Museums in Dublin: discover 11 amazing galleries to learn about Ireland's history
Museums and art galleries are always a great option to get to know the main historical facts, the local culture and some curiosities about the destinations we have visited. Europe is a reference in the matter: the cultural cradle of western civilization, the continent has some of the most complete museums in the world.
Like every European capital, Dublin It is filled with themed spaces and exhibitions that depict different periods of Irish history. Dublin's museums are home to an impressive collection of artifacts, artwork and historical documents that have marked the history of the Emerald Isle.
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In addition to museums dedicated to Irish history, such as the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin also has themed spaces dedicated to personalities and popular products from the country, such as the Guinness Storehouse, the James Joyce Cultural Center and the Jameson Distillery, which tells the story of Ireland's most famous whiskey factory.
There are so many options, that we recommend separating at least one day from your itinerary in Dublin to carry out tours of this category, a true dish for lovers of Celtic history and culture.
Check out a selection of the best museums in Dublin to discover during your visit to the Irish capital.
Museums in Dublin
Natural History Museum
Photo: Neil Turner / Flickr
With over 10,000 stuffed animals, the Natural History Museum exhibits fauna from across the Emerald Isle and other parts of the world.
The exhibition is divided into two areas, the first being exclusive to the representative animals of the country, such as some species of birds, insects and extinct animals, such as the giant deer located at the entrance of the gallery, also known as Irish moose.
The second floor houses animals from the four corners of the world and complete bones, with two huge whales hanging from the ceiling.
- Where it is?
Merrion St, Dublin 2 - How much?
Free entrance - visiting hours
From Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sundays, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Mondays: closed. - Information
More information on official site of the museum.
IMMA – Irish Museum of Modern Art
Photo: William Murphy / Wikimedia Commons
As the name suggests, this museum in Dublin has the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in the country.
With works both Irish and international, the IMMA has a collection with more than 4,500 works collected from 1940 until today. The permanent exhibition of the Irish Museum of Modern Art houses over 1500 works ranging from photographic, audiovisual, sculpture and painting.
The Museum is very close to the Guinness Storehouse and has architecture inspired by L'Hôtel National des Invalides, in France, and is surrounded by a super cozy garden.
- Where it is?
Royal Hospital Kilmainham Dublin 8 - How much?
Free entrance - visiting hours
Tuesday to Friday, from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Saturday, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Sundays and holidays, from 12:00 to 17:30 hours.
Mondays: closed. - Information
More information on official site of the museum.
National Gallery of Ireland
Photo: NTF30 / Wikimedia Commons
The National Gallery of Ireland has over 2,500 paintings by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Vermeer and diverse works in different art forms ranging from prints, sculptures and watercolor paintings.
Located next to Merrion Square, this is certainly one of the most beautiful museums in Dublin. In addition to offering permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and hosts various events throughout the year.
- Where it is?
Merrion Square West, Dublin 2 - How much?
Free entrance - visiting hours
Monday from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:15 am to 5:30 pm.
Sundays, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. - Information
More information on official site of the museum.
National Museum of Archeology
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
The National Archeology Museum has a collection that shows the evolution of Irish civilization since the arrival of the first inhabitants on the island. The pieces on display in the museum range from tools made from stone, bronze and steel to tombs from the Neolithic period.
Another area that draws a lot of attention is the Viking space, with several utensils used by the people, such as shoes, tools, weapons, among others.
- Where it is?
Kildare Street, Dublin 2 - How much?
Free entrance - visiting hours
Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sundays and Mondays, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. - Information
More information on official site of the museum.
Epic Museum
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
The Irish Emigration Museum has a space entirely dedicated to the causes and consequences of Irish emigration. With fully interactive areas, the EPIC Museum has a fun and educational collection that captures the attention of visitors.
Considered one of the best museums in Dublin, the EPIC is divided into 4 groups of galleries, totaling 20 rooms in total. Each gallery is separated by different themes, with stories of several Irish people who had to leave the country in search of survival and a better life, after hard periods of war and famine.
- Where it is?
CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 – Dublin - How much?
Adults – €14.00
Children between 6 and 15 years old – €7.00
Children under 5 years old do not pay;
Students and people over 65 years old – €12.00. - visiting hours
The museum is open seven days a week, between 10 am and 6:45 pm - tickets
Tickets can be purchased at official site of the museum.
The Little Museum of Dublin
Photo: The Little Museum of Dublin
A quick and fun alternative, the Small Museum of Dublin is hidden in Saint Stephen's Green Street, in a small Georgian house from the 18th century. The collection has pieces donated by the community itself and can be checked out in less than 30 minutes of visitation.
The museum has 3 floors of exhibition with over 5,000 artifacts from the Dubliners about historical political and social events.
- Where it is?
15 St Stephen's Green, Dublin - How much?
Free entrance - visiting hours
Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sundays and Mondays, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. - Information
More information on official site of the museum.
National Leprechaun Museum
Photo: YvonneM / Wikimedia Commons
The Leprechaun Museum has a space dedicated solely to the Irish mythology of the popular character known as the leprechaun (leprechaun). The museum is composed of 12 themes that show visitors playful and fun areas, the most famous of which is the room that has gigantic furniture, giving the impression that we are little elves.
Although interesting, the museum is not one of the best in the city of Dublin, but it is worth a visit if you are passionate about Irish culture.
- Where it is?
Twilfit House, Jervis Street - How much?
Adults – €16.00
Students – €14.00
Children from 7 to 17 years: 10€
Children under 7 years old do not pay; - visiting hours
Every day from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. - Information
More information on official site of the museum.
Museum of Decorative Arts and History
Photo: William Murphy / Wikimedia Commons
The National Museum of Decorative Arts and History of Ireland houses an extensive collection of objects that allow visitors to experience the country's social, economic and military history. The museum can be explored independently and offers informative signage so that visitors understand the context of the exhibits installed on the three floors of the building.
- Where it is?
7 Benburb St. - How much?
Free entrance - visiting hours
From Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sundays, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Mondays, closed.
Guinness Storehouse
Photo: Disclosure
Discover the history of the world's most famous beer on a self-guided tour of the Guinness brewery. The Guinness Storehouse is one of Dublin's most iconic attractions and explains to its visitors how dark beer is made.
After visiting the factory's three floors, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Gravity Bar, located on the top floor of the building.
- Where it is?
St James's Gate - How much?
Adults – €18.50
From 13 to 17 years old – €16
From 13 – 17 years €16.00
Under 6 - Free Entry - visiting hours
Every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum
Photo: Disclosure
Located in the bustling Temple Bar area, the Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience introduces you to the famous Irish music scene, giving visitors the opportunity to observe objects from the likes of Michael Jackson and U2, as well as photographic exhibits that include The Script and Sinead O'Connor.
- Where it is?
Curved St. - How much?
Adults – €10.35 - visiting hours
Every day from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Jameson Distillery
Photo: Disclosure
Another trip through the world of Irish drinks, but this time the subject is whiskey.
Jameson offers a tour of the distillery with a premium wine tasting experience. Visitors will even learn how to make cocktails and extract whiskey directly from a Jameson cask in Dublin's only maturation warehouse.
- Where it is?
Bow St. - How much?
Adults – €22
Students – €18 - visiting hours
Every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
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FAQs
Which museums in Dublin are free? ›
- National Gallery of Ireland. 4.6 (9560 ratings) 4.5 (1849 ratings) ...
- Dublin Castle. 4.2 (20647 ratings) 4 (4626 ratings) ...
- Irish Museum of Modern Art. ...
- The Hugh Lane. ...
- Imaginosity, Dublin Children's Museum. ...
- Newbridge House & Farm. ...
- National Transport Museum. ...
- Olivier Cornet Gallery.
- Zurich Portrait Prize 2021. On view until 3 April 2022.
- Zurich Young Portrait Prize 2021. On view until 3 April 2022.
- Christ & His Cousin: Renaissance Rediscoveries. 29 January – 8 May 2022.
- Young Gainsborough: Rediscovered Landscape Drawings. 5 March – 12 June 2022.
- Guinness. Nothing beats a pint of Guinness and when it comes to the best places in the world to enjoy a pint of the black stuff – Dublin is obviously top of the list. ...
- Georgian Architecture. ...
- Pub Culture. ...
- UNESCO City of Literature. ...
- Dublin is a Friendly & Progressive city. ...
- Excellent Accommodation.
1. Guinness Storehouse. As Ireland's most-visited attraction for years, there's no escaping the might of the Guinness Storehouse. Make no mistake, it's a seven-storey exhibition rather than a working brewery (that's nearby but off-limits).
What should you not say in Ireland? ›- “I'm Irish”
- Quizzing about potatoes.
- Anything about an Irish car bomb.
- “Top of the morning to you”
- “Everything is better in… (insert large city)”
- “St Patty's Day”
- “Do you know so-and-so from…”
- “I love U2”
Admission to the permanent collection is free. Some temporary exhibitions carry a charge. Exhibitions are free for members.
Does Dublin have a zoo? ›Dublin Zoo, located in the Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin city, is Ireland's most popular family attraction. Opened in 1831, it is one of the world's oldest and most popular zoos, home to some 400+ animals on 70 acres.
Is National Museum of Ireland free? ›Free admission
Admission to all four sites of the National Museum of Ireland is free.
- Turner: The Sun is God. New exhibition now open. ...
- Keating's Allegories of Change. New display now open. ...
- Dutch Drawings: highlights from the Rijksmuseum. Free exhibition now open. ...
- Hughie O'Donoghue: Original Sins. An installation by Hughie O'Donoghue, now extended until 21 May 2023. ...
- Estella Solomons: Still Moments.
The New Exhibition is an online showcase shining a light on work of Ukrainian designers, illustrators, animators and other creatives that have been caught in the crossfire of war. We can make a tangible difference in their lives.
Is the National Art Gallery free? ›
Admission to the collection is free. For special exhibitions held in the Sainsbury Wing there is a charge. Tickets can be purchased on the day in the gallery, online or in advance by telephone.
What does Dublin mean in Irish? ›Dublin, Irish Dubh Linn, Norse Dyfflin (“Black Pool”), also called Baile Átha Cliath (“Town of the Ford of the Hurdle”), city, capital of Ireland, located on the east coast in the province of Leinster.
Why is Dublin called Dublin? ›The name Dublin comes from Dubh Linn or the "black pool". The black pool in question is the junction where the Liffey and its tributary the Poddle meet. The Poddle now runs beneath Dublin as it has been covered by development and can no longer be seen in the city centre.
How many days do you need in Dublin? ›Three days in Dublin is the perfect length of time to enjoy the sights, soak up the culture, the cathedrals and the castles. You'll also have plenty of time to explore the pubs and bars the city is so famous for and enjoy the craic.
Do you tip in Ireland? ›It's normal to leave between 10-15% of your bill as a tip after dining in Irish restaurants, bistros, cafés or pubs. Leaving a tip higher than 15% of your bill after dining in Ireland is really only given for outstanding service.
What is the famous street in Dublin? ›Located in central Dublin, O'Connell Street is the city's main thoroughfare. The avenue runs from O'Connell Bridge to Parnell Street. The city's widest avenue is very enjoyable to walk along and is usually brimming with pedestrians shopping or heading to one of its numerous bars or restaurants.
What is the bathroom called in Ireland? ›The Jacks. In Ireland, 'the jacks' means 'toilet', most commonly used to refer to public bathrooms.
How do Irish people say bye? ›To say Goodbye in Irish you would say “Slán leat” – literally meaning “goodbye (health) to you”. You can be less formal and just say “Slán”, bye. Or as we say in our own video … “Slán go fóill” – Bye for now.
What can you not eat in Ireland? ›- Rashers (this is back bacon - like Canadian bacon.
- Pork sausages.
- Black pudding (sausages mixed with oats, herbs and pork blood - trust me, its delicious)
- White pudding (same as above, minus the blood)
- Grilled mushrooms.
- Grilled tomatoes.
- Eggs (scrambled, fried or poached)
Visit the Gallery for free!
No booking required to visit the permanent collection and many temporary exhibitions. Free, for all to enjoy.
What paintings are in the National Gallery Ireland? ›
National Gallery of Ireland
Who is the director of the National Gallery of Ireland? ›The Board of Governors and Guardians of the National Gallery of Ireland today announced the appointment of Dr Caroline Campbell as its new Director. Dr Campbell will take up her new position in November 2022.
Is Dublin Zoo bigger than London Zoo? ›As it is in the City, London Zoo is quite small and all the bigger animals have been moved to a larger location. Dublin Zoo is a bigger site and has a larger selection of animals.
Is Dublin Zoo the biggest in Europe? ›Located in the heart of Dublin in Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Europe, Dublin Zoo is the biggest zoo in Ireland. It is also one of the most-visited family attractions in the country, attracting more than one million visitors per year.
How long does it take to walk through Dublin Zoo? ›How big is Dublin Zoo? Dublin Zoo now covers 28 hectares and takes a minimum of about 3 hours to walk around excluding stopping for picnics and visits with young children. We recommend making a day of it!
Why is it called the Dead Zoo? ›The ground floor of the National Museum of Ireland, home to thousands of preserved animal specimens that have earned it the name 'The Dead Zoo'.
Where is the Book of Kells? ›Housed within the Old Library building, at Dublin City's Trinity College, the Book of Kells is a precious 9th century manuscript, featuring an exquisite combination of ornate Latin text and intricate illuminations.
How much is the entrance fee to the Natural History Museum? › How many days do you need to see Dublin? ›Three days in Dublin is the perfect length of time to enjoy the sights, soak up the culture, the cathedrals and the castles. You'll also have plenty of time to explore the pubs and bars the city is so famous for and enjoy the craic.
How can I spend 48 hours in Dublin? ›- Start the day with an Irish breakfast.
- Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland.
- Liffey Boardwalk, Dublin, Ireland.
- Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
- Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland.
- The Temple Bar district in Dublin, Ireland.
- Giants Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
What is a full Irish breakfast? ›
A full breakfast is a substantial cooked breakfast meal, often served in the United Kingdom and Ireland, that typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and a beverage such as coffee or tea.
What is a typical Irish dinner? ›The traditional Irish food pairs creamy mashed potatoes with cabbage. It can also feature greens like kale, scallions and leeks (its verdant color makes it a St. Patrick's Day classic) and is often served with boiled ham.
Do you tip in Dublin Ireland? ›It's normal to leave between 10-15% of your bill as a tip after dining in Irish restaurants, bistros, cafés or pubs. Leaving a tip higher than 15% of your bill after dining in Ireland is really only given for outstanding service.
Is Dublin a walkable city? ›The good news for tourists and residents alike is that Dublin is a walkable city. In fact, Dublin is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. The flat, compact nature of the city lends itself perfectly to getting around on foot.
Is Dublin expensive to visit? ›Yes, Dublin is an expensive city both for tourists and expats. It is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. The average cost of visiting Dublin for a day ranges from €65-€140 per person. The average cost of living in Ireland for one person per month is €2,500+ (including rent).
How long is the Book of Kells tour? ›Visit duration
We recommend planning to spend 1 to 2 hours here.
The Size Difference Between Dublin and Belfast
The population of Belfast is a lot smaller also, so you'll find there are smaller crowds and you may just start recognising a few friendly faces as you explore the shops and pubs the city has to offer. Dublin's larger size means there's a lot more to explore.
The best time to visit Ireland is between March and May, and September to November, when it's not as crowded as it is in summer, or as cold as it is in winter. That said, Ireland has a mild, temperate climate and although it's rainy at times, you can visit all year round.
Is 4 days too long in Dublin? ›As Dublin is relatively small, you can definitely see most of the famous, notable sights in the city centre in just 2 days, but if you want to get off the beaten path and explore some different areas around Dublin, 4 days is definitely ideal.
What time is dinner in Dublin? ›For dinner (in the evening) from 6 to 9ish is when people would start. Lunch is around 12 noon to 2pm, with 1pm being the most popular.
Is Dublin a foodie city? ›
Ireland is such an amazing country! From its fairytale castles, the best hikes and incredible places in Ireland, it's a total stunner of a place to explore. Over the last ten years, Dublin has totally transformed as an epic foodie city that's just too good to miss.
What can you do in Dublin per hour? ›- Challenge your mates in an escape room. ...
- Try out some Roller Derby.
- Relax with one of Dublin's best hot chocolates. ...
- Go sky walking in Croke Park. ...
- Learn how to play the ukulele.
- Get boozy at a cocktail making class. ...
- Head for a nice autumn stroll.