Dublin City Museums & Galleries

The National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland was established by an Act of Parliament in 1854. The National Gallery first opened its doors to the public in January 1864. At the time of its inauguration there were just 105 paintings in the collection (the first purchase was 15 paintings bought in 1856 in Rome). Today the collection boasts over 2,440 paintings, 5,230 drawings, water-colours and miniatures., 3,066 prints, 331 pieces of sculpture, vestments and object d’art, making it one of the finest collections of European art.

Opening Times:

Mon – Sat. 9:30am – 17:30pm

Thurs: 9:30am-20:30pm

Sun 12:00pm – 17:30pm

Admission: Free to the permanent collection.

Website: www.nationalgallery.ie

 

Municipal Gallery of Modern Art

The Municipal Gallery of Modern Art opened in January 1908 in temporary premises in Harcourt Street, Dublin. However, Lane did not live to see his Gallery permanently located as he died tragically in 1915, shortly after his appointment as Director of the National Gallery of Ireland. In 1933 the Gallery moved to its permanent home, Charlemont House. The collection continues to expand and includes both modern an contemporary artworks.

Opening Times:

Closed Mondays

Tuesday – Friday: 09.30am – 18.00pm

Saturday: 09.30am – 17.00pm

Sunday: 11.00am – 17.00pm

Admission: Free

Website: www.hughlane.ie

 

National Museum of Natural History

The Natural History Museum in Dublin, which was opened in 1857, is one of the finest natural history museums in the world. It houses over 2 million specimens from Ireland and around the world, including many that are extinct such as dinosaurs, etc. It is located on Merrion Street in the city centre.

Opening Times:

Closed on Monday

Tuesday – Saturday: 10.00am – 17.00pm

Sunday: 14.00pm – 17.00pm

Admission: Free

Website: www.museum.ie

 

The National Museum of Decorative Arts & History

The National Museum of Decorative Arts and History was the last of the three National Museum of Ireland museums to be opened. It is located in Collins Barracks in the city centre, a building that has its own rich history. The museum is dedicated to Ireland’s social, economic, political and military history.

Opening Times:

Closed on Monday

Tuesday – Saturday: 10.00am – 17.00pm

Sunday: 14.00pm – 17.00pm

Admission: Free

 

The National Museum

The National Museum, located on Kildare Street, is home to the largest collection of Celtic antiquities in the world. This includes such treasures as the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch. There is also a collection of items from the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence, such as weapons and uniforms. There is also a permanent Viking exhibition upstairs in the Museum.

Opening Times:

Closed on Monday

Tuesday – Saturday: 10.00am – 17.00pm

Sunday: 14.00pm – 17.00pm

Admission: Free

Website: www.museum.ie

 

The Dublin Writers Museum

Ireland, and Dublin itself, have produced some of the greatest writers in history. This Dublin Writers museum is dedicated solely to their works and achievements. On display are first editions, manuscripts, diaries and letters from authors such as W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Becket, Patrick Kavanagh and many more. Books on display include a first edition of Bram Stokers ‘Dracula’ which was written in Dublin.

Opening Times:

Monday – Friday: 10.00am – 17.00pm

Saturday: 10.00am – 17.00pm

Sunday: 11.00am – 17.00pm

Admission: Adults: €6.70 (Group rates €5.70) – Concessions: €5.70 (Group rates €4.70) – Child: €4.20 (Group rates €3.20) – Family: €19.00

Website: www.writersmuseum.com