phoenix Park and the visitor centre has detailed information not only about the castle but the surrounding deer park and gardens. From here you can arrange a guided visit of the castle and although the castle does not have its own tearoom or restaurant, one can be found in the grounds of the visitor centre.
Entry is free and the castle and grounds are open November to March, Wednesday - Sunday, 09:30 to 17:30 and April to October, Daily 10:00 to 17:45.
History
Ashtown Castle was not 'discovered' until 1978 when it was found within the walls of a much larger more recent building that was being demolished.
In 1641 the castle was owned by John Connell or 'John of Ashtown' as he was known. The estate was then 200 acres laid down to arable and pasture land with a small area of woodland, there was also a small orchard and two thatched cottages on the estate. The castle was built to dimensions laid down by the government of the time where money was offered to those who built a castle to defend themselves.
In 1668 Marcus Trevor, Viscount Dungannon along with two keepers were the residents of Ashford. The castle had been acquired by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland on behalf of the King to extend his deer park.
Around 1774 Ashtown Lodge was incorporated into the castle and the new building was then classified as the official residence of the Under Secretary from 1782. A series of tunnels is believed to have run from the lodge to other important buildings within the park where people could travel unseen and safely.
The next resident was Papal Nuncio who resided in the lodge until 1978 when he left for a new residence in Dublin.
The Arts
Ashtown has been used a backdrop for some very famous artists such as Coldplay, Robbie Williams and U2.
Other Castles in the Area
Aras an Uachtarain, County Dublin
Ardgillan Castle, County Dublin
Barberstown Castle, County Kildare
Bective Abbey, County Meath
Bellinter House, County Meath
Castletown House, County Kildare
Clontarf Castle, County Dublin
Dublin Castle, County Dublin
Dunsany Castle, County Meath
Howth Castle, County Dublin
Malahide Castle, County Dublin
Manderley Castle, County Dublin
Maynooth Castle, County Kildare
Monktown Castle, County Meath
Powerscourt House, County Wicklow
Pucks Castle, County Dublin
Rathfarnham Castle, County Dublin
Robswall Castle, County Dublin
Russborough House, County Wicklow
Swords Castle, County Dublin
Tully's Castle, County Dublin
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