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Dublin is an amazing city to visit, however, the weather can be fickle. But if it starts raining, then don’t worry! The Museums and galleries are a great way to spend a rainy day. Below is a list of my top 15 favourite museums and galleries to visit while in Dublin, Ireland.
- Wondering what to pack? Here is a list of essential items to pack for your trip to Ireland.
- On a budget? Historical sites owned by Heritage Ireland offer free admission to their properties on the first Wednesday of each month. Find out more tips for travelling around Ireland on a budget.
- Shopping for souvenirs? Check out Ireland’s 15 Best Souvenirs for some inspiration.
- While your visiting Dublin, visit Dublin’s 7 must see gardens, or enjoy these 5 stunning walks in and around Dublin.
1. Kilmainham Gaol
Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
Entry: By guided tour only, admission fees apply. There is a limited number of walk in tickets on sale each day, otherwise, book online to avoid disappointment.
Take a tour of the former prison where some of the most heroic and tragic events occurred in Ireland’s emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s. Alongside it’s famous political prisoners, Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of ordinary men, women and children. Their crimes ranged from petty offences such as stealing food to more serious crimes such as murder or rape. Convicts from many parts of Ireland were held here for long periods waiting to be transported to Australia. Attractions include an exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration.
Kilmainham Gaol Museum is open all year round, except the 24th-26th of December. Opening times are January to December 9:30am–5:30pm, last tour 4:15pm; July to 7 September 9:00am–6:45pm, last admission 5:30pm. Admission fees apply, for more information visit the Kilmainham Gaol website.
2. Guinness Storehouse
St James’s Gate, Ushers, Dublin 8
Entry: Admission fees apply. Save money by pre-purchasing your tickets off the Guinness Storehouse website.
Visit Ireland’s most famous Brewery and discover how Guinness is made. This popular tourist attraction takes you on a journey of brewing the perfect brew, from sourcing the water, and barley to creating the wooden barrels in which to store it. There are lots of interactive exhibits to entertain all ages. The tour provides a fascinating history of this famous brew and eventually leads you to the spectacular Gravity bar, which provides 360 degree views of Dublin. Entry includes tastings and a chance to pour your own pint.
Except for Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephens Day, the Guinness Storehouse is open 7 days a week 9:30am-7pm, last admission at 5pm; July and August 9am-8pm, last admission is at 6pm.
3. The Little Museum of Dublin
15 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin
Entry: Admission fees apply. Refer to their website for more details.
This wonderful little museum chronicles the history of the city in the 20th century by providing visitors with an intimate and informative glimpse into life in Dublin during that period. Laid out over over three floors of a beautiful Georgian town home, the museum displays its collection of over 5,000 artifacts that have been donated or loaned directly from the people of Dublin. The museum also recently opened a new exhibit that focuses exclusively on the success of the rock band U2.
The Little Museum of Dublin is open seven days a week from 9.30am-5pm, Thursdays open until 8pm. On the 23rd December it closes at 5pm and re-opens on 28th December. It also closes from 8th-21st January to prepare for the new year.
4. Old Jameson Distillery
Kildare St, Dublin 2
Entry: By guided tour only, admission fees apply. Visit their website for more details.
The Old Jameson Distillery is the original site where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled until 1971. The original distillery was called the Bow Street Distillery and was established in 1780. John Jameson then took it over and expanded the distillery and renamed it the John Jameson & Son’s Bow Street Distillery. Now a visitors centre, it provides guided tours and tutored whiskey tastings. Visitors can also enjoy the bar, restaurant, and gift shop.
5. The Old Library and the Book of Kells
Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2
Entry: Admission fees apply. Included in the ticket is entry to the Book of Kells exhibition and the historical library. Tickets can be purchased at the door, however, it’s usually busy so be prepared wait in line. If you don’t want to wait, then purchase an online fast track ticket that allows you to skip the queues. Visit their website for more details.
Written around the year 800 AD, the Book of Kells contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels in a latin text, based on the Vulgate edition (completed by St. Jerome in 384 AD). The script is embellished by the elaboration of key words and phrases and by a beautifully detailed range of decorated initials and interlinear drawings. The book is written on vellum, which is prepared calfskin. Two volumes are normally on display, one opened at a major decorated page, the other at a text opening. The books are housed in the stunning historical Library of Trinity College Dublin, which is the largest library in Ireland and is not to be missed.
Opening hours are May to September, Monday to Saturday 8:30am-5pm, Sunday 9.30-5pm; October to April, Monday to Saturday 9:30am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm. Closed 23rd December to 2nd January.
6. The National Gallery of Ireland
Merrion Square W, Dublin 2
Entry: FREE
The National Gallery of Ireland holds a collection of more than 15,000 works of art as well as regular exhibitions. The Gallery has been opened since 1854 and is housed in a beautiful Georgian building in Dublin city centre. The entrance is located on Clare Street. There are free audio guides as well as free weekend tours. The Gallery also has a lovely wintergarden café located in a high ceilinged glass roofed wing of the building.
Opening times are Monday to Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm; Thursday 9.30am-8.30pm; Sunday 11am-5.30pm; Public Holidays 10am-5.30pm. Visit the National Gallery website to find out more about their current exhibitions.
7. Gallery of Photography
Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Entry: FREE
The Gallery of Photography is located in the heart of the Temple Bar, in Meeting House Square. It was established in 1978 and is the national centre for photography in Ireland. Although it is a small Gallery, it hosts interesting and moving collections and is definitely worth a visit.
The Gallery of Photography is open Tuesday to Saturday 11am-6pm; Sunday 1-6pm; closed Mondays. Visit the Gallery of Photography website to find out more about their current exhibitions.
8. National Museum of Archaeology
Kildare St, Dublin 2
Entry: FREE
The National Museum of Archaeology houses a wonderful collection from Prehistoric, Viking and Medieval Ireland. It is also home to one of the largest and most important gold collections in Europe and many other interesting permanent collections and exhibitions. My personal favourite is the Iron Age bog bodies, which I found fascinating (and a tad unsettling). These bodies have been preserved by bog for over 2,300 years.
The National Museum of Archaeology is located in Kildare Street, Dublin city centre. It is an impressive building modelled on the Pantheon in Rome with amazing mosaic floors. It is a must see building in its own right. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 2pm-5pm; closed Mondays (including Bank Holidays), Christmas Day and Good Friday. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology website for more details.
9. National Museum of Natural History
Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2
Entry: FREE
The National Museum of Natural History is also known as the ‘dead zoo’ because of its large collection of animal skeletons and taxidermy. The 10,000 exhibits include native Irish animals and also mammals from around the world. The most impressive skeleton for me is that of the Giant Irish Deer which stood up to two metres high, with antlers as wide as four metres! Unfortunately they became extinct during the Ice Age about 10,500 years ago.
The National Museum of Natural History is located on Merrion Street in Dublin City. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 2pm-5pm; closed Mondays (including Bank Holidays), Christmas Day and Good Friday. Visit the National Museum of Natural History website for more details.
10. National Museum of Decorative Arts
Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7
Entry: FREE
The National Museum of Decorative Arts and History is located in a very large and impressive old army barracks in the Dublin city suburb of Smithfield. It has a Luas stop (the Dublin city tram) conveniently located at the entrance.
This museum is packed full of interesting exhibits including Irish silver, military history from 1550 to modern day, and a chance to look at the clothing and jewellery worn in Ireland from the 1760’s to the 1960’s.
Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 2pm-5pm; closed Mondays (including Bank Holidays), Christmas Day and Good Friday. Visit the National Museum of Decorative Arts website for more details.
11. Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
Entry: FREE
The Irish Museum of Modern Art houses a collection of over 3,500 modern and contemporary artworks from both Irish and international artists. It also hosts regular exhibitions. Informal tours are available on Wednesday at 1.15pm, Saturday and Sunday 2.30pm.
If you’re not a fan of modern art, then you can still enjoy a stroll around the beautiful formal gardens and grounds surrounding this impressive 17th Century building, once a hospital and home to retired soldiers.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is located in the Dublin suburb of Kilmainham off Military Road. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 11.30am-5.30pm; Saturday 10am-5.30pm; Sunday and Bank Holidays 12noon-5.30pm; closed Monday. Visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art website for more details.
12. The Irish-Jewish Museum
3 Walworth Rd, Dublin 8
Entry: FREE
The Irish-Jewish Museum is located in a former Synagogue in the Dublin city suburb of Portobello on Walworth Road. It’s about a 20 minute walk from St Stephens Green. This area was once a densely populated Jewish enclave called “Little Jerusalem”. The museum is accommodated in two adjoining terraced houses and is currently being expanded to include even more historical items.
When you arrive, ring the door bell and you will be greeted by a friendly volunteer who will give you a tour of the museum. From May to October, the museum is open Sundays through to Thursdays from 11am-3.30pm. From November to April it is only open on Sundays from 10.30am-2.30pm. For more information about their exhibitions visit the Jewish Museum Website.
13. The Chester Beatty Library
Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
Entry: FREE
Don’t let the name confuse you, this is no ordinary library. In fact, the Chester Beatty Library is so popular that it won European Museum of the Year. On display are manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, and they were all collected by one man – Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968).
The Chester Beatty Library is located in the Dubhlinn Garden, which is directly behind the Dublin Castle, so it makes sense to combine these attractions. Tours are available. Opening times March to October: Monday to Friday 10am-5.00pm; November to February: Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm; closed Mondays; Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm (all year); closed 1 January, Good Friday, 24, 25 and 26 December. For details of coming events, visit the Chester Beatty Library website.
14. The Science Gallery
Naughton Institute, Dublin, Pearse St, Dublin 2
Entry: FREE
The Science Gallery is located in Pearse, Trinity College. They host a variety of very interesting and fun exhibitions, suitable for both adults and children to enjoy. They also have a small gift shop with novel items you’ll find difficult to resist.
It’s worth stopping for refreshments at their café as the food is scrumptious. They even have a handy push button service that means you don’t have to sit around trying to get the waiter’s attention if you need to order or get the bill.
For details of current exhibitions, visit the Science Gallery website.
15. Dublin City Gallery, the Hugh Lane
Charelmont House, Parnell Square N, Dublin 1
Entry: FREE
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. It is definitely worth seeing.
The Hugh Lane Gallery is located on Parnell Square North . Opening hours are Tuesday to Thursday 10am-6pm; Friday and Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday and Bank Holidays 12noon-5.30pm; closed Monday and Good Friday. For details of current exhibitions, visit the Hugh Lane website.
- The Hugh Lane gallery is across the road from the Garden of Remembrance which is also worth a visit.
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- Dublin city is flat and relatively small, making it very easy to get around on foot. However, if you do need to take transport, then save money by using the Dublin city public transport options or Dublin city bikes.
- If you prefer to get around in Taxis, then find out how to safely use Ireland’s taxi services.
- Each year Ireland hosts a Culture Night. In Dublin, a vast number of the paid tourist sites become free for the evening. There is also lots of free events and live performances for all ages and tastes. To find out more, visit the Culture Night website.
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