William Derham is our Buildings Curator and is responsible for researching, presenting, interpreting and supporting the conservation of the Castle’s buildings and interiors. He has a particular interest in the life of the Castle during the twentieth century, from the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels and the last days of the Viceregal Court, through the revolutionary period of 1916–23, to the rehabilitation and use of the Castle in post-independent Ireland. He is a graduate of the Dublin School of Architecture, T.U. Dublin, and studied Building Repair and Conservation at Trinity College Dublin. His most recent publication, Splendour & Scandal, examined the colourful history of the Office of Arms at Dublin Castle.

William Derham is our Buildings Curator and is responsible for researching, presenting, interpreting and supporting the conservation of the Castle’s buildings and interiors. He has a particular interest in the life of the Castle during the twentieth century, from the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels and the last days of the Viceregal Court, through the revolutionary period of 1916–23, to the rehabilitation and use of the Castle in post-independent Ireland. He is a graduate of the Dublin School of Architecture, T.U. Dublin, and studied Building Repair and Conservation at Trinity College Dublin. His most recent publication, Splendour & Scandal, examined the colourful history of the Office of Arms at Dublin Castle.

Meet the Curator and explore the collection of Dublin Castle

Highlights and hidden gems await you on this special visit to the Castle, in the company of one of our two expert curators. Beginning in the palatial State Apartments, you will go behind the ropes for a private view of key artworks and architectural features, including a portrait by the renowned master Sir Anthony van Dyck and the most important painted ceiling to survive in Ireland from the eighteenth century. Along the way, you will hear first-hand from the curator about the detailed research and conservation work that helps to safeguard these national treasures and bring their stories to life.

Moving to the soaring interior of the Chapel Royal, you will be brought behind closed doors for an exclusive visit to the gallery, with its velvet furnishings, jewel-like stained glass windows and array of sculptural ornament. As a memento of your time with us, you will be invited to choose a personally signed and dedicated copy of one of the curator’s Dublin Castle publications.

Meet the Curator and explore the collection of Dublin Castle

Highlights and hidden gems await you on this special visit to the Castle, in the company of one of our two expert curators. Beginning in the palatial State Apartments, you will go behind the ropes for a private view of key artworks and architectural features, including a portrait by the renowned master Sir Anthony van Dyck and the most important painted ceiling to survive in Ireland from the eighteenth century. Along the way, you will hear first-hand from the curator about the detailed research and conservation work that helps to safeguard these national treasures and bring their stories to life.

Moving to the soaring interior of the Chapel Royal, you will be brought behind closed doors for an exclusive visit to the gallery, with its velvet furnishings, jewel-like stained glass windows and array of sculptural ornament. As a memento of your time with us, you will be invited to choose a personally signed and dedicated copy of one of the curator’s Dublin Castle publications.

• Private Curator Experience – 45 minutes with the Dublin Castle Curator.
• Expert introduction to Dublin Castle and its collections
• Exclusive access to the gallery of the Chapel Royal and to roped-off areas in the State Apartments.
• Let the Curator know in advance if you are interested in a particular period in history and they can select appropriate items for you to view.
• Drop off and collection at front door of Dublin Castle Upper Yard.

• Private Curator Experience – 45 minutes with the Dublin Castle Curator.
• Expert introduction to Dublin Castle and its collections
• Exclusive access to the gallery of the Chapel Royal and to roped-off areas in the State Apartments.
• Let the Curator know in advance if you are interested in a particular period in history and they can select appropriate items for you to view.
• Drop off and collection at front door of Dublin Castle Upper Yard.