Galleries & Museums Dublin City
Dublin has a wealth of galleries and museums. We’ve listed out some of the highlights of the city below, but there are many many more around.
You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you will discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are.
The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology is home to an extraordinary range of iconic treasures, including the Ardagh Chalice, the ‘Tara’ Brooch and the famous Derrynaflan Hoard.
Built in 1856, the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History is a magnificent Victorian artefact in its own right.
Sometimes described as ‘a museum of a museum’, it houses a wide-ranging and comprehensive zoological collection of more than 10,000 exhibits. Visitors can explore Irish mammals, birds, fish and insects, as well as mammals from around the world. Admission is free.
A visit to Kilmainham Gaol will take you on a journey through Irish history. You will discover the stories of people held here as ordinary criminals alongside those who fought for Irish independence. From the 1798 rebellion, to the 1916 Easter Rising, the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21), to the devastation of the Irish Civil War (1922-23) all these important events have a chapter in the story of Kilmainham Gaol.
Home to over 12 million items the National Library of Ireland hosts both temporary and permeant exhibitions such as from W.B. Yeats.
The mission of the Library is to collect, preserve, promote and make accessible the documentary and intellectual record of the life of Ireland and to contribute to the provision of access to the larger universe of recorded knowledge.
When you enter 14 Henrietta Street you’ll experience over 300 years of city life in the walls of one address. By connecting to the personal stories of those who called 14 Henrietta Street home the building’s hidden histories are revealed.
See the house, hear its stories and discover the layers of Dublin history within its walls.
This architectural icon stands on the Liffey quays. The architect James Gandon completed the building in 1791.
The Custom House witnessed not only the development of a great city, but also some of the most turbulent milestones in its history. The building was destroyed by burning in 1921 and later restored to its former splendour.
The GPO Museum is a permanent visitor attraction located within the historic GPO (General Post Office) building on O’Connell Street, Dublin. The experience is one of the newest Dublin Museums and it is one of the top attractions to explore. GPO Witness History has won numerous awards including the Micheletti Award at the European Museum Academy Awards (2017) and Best Cultural Experience at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards
One of Ireland’s most popular attractions, the National Gallery houses the national collection of Irish and European art making it one of the must visits for any trip to the capital.
IMMA is Ireland’s National Cultural Institution for Modern and Contemporary Art. Their diverse and ambitious programme comprises exhibitions, commissions and projects by leading Irish and international artists, as well as a rich engagement and learning programme which together provides audiences of all ages the opportunity to connect with contemporary art and unlock their creativity.