Dublin Castle administration

Dublin Castle was the centre of the government of Ireland under English and later British rule.

The Castle did not hold the judicial branch, which was centred on the Four Courts, or the legislature, which met at College Green until the Act of Union 1800, and thereafter at Westminster.

When the chief governor was absent in England, his authority was exercised by three Lords Justices.

Upon the independence of the Irish Free State from the United Kingdom in 1922, the Lord Lieutenancy was abolished, with its functions being transferred to the two new offices of Governor-General of the Irish Free State and Governor of Northern Ireland respectively.

Those based in the Free State who were unsympathetic to the new regime were allowed to retire early on reduced pension.