Best 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."

"Closing our list of the best museums in Dublin is the Zoological Museum. It is housed on the grounds of Trinity College and is home to over 25,000 specimens from around the globe."

"Wax museums provide the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with celebrities and famous figures, but Dublin’s version offers much more. Discover exhibits dedicated to important scientific discoveries and the history of Ireland, as well as life size statues of music legends like Phil Lynott and Elvis Presley and iconic Irish writers such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. Daytime tickets cost €16.50 per person but if you’re visiting as a family you can get 2 adults and 2 children in for just €45."

"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"

"Enjoy Irish history and walk through the Hall of Irish Legends and encounter some of the most famous faces who have helped shape the history of our great island. In addition, there’s fun to be had for all the family in the children’s zone of discovery. Plan you visit to the Wax Museum today!"

"Located outside Dublin city in Dun Laoghaire, this museum aims to preserve and present the many aspects of marine life in Ireland."

"This museum is one that should be on everyone’ s bucket list and better yet it is only footsteps away from us. Ideal for those history heads amongst your family or friend group, the museum delves into Ireland’s social, military, political and economic progress throughout the years. The museum is also free of charge as you get to witness and explore artefacts and exhibitions on display are examples of furniture, weaponry, folklore costumes that have been used over the years in Ireland."

"Once the military home of British colonial rule in Ireland, Collins Barracks has been renovated and reimagined to become the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History. The narrative of Ireland's economic, social, political and military progress is told through an extensive range of artefacts. From silver, ceramic and glassware to weaponry, furniture and costume, the Museum is packed full of treasures, each with its own unique story."

"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"

"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"

"The Science Gallery is fast becoming one of the top ten free cultural attractions in Ireland. Unlike most galleries, they don't have a permanent collection. This means that there is always something new to see, but it also means that between exhibitions (which can be a gap of up to three weeks), only the shop and café remain open."

"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."

"Closing our list of the best museums in Dublin is the Zoological Museum. It is housed on the grounds of Trinity College and is home to over 25,000 specimens from around the globe."

"Located outside Dublin city in Dun Laoghaire, this museum aims to preserve and present the many aspects of marine life in Ireland."

"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."

"One of my all time favourite memories as a child was visiting the Gaiety Theatre with my grandmother. She use to take us once a year and I absolutely loved it. Things haven’t changed too much at The Gaiety but it remains a prominent influence on Irish arts and theatre."

"This casual, unpretentious restaurant serves up Lebanese cuisine, and except for a couple of dishes that include cheese, the majority of Umi Falafel’s menu is vegan. Here you’ll find freshly prepared, home-made falafel in sandwiches and salads, along with sides like vegan spinach filo pastries, stuffed vine leaves and lentil soup. With a number of branches throughout Dublin, Umi Falafel can be found in Ireland’s oldest shopping mall, George’s Street Arcade."

"Known for their insane juices, Green Beards has become a popular spot for health foodies. They have delish salads that are well worth trying."