Best Arts and Culture Places in Naas

"The National Gallery of Ireland is just a 10 minute stroll from Maldron Hotel Pearse Street and is one of the most prestigious galleries in Europe. With travelling collections displayed at the gallery throughout the year, and the exquisite Turner collection only displayed during the low light of January to preserve its appearance, there are so many new things to discover on each visit. The gallery also free hosts interactive children’s workshops and family days."

"The gallery, which was established in 1864, houses an extensive collection of Irish, Italian Baroque, and Dutch masters paintings. During normal times, a good way to see the gallery is to take a free guided “Highlights Tour,” which includes highlights of the gallery’s permanent collection. It is normally offered six times a week, on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., on Saturdays at 12:30 p.m."

"And for that, we’re going to head over to the National Gallery of Ireland. This is free to enter (with the exception of any special exhibitions), and is home to over 2,500 paintings and 10,000 other works of art."

"Unexpected and splendid: the Chester Beatty Library, with its remarkable collections of Oriental, Islamic and Western art and books, is simply one of the finest museums in Ireland. This collection was gifted to the Irish State by Chester Beatty, an American mining magnate. The permanent 'Arts of the Book' and 'Sacred Traditions' exhibitions showcase the Library's treasures, which include Chinese jade books and Biblical papyri in state-of-the-art galleries; other exhibitions change regularly."

"Many of Dublin’s museums focus on Irish history or culture, but the lovely Chester Beatty Library has international collections of art and artifacts that offer a glimpse at global wonders. Best of all, the celebrated museum is absolutely free to visit. Set inside the gardens of Dublin Castle, the library and art exhibitions are considered some of the best in Ireland."

"Nestled behind Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty is the only museum in Ireland to have won the European Museum of the Year award. Its vast collection of religious artifacts from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa is unparalleled. Works from 2700 B.C."

"Ireland's most important collection of modern and contemporary Irish and international art is housed in the elegant, airy expanse of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, designed by Sir William Robinson and built between 1684 and 1687 as a retirement home for soldiers. It fulfilled this role until 1928, after which it languished for nearly 50 years until a 1980s restoration saw it come back to life as this wonderful repository of art."

"Out in Kilmainham, IMMA is worth a visit for the striking building and gardens alone. Contemporary art is spread throughout the former hospital, with free guided tours available too."

"The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art by both Irish and international artists."

"Ireland’s Natural History Museum is affectionately nicknamed the Dead Zoo thanks to its extensive exhibits of taxidermy animals. Housed on Merrion Square, the National History Museum is one of the most impressive branches of the National Museum of Ireland. The collections span from geology to zoology, with an emphasis on the natural wonders found on the Emerald Isle, as well as an exhibit on “Mammals of the World.” In addition to showcasing historical flora and fauna, the exhibits aim to educate visitors about modern-day threats to Irish wildlife."

"Dusty, weird and utterly compelling, this window into Victorian times has barely changed since Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone opened it in 1857 – before disappearing into the African jungle for a meeting with Henry Stanley. It is a fine example of Victorian charm and scientific wonderment, and its enormous collection is a testament to the skill of taxidermy."

"Pop into the Natural History Museum to see the incredible collections of stuffed long-toothed animals from around the world. At Sweny's, you can buy your loved ones a gift of lemon soap as mentioned in Ulysses or enjoy readings from James Joyce’s books, held at lunchtime each day."

"The National Museum of Ireland in Kildare Street showcases the history of Ireland up to and including the Middle Ages and will leave you impressed. Plan at least an hour, better ninety minutes or two hours, for a stroll around the two levels and an immersion into Ireland's past at its best. If you want to skip some exhibition areas, make sure to see the Celtic hoards, the early Christian treasures, the Viking remnants, and the bog bodies in the "Sacrifice and Kingship" section, like Clonycavan Man."

"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."

"National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2. Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland. National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2 Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland"

"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."

"The Ark is a fascinating cultural centre especially built for kids and based in the centre of Dublin. There is a tonne of different events on throughout the year and it’s worth checking the website to see if it’s something you’d be interested in before rocking up. From interactive installations to music shows and mini-museums, the centre is quite a diverse space."

"The LAB Gallery supports emerging art practices and focuses on fresh ways to develop engaged audiences for visual arts. The LAB is open Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00 and Saturday 10:00-17:00 and admission is free."

"Located in Trinity College Dublin, the Science Gallery describes itself as the place where science and art collide in a series of interactive themes and exhibitions. The Science Gallery doesn't have a set collection - the themes change every few months, meaning they're sometimes closed to the public while preparing the next exhibition. But it's definitely well worth checking their site to see what they're running during your city cycle."

"Going to the Guinness factory and taking the tour is about as touristy as you can get- but for good reason. It's a fun, interactive tour and you get to drink at the end. The rooftop bar also has a great view."

"I'm sure you've experienced one of the Yamamori branches at some point in your life but let me tell you a secret: The Yamamori Izakaya Sake Bar on George's Street is by far the best of all. They specialise in unfussy Japanese food. They serve a sushi and Japanese menu which is like Japanese tapas but the portion sizes are bigger than expected and the food is honestly best in class."

"I'm sure you've eaten in one of the Yamamori branches at some point in your life but let me tell you a secret. The Yamamori Izakaya Sake Bar on George's Street is by far the best of all. They specialise in unfussy Japanese food."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Yamamori (@yamamoridining)"

"A greasy spoon vibe, this equivalent of a diner is absolutely fantastic and has possibly the best Irish breakfasts in town!. If you’re going to stuff your face, …"

"A bright and colourful Ballsbridge beer garden that's perfect for anyone seeking out festival vibes on a sunny day. They've made some changes to the garden to get it ready for outdoor drinking and dining. Pubs spokeswoman Cliodhna O'Dwyer told Dublin Live "The garden is now mostly covered with the addition of a new retractable roof so we can still comfortably serve our customers even on the days we get all four seasons in one day! We are looking forward to welcoming new and old friendly faces to the garden this Summer."

"As the city’s self-described ‘Comedy Powerhouse’, the club hosts a series of charity fundraisers every Thursday and group nights for those celebrating birthdays and special occasions – in addition to attracting some top comedy talent to its stage. Previous comedians to give The Laughter Lounge crowd a giggle include Dara O’Brian, Jimmy Carr and Michael MacIntyre. The club also offers gift vouchers for comedy fans eager to share the gift of laughter with loved ones."

"Laughter Lounge has got to be Dublin’s finest comedy establishment. It provides endless line-ups of comedy, and if you’re looking for a “break the ice” first date spot, a “not-boring” work night out venue, or if you’re just in the need of a good giggle, this is the place for you. The accredited venue has welcomed some of Ireland’s top names to the stage, as well as international comedians and those fresh on the scene, too."

"Cherry Comedy at Whelan’s is one of the finest and funniest nights of laughter on in this fair city. Taking place in Ireland’s leading music venue, Whelans, every Monday from 8pm, this often sell-out show is a sure thing. Featuring the best of Irish comedic talent, as well as a strong line-up of up-and-comers, this is your ultimate night out."

"Among the newest comedy clubs in the city is Pop The Cherry, offering great comedy nights every Monday evening. These nights bring together a mixture of established names from the world of comedy and newer voices just getting started in stand-up."