Best Museums in Meath

"This gallery houses the nation’s collection of Irish and European art collected since the 1300s. I especially appreciate the role it played in educating George Bernard Shaw, who bequeathed a third of his royalties to the gallery to continue its educational programs. The permanent collections are extraordinary and the visiting exhibits exceptional."

"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."

"Take some time out of your day in Dublin to discover the Dublin Castle, and you’ll find yourself falling for the unique combination of fortified architecture and culture. Steeped in history that includes both Viking and medieval times, the Dublin Castle was the seat of English power until 1922. Today, the space itself is constantly put to use as an immersive teaching tool, to inform locals and visitors alike about the region’s history and continued importance."

"Best described as a wild medley of styles, Dublin Castle is far from your typical castle. It has grown almost organically over the centuries and, due to its sprawling, yet hemmed-in city center location can only be properly viewed from the air. So it's parts of Dublin Castle that have achieved iconic status as Dublin landmarks."

"Dublin Castle can be read as a “living building” which has been adapting for over 1000 years. The center of state ceremony for hundreds of years, the building has hosted Ireland’s presidency of the European Commission, state visits, and the inauguration of Irish presidents."

"Maybe the most family friendly museum of the whole of Dublin, Imma has wonderful landscaped gardens and a fabulous cafe with toys and free play area. The exhibitions themselves are not usually for kids but the grounds are so pleasant and beautiful, a visit here is easily one of the besyt things to do in Dublin with toddlers. Address: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8"

"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."

"The Dublin City Gallery – Hugh Lane, most of which is housed in the William Chambers-designed Charlemont House, focuses exclusively on modern and contemporary art, with a strong representation Irish artists, Highlights are the Impressionist paintings of the Lane Bequest and the faithfully reconstructed studio of hell-raising painter Francis Bacon in all its messy glory. You might also like: Best day trips from Dublin"

"Dublin City Gallery, the Hugh Lane houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. My favourite exhibit is the faithful recreation of the Irish artist, Francis Bacon’s very messy art studio. After Bacon passed away the entire contents of his London art studio, including the doors, walls, floors, objects and even dust was relocated to Hugh Lane."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Restored to its original splendor, Dublin City Hall is worth a visit to see its spectacular entrance hall and grand rotunda. The multimedia exhibits on the lower level remain a feast for people interested in the history of Dublin. Want more Dublin inspiration?"

"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..."

"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 ethos of Bite caf� is that of 'Uptown Food, Downtown Vibe' and it's basically recreating your average fish and chip shop into a more upmarket fish experience with some interesting reinventions along the way. Gone is the greasy batter in a brown bag, replaced with hake in a vodka and beer batter accompanied with mushy peas and pancetta fries. The usual pre-theatre menu has been replaced with a 'Pre-Gig Menu', seeking to resonate with the modern diner."

"The attention to quality – with their commitment to gluten free and vegan ingredients – makes this Kevin Street joint stand out from the crowd. Some of the finest donuts out there, no doubt."

"This other much loved local chain sells some of the most decadent donuts you'll find. From Nutella ring donuts to peanut buttercup flavour, their moreish fillings and toppings will satisfy even the sweetest tooth. They've even recently started selling UNICORN donuts which pretty much makes them legends in our eyes."

"We ate this unicorn donut at Offbeat Donut Company in the land of leprechauns. The irony is palpable. It was a dark day when we realized that our favorite Dublin donut shop had closed."

"Combining handmade donuts with ridiculously inventive flavours (a 99, anyone?) They’re sold in a couple of locations in Dublin – like the 147 Café on Parnell Street, Vice Coffee, and the Dublin Barista Company as well as directly from the source."

"Located in Pearse DART station, these donuts are full, flavoursome and delicious. Featuring oozing cream-filled centres and quirky seasonal themes – they're sure not to disappoint."

"They don't have their own home yet, but instead supply some of the best cafés in town. Absolutely incredible. READ NEXT: A New Creme Egg Café Will Open For 7 Weeks Only"