Best Arts and Culture Places in Dún Laoghaire

"The National Gallery of Ireland was established in 1864 and today houses an extensive collection of Irish, Italian Baroque and Dutch Masters paintings. Visitors at the National Gallery of Ireland. Photo: Tourism Ireland."

"A magnificent Caravaggio and a breathtaking collection of works by Jack B Yeats – William Butler Yeats' younger brother – are the main reasons to visit the National Gallery, but certainly not the only ones."

"For the lovers of art, the National Gallery of Ireland is a must visit place. European art at its best has been displayed here. There are also a number of American paintings on these prestigious walls."

"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."

"There are a number of great free museums in Dublin which include the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Hall, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Also keep an eye out for discount cards, coupons, and special deals to save money on tickets, tours, and meals."

"This is one of the most visited museums in Dublin with more than 400,000 visitors in one year. Here you can also take part in some permanent exhibitions as well as temporary collections. It takes in early Christian monuments, ancient burial grounds and many more."

"With a collection of over 2 million artefacts, the Natural History Museum, aka ‘the dead zoo’ in the National Museum of Ireland is the perfect place to learn about the world’s zoological and geological history. Fascinating exhibitions showcase 10,000 different specimens from around the globe. Entry is completely free too, making it a cheap and cheerful way to spend an afternoon in Dublin."

"Yes, Natural History Museums are common places in every European capital. Dublin has one of the most impressive zoological exhibits. It’s in the same complex as the National Museum of Ireland, it has been in operation since 1856 and is still a big hit with visitors."

"If you want to experience one of the best historical things to do in Dublin, then why not spend a whole day exploring the incredible National Museum of Ireland?. Here you will learn about national and international archaeology, Irish history, Irish art, culture, and natural history. No matter your age, you are sure to take something away from the incredible exhibitions on offer at one of the best museums in Ireland."

"Admission is free and the architecture is spectacular from the tiles on the floor to the columns surrounding the exhibit space. Kids will love learning about the bog people, the 4,500 year old log boat from Galway, and the extensive collection of weaponry. The museum is centrally located on Kildare Street."

"The Oriel Gallery on Clare Street in Dublin City is the oldest independent gallery in Ireland. It specialises in 18th to 21st century paintings, drawings and watercolours."

"Temple Bar Gallery and Studios was first founded in 1983 as one of the country’s first artist-led arts organisations. A non-profit funded by the Irish Arts Council, today it consists of a contemporaryexhibition space and 30 visual artists’ studios, located at the epicentre of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter. As well as exhibitions, they run regular talks, masterclasses and events for aspiring artists."

"Featuring installations and performance art as well as sculpture and video, the Temple Bar Gallery works hand in hand with Artists Studios. It’s a really interesting and engaging concept and it puts you right into the heart of the artist’s community here in Dublin. Past exhibitions included Declan Clarke, Amie Siegel and Barbara Knezevic."

"At the beginning in 1983 the Temple Bar Gallery + Studios was the first DIY artist-centred initiative in Ireland, they started in a shirt factory and this is now a big gallery. Thanks to the fame of Temple Bar the gallery became notorious but it still supports upcoming artists."

"The Hugh Lane Gallery is one of Dublin's other great, free attractions that features the collectors collection which he bequeathed to the State along with over 2000 works of contemporary and modern art. The main attraction is the painter Francis Bacon's studio which was relocated in its entirety from London and gives an incredible insight into the cluttered, haphazard nature of the artist's method. The building itself, located on North Parnell Square is beautiful and airy - the perfect place to peruse slowly."

"For a taste of Irish history with your artwork, cycle down to Parnell Square and pay a visit to the Hugh Lane Gallery. The Lane Legacy collection, named after the gallery's founder, explores a time of huge culture in Ireland, showcasing works from a selection of Irish artists. Be sure to pay a visit to the Stained Glass Room, just beside the reception, when you visit too - it's not to be missed!"

"The Hugh Lane Gallery has an excellent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as short-term exhibitions. But one thing really draws people to this gallery: the Francis Bacon Studio. When the artist died in London, his entire studio was transported back to his hometown of Dublin."

"The exhibitions here are constantly changing, and an interesting combination of science and art. Past exhibits have included insights into the secret service and spies, illusions and risks – there’s usually something that kids will be into, as well. The fact that exhibitions change so frequently mean that it’s worth checking opening hours before visiting, as it may be closed between exhibits."

"A corner of Trinity College was transformed into a space that encourages science and art to collide. The ever-changing exhibition currently focuses on contagion and biomimicry. Its aim is to allow visitors to “facilitate social connections, always providing an element of surprise."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"When you think about The George, you probably think of fabulous drag shows and fantastic craic. But you might be surprised to learn that on the first Saturday of every month, they hold a faaaaabulous market in the venue. You're sure to discover lots of vintage and retro bits such as clothes, jewellery and vinyl records as well as handmade crafts and stunning art."

"The George bills itself as the heart of the LGBT Community in Ireland, and as they say, no one parties harder than the LGBT community. Be entertained by fascinating and remarkable performances by drag icons and enjoy a night of good music, colorful costumes, and overflowing drinks and laughter. Visit The George now and experience a night you will never forget."

"Portraits of queer icons lining the walls identify The George Bar, bilevel pub and dance club, for what it is: a gay haven. You're never more than a few feet from a rainbow flag or a few loose sequins—debris from the night before. Leave the mixology at the door—this is a place to drink quickly poured Guinness beer, slid across the dark bar."

"Go up a flight of stairs in Oil Can Harry’s on Mount street and you’ll be greeted by an open air terrace on the side of the building. It may not be at the very top, but it still qualifies for this list. They do pizzas if you want something quick, and there’s also a few cocktails on offer."

"Clayton Hotel Charlemont is superbly located on the south side of Dublin City overlooking the iconic Grand Canal, just a short walk to the popular St. Stephens Green and Grafton Street. Address: Charlemont Street, Dublin 2"

"Porterhouse Central on Nassau Street is the 2nd Porterhouse location in Dublin. Thanks to being off Grafton Street just a little bit further from the heart of the nightlife action, it was much more chill than other pubs were on the same night I visited. I had the Celebration Stout, which had been created for the brewery’s 20th anniversary."

"A post shared by Suesey Street (@sueseystreet) on Sep 2, 2020 at 5:00am PDT. For more things to do in Dublin, check out the full guide here!. Pin this list for later!"

"You’ll find a fresh, in season menu at what has to be one of the best looking outdoor terraces in Dublin."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"Again, you will have done your homework and booked something in advance, we hope (though there always is a chance to get late tickets even for the Abbey Theatre, with a bit of luck). If you are set on enjoying an Irish night out, a large number of pubs offer their services and many also provide entertainment (free or for a small fee in most cases). Just follow the crowds, which will, more than likely, bring you to the Temple Bar area."