The national collections
One of the great perks of visiting Dublin is that many of its national museums are free. That makes them perfect for a rainy afternoon, or for dipping in for an hour between other plans without feeling you need to get your money's worth.
The National Museum of Ireland is spread across several sites. Its archaeology branch on Kildare Street holds glittering Bronze Age gold, early Christian treasures and a sobering exhibition of bog bodies, remarkably preserved human remains from the Iron Age.
Art for everyone
The National Gallery of Ireland, on Merrion Square, houses European masterpieces alongside a superb collection of Irish art, including works by Jack B. Yeats. Its galleries are spacious and calm, and its café is a good place to warm up.
On the northside, the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square displays modern and contemporary art and includes a fascinating reconstruction of the cluttered London studio of painter Francis Bacon, who was born in Dublin. It was moved piece by piece to the gallery.
Natural history and decorative arts
The Natural History Museum, nicknamed the Dead Zoo, is a wonderfully old-fashioned Victorian cabinet of curiosities, packed with skeletons and specimens, including giant Irish deer. Check ahead, as access has been limited at times due to renovation work.
West of the centre, the decorative arts and history branch of the National Museum occupies Collins Barracks, a vast former military complex. It covers Irish silver, furniture, costume and military history, including the story of the 1916 Rising.
More free options
The Chester Beatty, in the grounds of Dublin Castle, is a hidden gem. Its collection of manuscripts, prints, rare books and decorative objects from across Asia, the Middle East and Europe is world class, and the rooftop garden is a quiet retreat.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, is set in a striking seventeenth-century building with formal gardens. Its permanent spaces are generally free, while some temporary exhibitions may charge.
Planning your visits
Because entry is free, you can take a relaxed approach. Visit one museum in the morning, enjoy lunch and a walk, then dip into another in the afternoon. Most of the city's free museums are within walking distance of each other on the south side, with Collins Barracks and Kilmainham a short tram or bus ride away. Pick up gallery maps at the entrance, and look out for free guided tours or talks, which are offered at several institutions and can add real depth to a short visit.
Good to know
- Check opening days; several national museums close on Mondays.
- Donation boxes help support free museums if you can spare a little.
- Combine the Chester Beatty with a walk around Dublin Castle's courtyards.