Free Museums in Dundrum

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Make your way back down Grafton Street to College Green, turn left and follow Dame Street to Dublin Castle. Again, the bus tour might have left you a bit underwhelmed here, so enter through the castle gates and be astonished. A walk around the area should take you half an hour, leaving you a bit of time to enjoy a coffee (both the café near the castle entrance and the Silk Road Café come recommended)."

"Dublin Castle was built for defence by Meiler Fitzhenry under orders from King John of England in 1204. The building is believed to have been finished around 1230, but there have been renovations ever since. The castle was the seat of the British government in Ireland until the formation of the Irish Free State in 1922."

"The National Gallery of Ireland houses the country’s most important classical art collection, but for more contemporary exhibits it is the Irish Museum of Modern Art that wins out. The collection of 3,000 modern Irish and international works is housed inside the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which dates back to 1684. Most of the art inside the 17th-century building was produced after 1940, including pieces by Joseph Cornell and Roy Lichtenstein."

"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."

"Imma Museum of Modern Art is a family-friendly museum, which contains beautifully landscaped gardens and an excellent café with a play area and plenty of toys. Address: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland"

"Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane – also known as the Hugh Lane Gallery – was founded in 1908 by Sir Hugh Lane, a County Cork-born art dealer and collector who died on the Lusitania. At the time of its founding as Dublin’s Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, the Hugh Lane Gallery was the first public gallery of modern art in the world. Now operated by Dublin City Council, the Hugh Lane Gallery has received bequests from the estate of Francis Bacon and a donation of eight paintings from renowned modern Irish artist Sean Scully."

"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."

"Hugh Lane Art Gallery – A contemporary and modern art museum housed in a 18th century former home that includes the Francis Bacon studio. Founded in 1908, it is believed to be the first public gallery of modern art in the world."

"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"

"Imaginosity is Ireland’s only interactive children’s museum. Its exhibitions and events are aimed at nine years and under but family members of any age can come along. There’s art, technology, construction, threatre, science, even a roof garden."

"It is super interactive and educational and allows little minds (up to the age of nine) to engage in epic 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."

"This privately owned waxwork museum is up there with the best kid-friendly things to do in Dublin. With various attractions, from Father Ted’s Room to great Irish writers, music and entertainment to time vaults, the National Wax Museum is a great place to spend the afternoon. Address: The Lafayette Building, 22-25 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 EH29, Ireland"

"Because seeing creepy celebrities made out of wax is always fun. But also because they have a Kids' World, where they could spend hours exploring the themed wolds, mirror maze and enchanted forest, as well as watching puppet plays in the new Puppet Theatre. For older kids there’s also the Science and Discovery section, as well as the ‘Wax Factor’ video recording studio."

"This curious museum offers up-close photo-ops with some of the most famous people from music, film, literature and science. They’re all made of wax though!"

"The Science Gallery—where “science and art collide”—is a dynamic, ever-changing space that's continually devising interesting themes and installations. There’s no such thing as a permanent collection here; rather, the gallery gets an overhaul every few months. As for the exhibitions themselves: They've ranged from "FAKE" (exploring falsities, from biomimicry to forged documents) to "In Case of Emergency" (a look at how the world might end—and why humankind loves to think about it)."

"Hands-on, interactive and compellingly relevant, the Science Gallery is devoted to explaining the intricacies of science and how it applies to everyday life. Exhibitions explore big ideas, so bring your curiosity with you. The striking Poolberg Lighthouse is the perfect conclusion to a stroll along the Great South Wall © Cezzar 1981 / Getty Images"

"They host a variety of very interesting and fun exhibitions, suitable for both adults and children to enjoy. They also have a small gift shop with novel items you’ll find difficult to resist. It’s worth stopping for refreshments at their café as the food is scrumptious."

"Overends Kitchen at Airfield Estate is an oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The bright, almost Scandinavian-style restaurant is surrounded by glass and pinewood and overlooks a pond. Overends Kitchen uses produce straight from the farm at its doorstep, meaning fresh and creative food."

"Why: You have to be careful when wandering the streets of Temple Bar because otherwise you can end up paying a lot of money for some bang average food. However, there are plenty of hidden gems to be found if you know where to look and Al Vesuvio is one of them. Located in Meeting House Square, its vast menu covers everything from fresh pasta and pizzas, to more hearty classic main courses such as veal Milanese."

"Right on Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, this place makes a great starting point for a night out. Al Vesuvio is a cosy spot serving top-notch Italian food seven days a week. We especially love the huge selection of pizzas with (rosse) and without (bianche) cheese."

"With 92 newly refurbished bedrooms combined with exceptional service, Maldron Hotel Smithfield has everything you need for a perfect hotel break in Dublin. With an abundance of things to see and do right on our doorstep and the LUAS just a 2 minute walk away, it is the perfect base to stay and explore this wonderful city.Maldron Hotel Smithfield is located in Smithfield Square just 15 minutes' walk from O'Connell Street. The hotel is just 2 minutes' walk from the LUAS stop, meaning you are just a short LUAS (tram) ride from all areas of the city."

"Brasserie 66 is not a place that strikes you as child friendly but if you liked their food before you had kids, you’ll be happy to hear that kids are welcome and catered for. The restaurant has some booster seats and child dishes at a reduced price: ask the server for details as I don’t recall seeing a kids menu as such. Address: 66-67 South Great George’s Street, Dublin"

"A fixed feature on George’s street that brings an honest-to-goodness approach to tasty food delivering hearty flavours in an atmospheric setting. The eclectic cocktail menu is definitely worth exploring, and they also offer a creative mocktail menu too. Early Bird Menu: Sunday to Wednesday all evening."

"With a menu that changes based on seasonality, Platform 61 remains fresh and hip as one of Dublin’s best brunch spots. They do traditional dishes such as Eggs Benedict and Huevos Rancheros, but they also do slightly different plates such as Shallot and Pea Ravioli and The Stun Bun, a grilled chicken sandwich served with guacamole and roast potatoes. Platform 61 are open for outdoor dining on South William Street."

"You’d be forgiven for walking past Platform 61 and not knowing what you’d missed. This underground eatery, tucked away on South William Street, is inspired by New York’s Track 61, a secret underground passageway for VIPs that was built in 1913 and is thought to still be in use. Platform 61 opened in 2015, but is a little-known Dublin gem."

"This cozy restaurant has delicious food and generous portions that satisfy their customers. They also have a great selection of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, which people love. Their customers come from every part of town to taste their food."

"Ring in the weekend at Aoshima, and don't forget we welcome you to bring your own booze. Details below 👇 Only €6 corkage for wine and €1 for bottles of beer.🍷🍺 Call us on (01) 278 1278 to book!. The three owner-chefs have over ten years of experience in Japanese cuisine."