Free Museums in Maynooth

"Dating back to the mid-19th Century and packed full of fantastic pieces, the National Gallery of Ireland is one of the best ways to spend an inclement afternoon in Dublin. You can take your time exploring the many wings of art and sculpture that it has on offer for free. Take a free audio guide from the information desk or take a free tour to properly immerse yourself in the European and Irish masterpieces, you'll soon find that many hours have passed along with the bad weather."

"Located in the centre of Dublin, the National Gallery of Ireland displays over 2,500 paintings and roughly 10,000 art works in other mediums. The National Gallery also includes a Yeats archive where a prestigious collection is held, a small part of which includes Jack. B Yeats’ sketchbooks for over fifty years."

"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."

"Dublin Castle is a fine choice and way to begin the first day of your 2 days in Dublin itinerary. Dublin Castle is steeped in history and you will definitely want to take their guided tour, admission fee required. You can opt out and tour the grounds by yourself, but you will not have access to the staterooms on the second floor. I took the tour and found it fascinating."

"Built in 1204, Dublin Castle was the seat of power for British rule for over 700 years. In April 1684, a fire ripped through the castle, destroying much of the structure. A stunning Georgian palace was built in its place."

"As the stronghold of British power in Ireland for more than 700 years, Dublin Castle has played a central - and often adversarial - role in the history of the nation. A mix of buildings from..."

"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."

"Housed on the grounds of the Royal Kilmainham Hospital, not only does IMMA offer renowned permanent and temporary exhibitions but it is also a fine setting for a stroll on a sunny day."

"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 Hugh Lane Gallery 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 work from 20th-century glass artists."

"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, the Dublin Children’s Museum, is a unique child-centred creative space for children up to nine years of age and their families. The Museum celebrates children’s imaginations on the journey from curiosity to discovery. Imaginosity offers a wide variety of workshops and classes in arts and crafts, computers, music and theatre every day in the Art Studio, in the Children's Theatre Space and in the Cyber Room – and most are free with admission."

"Here you can play supermarket, doctor, rock star, you can drive a real car (kind of), build a house with foam bricks and even pretend to work at the post office. They also have soft play areas for children under 3 and a nice cafe. This is a super fun place in Dublin for kids and adults like it too as they can play with their kids or relax in the cafe while little ones make discoveries and friends in this fun, safe space."

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

"Free tours of the official residence of the Irish president, Aras an Uachtaráin, a handsome Palladian mansion whose design inspired the architect of the White House in Washington, DC, depart from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre every Saturday and operate on a first-come-first-served basis. Occasionally, tours might not run due to state business, so always check the website beforehand. The Irish Museum of Modern Art houses a wide collection of contemporary Irish artists © Jonathan Smith / Lonely Planet"

"This museum is located in St. Enda’s Park in Dublin and offers insight into the home of the Irish patriot, Patrick Pearse."

"Nunki Tea House opened at the start of the summer and it's the most darling spot for a cup of tea or bubble tea. Along with tea in precious Japanese porcelain cups, they serve delicious sweet treats including a classic bubble tea waterfall cake. It's a really cute spot, deffo worth a visit."

"If you find yourself hungry or thirsty in Dún Laoghaire, Nunki Teahouse is always a good call. For some serious refreshment, they have a range of cold fruit teas including pineapple, orange, watermelon, and a totally tropical mango cloud yogurt tea."

"Address: 192 Rathmines Rd Lwr, Rathmines, Ireland Site: https://thecarrotstail.com Phone: 353-831965972 $$. What The Carrot’s Tail offers is two-fold. First, the venue is a cozy and quaint 100% plant-based restaurant serving weekend brunch, weekday lunch, and light bites."

"Relatively new to Rathmines, The Carrot's Tail is a plant-based and zero waste cafe. Vegans shouldn't be left out of Pancake Tuesday and they definitely aren't at this place because the pancakes are a revelation."

"Cocu is another Dublin spot with multiple locations, with a foodie philosophy based around “quality, creativity, simplicity”. Offering a variety of healthy dishes for all dietary needs, you’ll catch us gnawing on a yoghurt pot and some avocado for breakfast, or some pumpkin curry and harvest flatbread for lunch."

"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:"

"Last but certainly not least is Coco Bó on O’Connell Street. Coco Bó use the finest quality ingredients from all around Ireland to make a delicious selection of whipped ice-cream. If you are feeling particularly adventurous you should try their specialty- delicious ice-cream sundae’s!"

"99 hot chocolates to get you through the colder mornings - more whipped cream you say?. A post shared by Coco Bó (@cocobodublin) on Oct 8, 2015 at 1:15am PDT"

"Price: €0.95Look: 2.5/5Texture: 3.5/5Taste: 3/5Value: 4/5Total: 13/20. Verdict: The old Dublin bakery makes a simple and honest croissant. There is nothing pretentious about it, it doesn’t look perfect."

"Manning’s Bakery is a traditional, family-run bakery in Dublin. They make hand-made cakes on a daily basis. This way, they can be sure that all their clients are getting the best products possible."

"You can get the doughnuts (and any other delicious baked good you can think of) at their Thomas Street, Blanchardstown and Tallaght bakeries. And it’s all gluten free as well."