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Sir Alfred Chester Beatty’s collection of Oriental art – one of the finest in the world – was moved to these specially designed galleries in 1999 (see Chester Beatty Library Exhibits).

Approaching the castle from Cork Hill, the Figure of Justice guards the main entrance. It faces the Upper Yard, turning its back on the city – as Dubliners cynically commented, an apt symbol of British justice.

The Norman gate of the original castle is the base for this attractive 18th-century clock tower. In 1907, the Irish “Crown Jewels” – a diamond St Patrick Star and Badge – were stolen from here and never recovered.

The exterior of this Neo-Gothic delight is decorated with more than 100 heads beautifully carved out of Tullamore limestone.

Medieval excavations show the remains of the original castle, including part of the 9th-century city wall and the moat on the river Poddle.

RoomAs its name suggests, this is the grandest state apartment in the castle. The throne (above) is flanked by four roundels and ovals depicting Min- erva, Jupiter, Juno and Mars. They are attributed to Gaetano Gandolfi, an 18th-century Italian artist.

This former medieval prison was converted into a state apartment.

The hall, dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint, has ceiling paintings by Vincenzo Valdre depicting incidents in British and Irish history, such St Patrick lighting the Pascal Fire on the Hill of Slane.

To the back of the chapel are the castle’s small gardens. The symmetrical design and flowerbeds are often offset by the works of contemporary Irish artists.

This sombre museum is situated in the Record Tower, the only standing remains of the old castle. It offers a comprehensive history of Ireland’s police force.