Best Museums in Dún Laoghaire

"The National Gallery of Ireland was established in 1864 and today houses an extensive collection of Irish, Italian Baroque and Dutch Masters paintings. Visitors at the National Gallery of Ireland. Photo: Tourism Ireland."

"A magnificent Caravaggio and a breathtaking collection of works by Jack B Yeats – William Butler Yeats' younger brother – are the main reasons to visit the National Gallery, but certainly not the only ones."

"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."

"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!"

"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)."

"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..."

"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."

"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 is one of the most visited museums in Dublin with more than 400,000 visitors in one year. Here you can also take part in some permanent exhibitions as well as temporary collections. It takes in early Christian monuments, ancient burial grounds and many more."

"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."

"For a taste of Irish history with your artwork, cycle down to Parnell Square and pay a visit to the Hugh Lane Gallery. The Lane Legacy collection, named after the gallery's founder, explores a time of huge culture in Ireland, showcasing works from a selection of Irish artists. Be sure to pay a visit to the Stained Glass Room, just beside the reception, when you visit too - it's not to be missed!"

"The Hugh Lane Gallery has an excellent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as short-term exhibitions. But one thing really draws people to this gallery: the Francis Bacon Studio. When the artist died in London, his entire studio was transported back to his hometown of Dublin."

"Our first stop on our journey to find the best activities for kids in Dublin is Imaginosity. Billed as Dublin Children's Museum, this a child-centred space where kids and their parents can engage in creative play. The exhibits are educationally designed to inspire learning through play, and it's a massive hit with kids up to about 10 years old."

"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."

"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."

"Another fine example of regional Dublin architecture, the city hall first began construction around 1769 and was completed some 10 years later. Interestingly enough, the city hall design was open to public opinion; of the 62 submissions received by the government, Thomas Cooley emerged as the winner, a London architect who beat out the design submission of James Gandon, the designer of The Custom House. Cooley was later called upon to design the Four Courts as well."

"Or, explore the City Hall just outside the castle gates, another splendid building (though the exhibition in the basement may be skipped). Continue to 6 of 7 below."

"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 purpose-built children’s theatre and exhibition space in the cultural quarter of Temple Bar hosts performances of music, theatre and dance, as well as workshops and exhibitions for kids. Opening its doors in September 1995, The Ark was named to communicate the mission of the project: a place for “safe, adventurous voyaging”. Accommodating little ones from aged two to 12, it saw over 200,000 children come through its doors in its first 10 years of operation, producing programmes in partnership with Dublin-based festivals such as Dublin Theatre Festival, Dublin Dance Festival and Temple Bar Tradfest."

"A creative space and cultural centre for children, the Ark has a calendar full of events, workshops and more for kids, year-round. With its own child-friendly theatre and award-winning facilities, the Ark has been nurturing creative minds since the mid-1990s. They frequently collaborate with regular Dublin arts festivals (based around the likes of literature, theatre and dance), so it’s worth checking their site in advance of a visit in case there’s something coming up that your family would be especially interested in."

"In the cultural centre of Dublin’s Temple Bar area, The Ark provides a space for children aged 2-12 to explore theatre, music, literature, art, film, and more. Running several events and workshops throughout the year, The Ark is the perfect place to spark or nurture a love of the arts. Address: 11A Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 A590, 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."

"Next on our list is Cloud Nine, in the Temple Bar neighbourhood of Dublin’s city centre. Conveniently located in the heart of Dublin, Cloud Nine is the perfect place to stop for a cool treat after a day of wandering the city streets. Cloud Nine also serve up a range of other tasty treats, including waffle cones and decadent donuts."

"With five front units open seven days a week and over 25 stalls springing to life at the weekends, Howth Market is one of the focal points of this quaint seaside town and attracts locals just as much as those from further afield. Conveniently located beside the DART station, this market is perfect for browsing on a sunny day before heading along the cliff walk or onto the pier. Though the market sells a great mix of wares, from woodwork to antique jewellery, the food is the highlight."

"There are so many reasons to visit this picturesque northside village on the weekend. But the market is a good enough reason in its own right. You're likely to find an array of organic produce, freshly baked goods, jewellery, clothing, antiques and loads more when checking out this market."

"Located on Dublins busy O’Connell Street, Gelato Di Natura Dublin is another superb traditional Italian ice-cream parlour. Formerly known as SUSO, with stores all over the world, you are sure to get top quality ice cream at Gelato Di Natura Dublin. With an impressive 28 flavours to choose from you will be spoilt for choice."

"Gelato Di Natura is located on the bustling O’Connell Street, and you can choose if you want to enjoy your ice cream inside or outside. Cookies, vanilla and chocolate are popular but also unusual flavours like walnuts and figs can be found in their selection of flavours. View this post on Instagram"

"Gotham Café is a casual eatery serving good food in a laid back environment, starting with a light breakfast menu in mid-morning and carrying right through until late night with an extensive and varied menu. Our concept is to deliver top quality food, at reasonable prices, in an unpretentious and casual setting. Gotham Café is a neighbourhood restaurant where you Read more…"

"This atmospheric Indonesian restaurant is one of my favourite places for a romantic dinner. Make sure to ask for a table upstairs in their ‘Bali room’, adorned with Balinese decorations, where guests sit comfortably around low tables. The chameleon specialises in rijst-tafel (rice-table), where staff light hot plates on your table and several small dishes are brought to you at the same time."

"what’s more romantic than getting dressed up and strolling around dublin’s temple bar?. run by husband and wife team carol and kevin, chameleon restaurant serves up contemporary indonesian cuisine with warm irish hospitality. guests can fully trust the staff recommendations in this restaurant – they know their stuff!"

"Inside, it doesn't look like much, you'd most likely walk past it without even spotting it (I don't know how many friends I've had to run out and meet because they got lost coming here) but Terra Madre is a gem. Whenever someone asks me for a dinner recommendation, Terra Madre always makes the list and I've never had a single person come back after with anything other than high praises. It's a simple place, just a few worn-down tables, red and white gingham table cloths and a few jolly wine-loving Italians there to take your order."

"This tiny Italian joint only has a few tables, but the food that comes out of the kitchen is exquisite. This is the kind of earthy food you’d be served in a Tuscan village, with moreish pasta dishes and traditional secondi. The pastas are rich and prepared perfectly, with just the right amount of flavour packed into the sauces."

"Dublin must have a thing for great restaurants in basements, because Terra Madre is just that, great. The restaurant itself is quaint, and a no frills affair but that’s exactly its attraction. Because you are transported to a village in Italy once your chosen dishes arrive at your table."

"One of the world’s most famous restaurants, The Ivy, West Street, has welcomed guests to enjoy its contemporary cuisine and unparalleled service for over a century. The Ivy Collection has crossed the Irish Sea to open its first international brasserie in the heart of Dublin at the new landmark...See More"

"The Ivy completely knocks it out of the park when it comes to having a fancy bathroom. Long mirrors, bright lights, patterned wallpaper, marble floors and classic stools - I wish this was my own bathroom."

"One of the world's most famous restaurants has finally come to Dublin. A large bright and colourful venue featuring an all-encompassing menu along with breakie, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea dinner."