Best 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."

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

"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!"

"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."

"Nestled in between Camden Street and Pleasants Place, The Cake Caf� is one of Dublin's hidden gems. Every aspect of this building has been thought through from the solar paneling that powers the caf� to their ethical coffee and, most importantly, their food and cakes. If you're looking to sample baked goods of the highest order, order a cake or small treats for any occasion, or simply enjoy lunch using fresh, local ingredients then this is the perfect place to slip into."

"This paradisal cocoon is tucked away behind The Last Book Shop on Camden Street. At the back, you’ll find a door that opens out to the cutest area with bamboo shoots, mosaic walls made from broken CDs, books, piano keys and tiles and colourful tables and chairs that is The Cake Café. On the menu, you'll find seasonal, fresh and intriguing flavours."

"You can’t go wrong with any of the offerings in The Cake Café. We have a special fondness for the lemon yoghurt cake, though."

"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."

"Eoin Cluskey is a bread obsessive, and he pays tribute to all things doughy at a cafe tucked under a railway bridge near Science Gallery Dublin. The team stone mills flour, then ferments and bakes delicious sourdough breads. Morning buns are a great start to the day and there are tasty, creative lunch options depending on what’s in season."

"This Pearse Street café has its own on-site mill so you know it's gonna be good.They make some of the tastiest bread I've had in the city. The bakery is also a café that serves up breakfast and lunch, as well as selling bread and pastries to go. They also have a delish takeaway pizza menu from 5pm to 10pm."

"Bread 41’s ethos is to make pure, real bread without resorting to processing aids or artificial additives. In pursuit of their vision, they mill all of the grains for their bread on-site at their city centre bakery. In addition, the bakery uses its own unique sourdough culture in each loaf."

"With the explosion of artisanal coffee bars in almost every city on the globe, listing at least one is required when writing an article like this. The rustic setting of Legit Coffee Co., with wood tables, counters, and floors, plus baristas wearing flannel shirts, give the coffee “legitimacy.” The coffee is from one of the top coffee companies in Dublin, Full Circle Roasters, and the menu includes espresso, cappuccino, lattes, macchiatos, Americanos, and filtered coffee. The food menu is heavy on breakfast and brunch dishes such as homemade granola, sausage rolls, eggs and sourdough toast, almond and oat porridge, and pancakes topped with fresh berries, toasted almonds, orange butter, and maple syrup."

"Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:00pm, Sat 9:30am-5:00pm.Address: LEGIT COFFEE, 1 Meat Mart, Meath Street, Dublin 8, p. n/aWebsite: www.legitcoffeeco.com. LEGIT is in the heart of a neighborhood with many small creative shops and tiny stalls. This new coffee shop truly celebrates the simple pleasure of enjoying delicious coffee and food within a unique and interesting space."

"The Liberties is the latest buzzing neighborhood in Dublin and Legit is its newcomer café. Originally known as the hub for down-on-their-luck weavers, the Liberties has a reputation for not giving two f—ks about authority. In the Liberties, they keep it real, and so makes sense that today, the coffee shop of choice is Legit."

"Last but not least, Brookwood deserves a spot on this list for it's incredible meat - don't come here ordering a salad. This New York style restaurant serves up some exceptional dishes. Ideal for a big group of friends who want to indulge in great wine and a big roast at the weekend for a reasonable price."

"Brookwood restaurant on Lower Baggot Street in the city centre is known for its steak, seafood, and cocktails. All beef served in the restaurant is obtained from a single 4th generation butcher who hand cuts and delivers the meat daily. Location: 141 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin"

"Brookwood is a standout restaurant along Baggot Street in Dublin. This is the perfect culinary destination for top-class food and cocktails. The menu features the finest Vintage Reserve Irish dry-aged beef all sourced from the same butcher."

"Drury Buildings is the perfect place to retreat from the hustle and bustle and tuck into a glass of rosé or a glam goblet of gin and tonic. They have a really cool garden terrace out the back that's usually packed on the weekend with brunch-goers tucking into Mediterranean food and swishing mimosa glasses about the place. https://www.instagram.com/p/BHPfRHsgmQ7/"

"Among the new entries, the Drury Buildings is run by chef Warren Massey and offers pretty authentic Italian cuisine in a location that is a mix between New York, London, Los Angeles and Rome."

"The bar downstairs is good for weekend brunch and for casual bites too, plus a copious cocktail menu. There’s a large, relaxed restaurant on the first floor, and a dinky garden area out back."

"SmithfieldOld-school Dublin mainstay The Cobblestone advertises itself as "a drinking pub with a music problem." This little gem is not some tourist trap, but rather where locals go to tap along to the best live trad music with some of Ireland’s finest musicians seven days a week. No pre-planning necessary: Stroll in, order a pint, and watch on as musicians form a circle and unleash sonic bliss. Being that it’s so renowned, it’s best to get to the bar early if you want a seat, otherwise you’ll be leaning by the bar most of the night -- which, frankly, is pretty alright too."

"The venue anchors the north end of Smithfield, a long rectangular public space that once played host to the city's horse market. Changes come and changes go, but The Cobblestone remains apparently impervious to all. This old pub – ramshackle on the outside; all dim lighting, photograph-laden red walls and polished wooden fittings within – is still home to a dedicated Irish traditional music scene."

"The perfect night in Dublin includes a live trad session in The Cobblestone with a bag of crisps and a pint. This truly is a hub for Irish music and it has been for more than five generations. The trad sessions run seven nights a week so you can literally call in any time."