There is no shortage of interesting places to explore in Dublin. From castles to tours of the Guinness Storehouse, the Irish capital is full of entertaining stops. But some of the best cultural experiences Dublin has to offer are within the city’s impressive list of museums. Enter Dublin’s top 10 museums to discover award-winning exhibits, mummies, a hall of fame, a fearsome prison, and much more.
Hugh Lane Gallery
The Dublin City Gallery off O’Connell Street is a central choice for art lovers. The collection was founded by Hugh Lane, who was born in County Cork but made his fortune as an art dealer in London. Lane established one of the world’s first modern art galleries in 1908, and his collection (which included Degas, Manet, and Renoir) eventually made its way to the city. The charming gallery is free and filled with an impressive mix of internationally renowned masters and Irish-born artists. The highlight, however, is the Francis Bacon study. His paint shop was taken apart and shipped from London to Dublin after his death, only to be completely rebuilt within the Hugh Lane Gallery, complete with the champagne bottles he tossed around the corner while painting one day.
Chester Beatty Library
Many of Dublin’s museums focus on Irish history or culture, but the charming Chester Beatty Library has international collections of art and artifacts that offer a glimpse into world wonders. Best of all, the famous museum is completely free to visit. Located within the gardens of Dublin Castle, the library and art exhibitions are considered some of the best in Ireland. Browse the impressive archives of Islamic art and rare manuscripts or explore the East Asian collection. Beatty was an American by birth and made his fortune in the mining industry. He became an honorary Irish citizen in 1957 and eventually left most of his extensive collections to a board of trustees in Dublin. Although he died in 1968, the Chester Beatty Library only opened in 2000.
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
The National Gallery of Ireland houses the largest collection of classical art in the country, but for more contemporary exhibits it is the Irish Museum of Modern Art that wins. The collection of 3,000 Irish and modern international works are housed inside of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, dating back to 1684. Most of the art in the 17th -Century building occurred since 1940, including pieces by Joseph Cornell and Roy Lichtenstein. In addition to these world-renowned names, the museum dedicates most of its funds to the acquisition of pieces by contemporary Irish artists. The museum is free to visit and a bit outside of Dublin city center, but the easy ride is easy to combine with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol.
Little Dublin museum
Housed within one of the 18th century Georgian houses that gives St. Stephen’s Green its icy timeless air, the Little Museum tells the story of the city of Dublin. The museum, which opened in late 2011, has quickly become a much-loved stop to learn about the history of Dublin and the people who call the capital home. The Little Museum can only be visited via a guided tour, which will guide visitors through Dublin’s house filled with more than 5,000 artifacts. Before heading back to town, head down to the basement for coffee and a light meal at Hatch & Sons Irish Kitchen.
The Science Gallery
Scientific debates generally take place between the pages of academic journals, but Trinity College’s Science Gallery helps bring problems to life for visitors of all ages. The Vanguard showcases a twist on human perception, biomimicry, and the future of technology in the workplace. Best of all, the interactive exhibits help engage the public in ongoing scientific research. The landmark venue also hosts talks visiting conferences and is the setting for TEDxDublin.
Dublin Writers Museum
From poets to fiction writers, Little Ireland has a great literary tradition and has given birth to four Nobel Prize winners. Some of the country’s best-loved authors are honored at the Dublin Writers Museum in Parnell Square. The museum spans several floors within an 18th-century mansion, making it an impressive setting for exhibits on Joyce, Yeats, Shaw, and Beckett, among others. There is a room dedicated to children’s literature, as well as a space that is regularly used for literary readings. Among the books and historical exhibits, you will also find impressive oil portraits of Irish writers by celebrated artists.
Kilmainham jail
Kilmainham Gaol (jail) opened in 1796 and the gloomy prison soon developed a reputation for overcrowding and poor conditions. Men, women and children were incarcerated in the British Kilmainham Gaol prison, but the most famous prisoners during the more than 200 years of operation were the Irish revolutionaries who fought for an independent Ireland. The jail was dismantled in 1924, shortly after Irish independence, and is now one of the largest unused prisons in Europe. Guided tours of the imposing structure and its former cells are now available and there is also a museum dedicated to Irish nationalism on site. Kilmainham Gaol is a short taxi or bus ride from central Dublin and is worth the trip to learn about the revolutionary side of Irish history.
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History
The Natural History Museum of Ireland is affectionately dubbed the Dead Zoo thanks to its extensive exhibits of taxidermy animals. Located in Merrion Square, the National History Museum is one of the most impressive branches of the National Museum of Ireland. The collections range from geology to zoology, with an emphasis on the natural wonders found on the Emerald Isle, as well as an exhibition on “Mammals of the World.” In addition to showcasing historical flora and fauna, the exhibits aim to educate visitors about today’s threats to Irish wildlife. This Dublin museum is always a hit with children and is free to visit.
National Museum of Ireland – Archeology
Find mummified swampy bodies and even Viking artifacts at the Kildare Street Archeology Museum in Dublin. The museum is packed with unique historical objects found in Ireland, as well as archaeological treasures from abroad. For those who are attracted to all that glitters, the museum houses one of the most important prehistoric gold collections in Europe. The special exhibits also provide a great introduction to some of Ireland’s top sights, including the Hill of Tara. Entry is free, as is entry to the other three branches of the National Museum of Ireland (Natural History, Decorative Arts and Country Life).
Museo GAA
Get an inside look at the Irish psyche with a visit to the GAA Museum in Croke Park. GAA, short for Gaelic Athletic Association, celebrates Irish native sports of pitching and Gaelic football. The museum, located in Dublin’s stadium, where the main matches are held, looks at the ancient origins of sports (which remain little known outside of the Emerald Isle). Dublin’s unique museum also features a hall and fame, and an interactive playground for visitors to test their GAA skills. Admission is free with a ticket to a game, but it is also possible to visit and even take a tour of the park during the off-season.
Traditional music in Dublin
