On Dame Street, south of the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin, stands the mighty architectural achievement that is Dublin Castle, parts of which date back to 1200. Over the centuries Dublin Castle has been a fortress and treasury, a royal palace and a prison. Prior to Irish independence in the 1920s, it was also the centre of British rule in Ireland. Today, Dublin Castle is a government building and significant historic emblem.
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin was built in the 13th Century to honour St. Patrick, who is, of course, the patron saint of Ireland. It is the main cathedral of the Church of Ireland, the Anglican communion.