Best Arts and Culture Places in Dublin

"The National Gallery is located at Merrion Square West, in Dublin 2, very close the Natural History Museum. It is another free entry museum in Dublin so what is not to love?. This stunning gallery has lots for all the family including workshops, family-friendly tours and children’s audioguides to hlp engage even the smallest of visitors."

"The National Gallery of Ireland holds a collection of more than 15,000 works of art as well as regular exhibitions. The Gallery has been opened since 1854 and is housed in a beautiful Georgian building in Dublin city centre. The entrance is located on Clare Street."

"It is a museum of the mid-19th century full of fantastic pieces. An enjoyable way to spend the afternoon in Dublin, especially if it’s raining. Take time to explore all galleries full of art and sculpture."

"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"

"This world-famous library in the grounds of Dublin Castle houses the collection of mining engineer Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875–1968), bequeathed to the Irish State on his death. Spread over two floors, the... Top ChoiceMuseum in Merrion Square & Georgian Dublin"

"Like all our galleries in Dublin, IMMA is a fantastic place to explore for kids of all ages, to fuel and inspire little imaginations though their interactive exhibitions. The grounds of the gallery alone are beautiful and perfect for a good run around with the little ones. All of their exhibitions are always free for under 18s and the size and scope of the IMMA campus makes it a great destination for children."

"Based in a renovated 17th century hospital, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) hosts different exhibitions from Irish designers such as Elieen Gray to international artists like Philippe Parreno. The IMMA is a mix between old and new culture which makes it unique. It’s a really original gallery we recommend you to visit it."

"You’ll find the Irish Museum of Modern Art (AKA IMMA) nestled in 48 acres of land in the heart of Dublin 8. Tours are free and are delivered by experienced guides 6 days a week. Join one of the museums guided tours and get to known IMMA and the exhibitions in more detail."

"Natural History Museums are commonplace in every European capital and there's a good reason why. Both adults and children alike love to marvel at the animals and creatures of yesteryear and Dublin has one of the most impressive zoological exhibits. Located within the same complex as the National Museum of Ireland, the natural history building has been operating since 1856 and was restored in 2010 to allow visitors to get more up close and personal with the collection."

"Known as ‘the Dead Zoo’ by Dubliners, the Museum of Natural History hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1857. A big part of its appeal is as a “museum of a museum”; the dark wood, polished brass and glass cabinets are reminders of a bygone era when the Victorian obsession with exotic animals was at its peak. With a collection including specimens gathered by Charles Darwin, the taxidermy and skeletons on display makes for intriguing but sometimes macabre viewing."

"The Natural History Museum of Dublin is known by the locals as the ‘dead Zoo’, a spooky name that describes it perfectly!. Located in the city centre, this is a museum with skeletons and stuffed specimens of many species of animals, most of them preserved in the museum since the last century. I brought my kids there when they were tiny and the reaction was mixed: fascination and a bit of fear – some of the animals are immense!"

"The National Museum of Archaeology houses a wonderful collection from Prehistoric, Viking and Medieval Ireland. It is also home to one of the largest and most important gold collections in Europe and many other interesting permanent collections and exhibitions. My personal favourite is the Iron Age bog bodies, which I found fascinating (and a tad unsettling)."

"There are three Dublin outposts of the National Museum – Archaeology on Kildare Street, Natural History on Merrion Street, and Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks. All are free to visit, and have their own unique charms. The Natural History museum (also known as the Dead Zoo) is a must-see for kids, with stuffed animals from all around the world."

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

"Hosting exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, Duke Street Gallery is housed in one of Dublin city’s oldest Georgian buildings. Duke Street Gallery specialises in a wide range of different styles & trends in Irish painting."

"The Doorway Gallery can be found on Frederick Street in Dublin City. A wide range of well renowned Irish artists have exhibited at the Doorway Gallery."

"The Rua Red is a gallery which aims at all the members of the community, located in the new cultural quarter of Tallaght is a more urban gallery. There you will see very different things from visual art exhibitions to film screenings."

"RUA RED is South Dublin’s hub for creative activity for all ages – with Galleries, Films, Workshops, Classes, Performances, Community Events, Artistic tenants and much more."

"Believed to be one of the first modern art galleries in the world, The Hugh Lane houses Francis Bacon’s legendary studio on permanent display since its relocation from London to Dublin in 1998. Intriguing unfinished works and an interactive audio-visual room allows you to get up close and personal with one of the most important figurative artists of the 20th century. The Gallery’s collection also includes Impressionist works by the French masters Manet, Monet, Degas, Renoir and Morisot."

"This is the first known public gallery of modern art in the world. Founded in 1908 by Sir Hugh Lane, an Irish art dealer, collector, and gallery director, it includes a permanent exhibition and other revolving exhibitions, mostly by contemporary Irish artists. Be sure to visit the stained glass room, which contains a popular piece called “The Eve of St. Agnes,” as well as other stained glass works from 20th-century glass artists."

"A creative space and cultural centre for children, the Ark has a calendar full of events, workshops and more for kids, year-round. With its own child-friendly theatre and award-winning facilities, the Ark has been nurturing creative minds since the mid-1990s. They frequently collaborate with regular Dublin arts festivals (based around the likes of literature, theatre and dance), so it’s worth checking their site in advance of a visit in case there’s something coming up that your family would be especially interested in."

"In the cultural centre of Dublin’s Temple Bar area, The Ark provides a space for children aged 2-12 to explore theatre, music, literature, art, film, and more. Running several events and workshops throughout the year, The Ark is the perfect place to spark or nurture a love of the arts. Address: 11A Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 A590, Ireland"

"The Ark is a fantastic creative hub and dedicated cultural centre for children, located in Temple Bar. It hosts performances of music, theatre and dance, including workshops and exhibitions for kids. Go there, and create opportunities for children, families and friends to discover and love art."

"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."

"The very unique Hang Dai is the best Chinese in Dublin for groups of friends looking for a bite to eat before a night on the town. An elegant spot located in the centre of Dublin on Camden Street, Hang Dai boasts a cheerful ambiance and is an ideal place to visit for a special occasion. They specialise in the apple wood-fired duck, but also serve other delectable dishes like steamed eggplant and asparagus spring rolls."

"School friends Will Dempsey and chef Karl Whelan added a clubby Chinese restaurant to Dublin’s roster with Hang Dai. The entrance appears like a takeaway joint, but the restaurant expands into a back room that looks like a mash-up between a disco and a subway train. The vibe is fun but the food is serious, especially the duck special (preorder it when you book)."

"Don’t let the simple, Chinese takeaway exterior of Hang Dai fool you – hidden away inside is one of the most stylish restaurants in the city. With low, neon lighting, the restaurant exudes an urban, futuristic cool. However, Hang Dai is no example of style over substance."

"The iconic 4* Royal Marine Hotel is situated along the picturesque coastline overlooking Dublin Bay, just 20 minutes from the bustling city of Dublin. Establishing new standards for luxury, amenities, and commitment to guest satisfaction, the Royal Marine Hotel features elegant guest rooms, sansanaSPA, which offers a comprehensive array of relaxing treatments and signature experiences, staffed by a team of therapists skilled at graciously pampering guests. Address: Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin"

"The Royal Marine Hotel sits hidden above Dun Laoghaire, offering beautiful sea views just outside the city centre. Sansana Spa has a philosophy of Relax, Revive and Retreat, which you can do in their 9 treatment and relaxation rooms. Experiences at the spa include a unique waterbed relaxation Float and Relax room, rock sauna and aromatherapy room, mud chamber, tropical experience showers, a manicure and pedicure Suite, hydrotherapy chamber and thermal suites with relaxation beds."

"This is everything a landmark seaside hotel ought to be: handsome, grand, nicely maintained, a local focus point – and in a splendid setting: on rising ground overlooking the great piers of picturesque Dún Laoghaire harbour, with views across Dublin Bay. The Sansana spa offers treatments in pleasantly enveloping surroundings, plus a wonderfully spacious fitness suite and 18-metre pool. There's also tennis in the grounds."

"For dining and drinking in one of the most creative spaces in Dublin, grab a table at Drury Buildings. You'll easily spot this place with its vibrant mural painted facade and colourful umbrellas shading the on-street seating area. The cocktails here are as flamboyant as the decor and the food is made with local, seasonal ingredients and dripping with Mediterranean influences."

"Drury Buildings is the perfect place to retreat from the hustle and bustle and tuck into a glass of rosé or a glam goblet of gin and tonic. They have a really cool garden terrace out the back that's usually packed on the weekend with brunch-goers tucking into Mediterranean food and swishing mimosa glasses about the place. https://www.instagram.com/p/BHPfRHsgmQ7/"