The building was commissioned by local merchants as a fortified warehouse to protect goods being transported to and from central Dublin.

[5][6] After significant population growth, largely associated with its development as a residential suburb of Dublin, the township of Dalkey appointed town commissioners in 1863.

[8][9] In around 1890, the town commissioners decided to erect an extension to accommodate public meetings: a new single-storey building was constructed, extending back for six bays along White's Villas.

[10] However, the castle ceased to be the local seat of government in 1930, when Dalkey became part of the borough of Dún Laoghaire.

[12] The castle was restored in the mid-1990s and incorporated into a new heritage centre for the town which was officially opened there on 18 June 1998.