Day Note:
Leave your wallet at home and spend the day discovering treasures and works of art in a selection of museums and galleries in the Dublin City area all for free. Merrion Square itself is also worth a walk through and acts like an oasis of quiet in the city. It is also perfect as a picnic spot for lunch so that is practically free as well !
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Chester Beatty Library
Contact:
- +353 1 407 0750
- visit website
Location:
- Dublin Castle
- Clock Tower Building, Dublin Castle
- Dublin,Co. Dublin2
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Map
Description:
Situated in the heart of the city centre, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). His collection is now housed in Dublin Castle in a restored 18th century building with a modern purpose-built block attached. The Library was named Irish Museum of the Year and was recently awarded the title European Museum of the Year, a coveted international accolade in the museum world. The Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. The rich collection from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe offers visitors a visual feast. Egyptian papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur'an, the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights of the collection. Turkish and Persian miniatures and striking Buddhist paintings are also on display, as are Chinese dragon robes and Japanese woodblock prints. In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human creative expression... read more
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Gallery of Photography
Contact:
- +353 (0)1 671 4654
- visit website
Location:
- Meeting House Square
- Temple Bar
- Dublin,Leinster2
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Map
Description:
This non-profit venue is the only gallery in Ireland devoted exclusively to photography. It holds around ten exhibitions a year and hosts work by both Irish and international photographers. The building's glass façade is one of the finest examples of contemporary architecture in the city. It also offers a variety of seminars and workshops. Spread over four floors, the gallery is also an excellent source of photographic gifts, books and cards. The shop has an excellent selection of original prints from Irish and international photographers and the stock changes regularly.
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Howth Cliff Walk
Contact:
Location:
- Upper Cliff Road
- Howth Village
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Map
Description:
Take the DART to Howth and head east for about ten minutes and you will find yourself at the top of dramatic cliffs rarely found so close to a capital city. The cliff walk takes you right around Howth Head and your effort will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views over Dublin Bay. Following the path will eventually take you to Sutton Station where there are regular trains back to the city.
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Killiney Hill
Contact:
Location:
- Killiney Hill Road
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Map
Description:
Take the DART (Dublin's mini-metro) to Killiney and relive a little bit of film history. Killiney Hill, with its stunning panoramic views over the city, stole the final scenes of the Oscar- winning 'My Left Foot' starring Daniel Day-Lewis. The hill is a public park in one of Dublin's more exclusive areas (Bono from U2 lives here) and a stroll up to the summit is one of Dublin's more romantic diversions.
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Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane
Contact:
- +353 1 222 5550
- visit website
Location:
- Charlemont House
- Parnell Square North
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Map
Description:
Founded in 1908 by art enthusiast Sir Hugh Lane, this elegant gallery houses Sir Hugh's collection of paintings by Dégas, Monet and Courbet; in addition to Rodin sculptures and a fine selection of modern Irish paintings. A magnificent stained glass room includes panels by Evie Hone and Harry Clarke: most notable of late, however, is the Lane's acquisition of Francis Bacon's studio, which is now reproduced in the gallery untouched. Free classical music concerts are held here on Sundays October through June and lectures are frequently given: the Hugh Lane is worth a visit all year long.
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Phoenix Park
Contact:
- +353 1 6057700 (Tourist info)
- visit website
Location:
- Park Gate Street
- Phoenix Park
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Map
Description:
Measuring just under 1,800 acres, Phoenix Park is the largest city park in Europe. The great green expanse in the west of the city is a mixture of wilderness and formal landscape gardens. It offers a variety of recreational activities such as bike hire, gaelic football, polo and cricket. A towering Papal Cross marks the visit of Pope John Paul II, back in 1979. Also enclosed within the park's boundaries are a Visitors' Centre, Ashtown Castle, Dublin Zoo, Farmleigh House and Estate, Aras an Uachtarain (the official residence of the President of Ireland) and the Residence of the United States' Ambassador. Phoenix Park also has a bird sanctuary and a herd of fallow deer and impressive flora.
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National Museum at Collins Barracks
Contact:
- +353 (0)1 677 7444
- visit website
Location:
- Benburb Street
- Collins Barracks
- Dublin,Leinster7
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Map
- user rating
Description:
This beautifully restored 17th century building is the oldest military barracks in Europe. As if that isn't enough, Collins Barracks also acts as the second site of the National Museum in Dublin, housing the institution's collections of decorative art. Of particular note are the collections of Irish silverware and furniture, while an exhibition entitled "The Way We Wore" provides a fascinating insight into fashion through the ages. Collins Barracks is also often home to interesting touring exhibitions, and is only a short stroll from the newly revitalized Smithfield area. Entry is free.
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Irish Museum of Modern Art
Contact:
- +353 1 612 9900
- visit website
Location:
- Royal Hospital
- Military Rd, Kilmainham
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Map
- user rating
Description:
In 1991, the restored site of the Royal Hospital was officially opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art. This splendid 17th-century building looks onto a peaceful central cobbled courtyard complete with sundial. The adjacent tree lined grounds and formal rose garden are worth a visit alone. Temporary exhibitions vary year round, while the permanent exhibition include pieces by Dürer, Rembrandt, Hogarth and Goya Free guided tours are available and these include visits to the chapel, banqueting hall and the beautifully restored baroque garden. Admission is free.
Dublin
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National Museum (Archaeology)
Contact:
- +353 (0)1 677 7444
- visit website
Location:
- Kildare Street
- National Museum of Ireland
- Dublin,Leinster2
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Map
- user rating
Description:
This offers your typical museum shop stock: an interesting mixture of items that will only appeal to tourists, as well as some other pieces that are quite beautiful. It has an especially good selection of jewellery based on Celtic designs, as well as pottery and books exploring the history and culture of Ireland. A good place for an informative or educational gift.
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Merrion Square Open Air Art Gallery
Contact:
- +353 1 605 7700
- visit website
Location:
- Merrion Square West
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Map
Description:
Every Sunday between 10.30 and 6, up to 200 local artists exhibit their wares on the railings of the Square and it's a perfect place to meet the artists, take a stroll and (by cutting out the middlemen) pick up a few good pieces at an excellent price.
- Destination(s): Dublin
- Type: Active/Adventure
- 3 DAYS
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