Best Museums in Dublin

"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."

"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."

"The National Gallery of Ireland has recently been restored by the Office for Public Works, in collaboration with Heneghan Peng. Opened in June 2017, the scheme forms part of a four-stage masterplan by Heneghan Peng, seeking to address the original 19th-century building’s lack of natural light and level access."

"Stroll the campus greens and pretend to be a student at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, Trinity College. Many top thinkers and creators can call this university their alma mater (ahem, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett . . .). If you’re in the relative college age range and look comfortable enough, other tourists are bound to ask you for directions – now’s the time to practice that Irish accent!"

"The castle is more of a complex with multiple things to see and do. The castle charges admission for the tour, which includes the subterranean view of the River Poddle and of the decommissioned Chapel Royal. That said, tour or no tour, you can plan to take plenty of photos in the courtyard and then go to the gardens to enjoy the Garda Memorial and the Exhibition Hall."

"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."

"Situated within the imposing 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is an impressive setting for modern art, one with a cobblestoned courtyard, gardens, and pretty benches overlooking the grounds. The collection itself consists of more than 3,500 pieces, with about 250 works on display at any given time. Although IMMA is a bit outside the city center—about a 30-minute walk from Dame Street—you can combine it with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol, which is 15 minutes away by foot."

"Next up is the Irish Museum of Modern Art (also known as IMMA). You’ll find this place nestled in 48 acres in the heart of Dublin 8 (there are some nice walks nearby!). You can join one of the guided tours for free and get to known IMMA and the exhibitions in more detail via the words of an experienced guide."

"The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland’s leading institution for the collection of modern and contemporary art. The Irish Museum of Modern Art building in Dublin. Photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland."

"Tel: + 353 1 222 5550 Email: info.hughlane@dublincity.ie Web: www.hughlane.ie. Located in Dublin’s city centre, Dublin City Gallery: The Hugh Lane, (formerly The Municipal Gallery of Modern Art), houses one of Ireland’s foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. The original collection, donated by the Gallery’s founder, Sir Hugh Lane, in 1908, has now grown to include over 2000 artworks, ranging from the Impressionist masterpieces of Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas, to works by leading national and international contemporary artists."

"Just a short walk from Dublin’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, this permanent collection hosts some of Ireland’s most notable modern art and is free to enter. It’s named after Sir Hugh Lane, who donated a collection to the council in 1908; the works included pieces by well-known French impressionists such as Renoir, Manet, Morisot and Pissarro, and they can still be seen on display here today. There is also a room dedicated to the abstract works of Dublin-born painter Sean Scully, who has twice been a Turner Prize nominee."

"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."

"Dublin’s Children’s Museum is the perfect spot to take kids in the city as it encourages children under nine to explore and become curious about the world around them. The interactive exhibitions on offer here encourage learning through play, making it a fun-filled way for children to engage in educational activities. Address: The Plaza Beacon South Quarter Sandyford Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland"

"When we visit new cities with our son, we always seek out kid-friendly activities. These include zoos, aquariums and children’s museums. Now, I’ll be honest and say I hadn’t known that there was a Dublin Children’s Museum until I returned to Ireland over Easter in 2018 and was on the hunt for kids activities in Dublin."

"Located in the very heart of Dublin, this gorgeous period building with its impressive ceiling will steal your heart. If you’re lucky enough to have your ceremony there you’ll have the opportunity to use its interiors as your photo backdrops. If you’re just passing by you can always get a cheeky photo from the stairs overlooking the iconic Parliament Street."

"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..."

"Built of Portland stone between 1898 and 1906 and modeled on St. Paul's Cathedral in London, this Renaissance Revival–style edifice—the…"

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

"Set in the beautiful St Anne's Park in Clontarf, the Red Stables Food Market is ideal for a romantic stroll, a day out with the family, or just a browse with your mates. It runs every Saturday from 10am to 5pm (10am to 4 pm in winter) and is set against a Victorian two-storey building which features design studios, artist workspaces, a commercial gallery, café and courtyard area where the market takes place."

"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."

"Situated within the imposing 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is an impressive setting for modern art, one with a cobblestoned courtyard, gardens, and pretty benches overlooking the grounds. The collection itself consists of more than 3,500 pieces, with about 250 works on display at any given time. Although IMMA is a bit outside the city center—about a 30-minute walk from Dame Street—you can combine it with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol, which is 15 minutes away by foot."

"Next up is the Irish Museum of Modern Art (also known as IMMA). You’ll find this place nestled in 48 acres in the heart of Dublin 8 (there are some nice walks nearby!). You can join one of the guided tours for free and get to known IMMA and the exhibitions in more detail via the words of an experienced guide."

"The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland’s leading institution for the collection of modern and contemporary art. The Irish Museum of Modern Art building in Dublin. Photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland."

"Tel: + 353 1 222 5550 Email: info.hughlane@dublincity.ie Web: www.hughlane.ie. Located in Dublin’s city centre, Dublin City Gallery: The Hugh Lane, (formerly The Municipal Gallery of Modern Art), houses one of Ireland’s foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. The original collection, donated by the Gallery’s founder, Sir Hugh Lane, in 1908, has now grown to include over 2000 artworks, ranging from the Impressionist masterpieces of Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas, to works by leading national and international contemporary artists."

"Just a short walk from Dublin’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, this permanent collection hosts some of Ireland’s most notable modern art and is free to enter. It’s named after Sir Hugh Lane, who donated a collection to the council in 1908; the works included pieces by well-known French impressionists such as Renoir, Manet, Morisot and Pissarro, and they can still be seen on display here today. There is also a room dedicated to the abstract works of Dublin-born painter Sean Scully, who has twice been a Turner Prize nominee."

"Beautifully situated on the waterfront of picturesque and historic Howth village, the King Sitric is that delightful entity: a famously first-class restaurant with a smart guesthouse attached. Add an on-site wine bar to the mix, plus marvellous maritime views – and the result is an atmospheric, quality place to stay."

"Overlooking the stunning Irish Sea, this upscale restaurant is a 9-minute walk from Howth Lighthouse and a 10-minute walk from the train station. Inside, the restaurant carries a nautical vibe with a classic feel. It's ideal for intimate dining, there are lovely tables by the window or booths if you'd prefer."

"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."

"In commemoration of the Irish men and women who valiantly fought and killed during the First World War, this park was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The centerpiece of the gardens, the Circular Rose Garden pond, can be found in the Sunken Garden of Remembrance, where you can take a relaxing stroll. If you take pride in Irish history, do take a walk at the Great Cross of Sacrifice, wreathed with flowers of commemoration."

"Located in Islandbridge, Dublin, the National War Memorial Gardens is a beautiful but somber memorial. The property is dedicated to the nearly 50,000 Irish soldiers who sacrificed their lives during The Great War from 1914-1918. The First World War had such an earth shattering impact throughout Europe that various countries sought a suitable way to pay homage to those who lost their lives."

"These gardens are dedicated to all the Irish soldiers who fought in WWI. It’s a quaint setting to relax in, with a rose garden, fountains, and wonderful architecture around the grounds. Just like St. Patrick’s Park, the memorial gardens sit right by the bed of the River Liffey."

"Nestled away behind Dublin Castle and secluded amongst the city buildings lay these magnificently designed gardens. They are designed with Celtic Symbolism having snake paving work slitter around the circular gardens. In Viking and medieval times this area was under water and called Dubh Linn (Black Pool) because it was where the river Liffey and Poddle met, the Poddle now runs underground and the Liffey banks were receded to where it is presently."

"Located behind the famous Dublin Castle is the sprawling and serene view of the Dubh Linn Gardens. You can take a short stroll, chill, lay down on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility that this park offers. Or maybe, if it piques your interest, you can admire the mega-sized Celtic knot pattern found within the park, or ask what it means to the locals enjoying their stay in Dublin."

"experience, incorporating a visitor centre, interactive exhibition areas and walled botanical garden. The Avoca Cafe is super kid friendly with lots of space, great food and high chairs. The outdoor terrace is a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the gardens…just watch out for the Peacocks which like to show off to our visitors from time to time!"

"At the northern end of Parnell Square is a small, peaceful park, dedicated to the men and women who have died in pursuit of Irish freedom. The Garden of Remembrance marks the spot where several leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held overnight before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol, and was also where the Irish Volunteers movement was formed in 1913. The central water feature is in the form off a sunken crucifix with the mighty Children of Lir statue at one end."