Dublin Castle is owned by the Government of Ireland and is managed on their behalf by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Historically the seat of British rule in Ireland for over 700 years, the castle was formally handed over to the Irish Free State in 1922. Today, it serves as a major government complex and a premier tourist attraction. It is the site of high-profile state functions, including the inauguration of the President of Ireland and various European Council meetings. While the State owns the physical structure and the grounds, the castle is effectively a "public asset," with large portions—including the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, and the Viking Excavations—open to the public for tours. The castle also houses the prestigious Chester Beatty Library, though the library is an independent charitable trust. In 2026, the castle remains a powerful symbol of Irish sovereignty, transitioning from a fortress of colonial power to a vibrant center of modern Irish democracy and cultural heritage.