Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Dublin

"The Chester Beatty Library is a popular reading hub across the globe and was rendered not only the best museum in Ireland, but also the whole of Europe. The library was also the only one to win the 'European Museum of the Year' award. Right behind the Dublin castle is this beautiful building which houses the Chester Beatty Library that features lovely exhibits, illuminated manuscripts, religiou...Read more"

"Bibliophile Alfred Chester Beatty’s marvellous collection of ancient books, scrolls and other objets d’art is spread across two floors of this wonderful museum and is free to explore, as are the regular mindful mornings of yoga and meditation (book ahead and bring a yoga mat). In summer there are free Qi Gong sessions in the rooftop garden. You might also like: Best day trips from Dublin"

"Within the Dublin Castle complex are also the Garda Museum (Irish Police museum) and the Chester Beatty Library museum. Both of these are free and worth visiting, especially the library museum, if you have time."

"Situated within the imposing 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is an impressive setting for modern art, one with a cobblestoned courtyard, gardens, and pretty benches overlooking the grounds. The collection itself consists of more than 3,500 pieces, with about 250 works on display at any given time. Although IMMA is a bit outside the city center—about a 30-minute walk from Dame Street—you can combine it with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol, which is 15 minutes away by foot."

"Next up is the Irish Museum of Modern Art (also known as IMMA). You’ll find this place nestled in 48 acres in the heart of Dublin 8 (there are some nice walks nearby!). You can join one of the guided tours for free and get to known IMMA and the exhibitions in more detail via the words of an experienced guide."

"The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland’s leading institution for the collection of modern and contemporary art. The Irish Museum of Modern Art building in Dublin. Photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland."

"Tel: + 353 1 222 5550 Email: info.hughlane@dublincity.ie Web: www.hughlane.ie. Located in Dublin’s city centre, Dublin City Gallery: The Hugh Lane, (formerly The Municipal Gallery of Modern Art), houses one of Ireland’s foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. The original collection, donated by the Gallery’s founder, Sir Hugh Lane, in 1908, has now grown to include over 2000 artworks, ranging from the Impressionist masterpieces of Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas, to works by leading national and international contemporary artists."

"Just a short walk from Dublin’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, this permanent collection hosts some of Ireland’s most notable modern art and is free to enter. It’s named after Sir Hugh Lane, who donated a collection to the council in 1908; the works included pieces by well-known French impressionists such as Renoir, Manet, Morisot and Pissarro, and they can still be seen on display here today. There is also a room dedicated to the abstract works of Dublin-born painter Sean Scully, who has twice been a Turner Prize nominee."

"Collins Barracks have a collection encompassing millennials of mesmerising objects, from jewellery and coins, through clothing and furniture, to weapons and vessels. Given that there are four floors of artifacts to see and depending on your child’s age, you may like to reference the guidebooks or floor plans. This will help you to manage the tour and potentially make it more focused on specific items for younger children."

"National Museum of Decorative Arts & History – A museum that will appeal to both art and history lovers. It is filled with decorative arts, jewelry, furniture, costumes, weapons, Asian art, & history exhibits."

"The Olivier Cornet Gallery on Denmark Street represents some incredible contemporary Irish and international artists, who's works include painting, sculpture, ceramics, fine art prints, photography and installations. They're always running incredible exhibitions too, so have a look at their site to see which artists they're showcasing at the moment."

"The Gerard Byrne Studio, Art Gallery is home to a display of Gerard's paintings and is aimed at art enthusiasts and collectors."

"The Cupcake Bloke opened The Bakery in Rialto last year and it's one of the cutest places ever. They have everything from scones, cakes, bread and cupcakes, as well as an array of jams and Irish made treats. They also make the tastiest pasteis de nata I've had."

"Nestled in between Camden Street and Pleasants Place, The Cake Caf� is one of Dublin's hidden gems. Every aspect of this building has been thought through from the solar paneling that powers the caf� to their ethical coffee and, most importantly, their food and cakes. If you're looking to sample baked goods of the highest order, order a cake or small treats for any occasion, or simply enjoy lunch using fresh, local ingredients then this is the perfect place to slip into."

"This paradisal cocoon is tucked away behind The Last Book Shop on Camden Street. At the back, you’ll find a door that opens out to the cutest area with bamboo shoots, mosaic walls made from broken CDs, books, piano keys and tiles and colourful tables and chairs that is The Cake Café. On the menu, you'll find seasonal, fresh and intriguing flavours."

"You can’t go wrong with any of the offerings in The Cake Café. We have a special fondness for the lemon yoghurt cake, though."

"Their team of talented staff can make even the most complicated order. They are popular for theme cakes in particular, as they can create a variety of characters and styles."

"Murphy’s have been making their own brand of ice cream for 17 years now in Dingle, Kerry, with a more recent second home in Dublin. There’s only two weeks of sunshine in Dublin all year round, but when the sun is finally out, queues are quick to form outside Murphy’s. The flavours like Dingle sea salt, Dingle gin, peanut and many more are unbelievable."

"We couldn’t make a list of ice-cream places in Dublin without including Murphy’s Ice Cream. This traditional ice-cream parlour on Wicklow Street is the place to go if you are looking for top quality traditional Irish ice-cream. Handmade in Dingle, Murphy’s Ice Cream is like no other with their milk coming from a rare, indigenous Kerry bred cow."

"This is the perfect place to go to if you want to capture water and nature. Moreover, going to this beach is a very fun thing to do when you're in Dublin. So it's not only great for photography, but you'll also have an amazing day if you go here."

"A little trip away from Dublin City Centre, it’s the perfect romantic location for beach strolls or some sunset portraits. It has the tall grass, sea air and the iconic Poolbeg Towers as the quintessentially-Dublin backdrop!. A great spot for an engagement session, an elopement or a lovely portrait spot on a wedding day if you’re driving in from the south side."