Free Museums 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."

"There are few buildings that reflect the changing and often turbulent political history of Ireland better than Dublin Castle. A castle has stood here for nearly 900 years, with most of the current building dating from the 18th century, and until the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921, it was the seat of the English and British governments in Ireland (the building itself witnessed several major events in the struggle for independence). Since then, it has hosted the inaugurations of Irish presidents, and also welcomed thousands of visitors as one of Ireland’s best tourist attractions."

"Dublin Castle is right in the heart of the city - and it’s a great location if you’re a Dublin Music Photographer too. It’s right opposite the Olympia, so any bands that might need a quick portrait for tomorrow’s papers with a scenic backdrop are in luck. Again, you probably shouldn’t be tearing around the place with all your gear if you don’t want to get thrown out, but this is another ideal spot for a prime lens and reflector set-up."

"It would be almost blasphemous for me to make a “Best Castles in Dublin” list without including Dublin Castle. Right in the heart of the city, the castle was originally built in 1204 as a residence for the British monarch’s Irish representative. From then on until 1922, Dublin Castle has served as the seat of British rule in Ireland."

"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."

"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."

"Imaginosity is Ireland's only interactive children's museum for the under 9's. Imaginosity champions the 'hands-on, minds-on' philosophy that encourages all visitors to get involved and have fun while learning and creating positive and lasting memories. Imaginosity offers a wide variety of workshops and classes in arts and crafts, computers, music and theatre everyday in the Art Studio, in the Children's Theatre Space and in the Cyber Room."

"Imaginosity is often referred to as Dublin’s children’s museum as it is a child-centred space where kids and parents can engage in creative play together. Imaginosity contains exhibits, which are educationally designed to inspire learning through play. Address: The Plaza Beacon South Quarter Sandyford Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland"

"Suitable for children up to 9 years of age this museum has been designed to stimulate children’s natural curiosity and ability to explore. Visit the website for directions, public transport options, opening hours and prices."

"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."

"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 beautiful Georgian structure was originally built by Thomas Cooley as the Royal Exchange between 1769 and 1779, and botched in the mid-19th century when it became the offices of the local government (hence..."

"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."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."

"The last item on our list is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of modern architecture in the city. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind in 2010, and its contemporary, angular style ties in perfectly with its home in the ultra modern Grand Canal area. The design ties into its theatrical theme with a striking composition of a ‘red carpet’ with bright resin-glass paving extending from the theatre, covered with distinctive red glowing angled light sticks."

"Designed by Studio Libeskind in 2010, the Grand Canal Square formed an important milestone for the redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands area. The 2000-seat theater is based on the concept of stages: the stage of the theater, the stage of the piazza, the stage of the multiple lever lobby above the piazza."

"Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge of Dublin that spans the River Liffey joining Eustace Street in Temple Bar to the north quays. Built in 2000 as a dedication at the turn of the millennium, this bridge is has portal frame structure made up of a slender steel truss and resting on reinforced concrete haunches. Designed by Howley Harrington Architects wit...Read more"

"One of the city’s most rewarding walks is the 800-meter stroll along the Great South Wall to the Poolbeg Lighthouse, that red tower visible in the middle of Dublin Bay. It’s best enjoyed around sunset on a clear day, when you’ll have a stunning view of the bay and the city behind you."

"What could be more love-filled than a walk to the choppy waters at the mouth of the Liffey. The lighthouse has stood since 1767, giving candlelight signals to the ships entering the city. A hero of the past that we can all recognise and be inspired by."

"Poolbeg Lighthouse is also one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin. The lighthouse is an aid to navigation. It's a very photogenic place because of the beautiful red color."

"Named after the river that bisects the park, Tolka Valley Park is a northside oasis complete with walking trails, a playground and a lake frequented by swans, kingfishers, herons and ducks. There’s one bridge over the river, and that’s the best spot to catch your breath (and take in the views of the river on either side). Tolka Valley Park’s 346 acres begin in Blanchardstown and extend northwards into wilder meadows, wetlands and woodland."

"Bringing you fresh Italian cuisine within a relaxed and romantic setting, this city centre restaurant is a top spot for a date night dinner or weekend lunch. Boasting an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, fine wines and refreshing aperitifs Pacino's will keep you sticking around 'til closing time."

"This romantic city centre restaurant is the perfect place for an Italian-style date night. The simple menu is jam-packed with delicious pasta and pizza dishes made from local ingredients, freshly cooked to order. Pacino's also offers an affordable early bird menu, perfect for a pre-show dinner."

"Find a restaurant or pub in Grafton St / South William St Area, Dublin City, Co. Dublin by browsing the listings below, or search for a restaurant or pub using this form:"

"Pembroke Townhouse is a smart and comfortable combination of period and contemporary, beautifully located in prosperous south Dublin. Come here for an elegant but homely alternative to the big hotels – with superlative breakfasts to round off the deal."

"Dubliners around Dawson Street grab one of the best vegan-friendly cuisines around the city in Tang Coffee—another famous restaurant around Dawson St. They offer three, widely-varying menus—breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Their signature dish during breakfast is the Buckwheat Pancakes—for only €8.75 your squishy buckwheat pancakes are served with greek yogurt, fresh berries, pecan nuts, honey, and almond butter."