National Gallery of Ireland

Art gallery · Ballsbridge

National Gallery of Ireland

Art gallery · Ballsbridge

3

Merrion Square W, Dublin 2, D02 K303, Ireland

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National Gallery of Ireland by Alamy
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null
National Gallery of Ireland by null

Highlights

The National Gallery of Ireland, a free gem in Dublin, showcases stunning works from Caravaggio to Irish masters like Jack B. Yeats in a beautiful, spacious setting.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Merrion Square W, Dublin 2, D02 K303, Ireland Get directions

nationalgallery.ie
@nationalgalleryofireland

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Merrion Square W, Dublin 2, D02 K303, Ireland Get directions

+353 1 661 5133
nationalgallery.ie
@nationalgalleryofireland

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Jul 22, 2025

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What to Do in Dublin, Ireland
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@cntraveler

10 Best Museums in Dublin | Condé Nast Traveler

"Following a large-scale refurbishment, the National Gallery has re-emerged as an impressive establishment that more than holds its own on the world’s stage. The National Portrait Gallery, with depictions of beloved Irish personalities like poet Seamus Heaney, author Maeve Binchy, and former president Mary Robinson, is part of the collection. And although the power players are all here—Caravaggio, Monet, Goya—there’s also a solid selection of works by Irish artists, including a Yeats room featuring pieces by painter Jack B. Yeats, brother of the poet. One piece that always draws a crowd is "Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs," a delicate Frederic William Burton watercolor that's only on-view two hours a week. You'll want to spend a solid few hours exploring all of the rooms in depth. Serious art aficionados will be just as impressed as newbies." - Nicola Brady

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-dublin
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@cntraveler

National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"So, what’s this place about? Following a large-scale refurbishment, the National Gallery has re-emerged as an impressive establishment that more than holds its own on the world’s stage. There’s a staggering quantity of art that sprawls out among the museum's grand wings and intimate rooms. The National Portrait Gallery, with depictions of beloved Irish personalities like poet Seamus Heaney, author Maeve Binchy, and former president Mary Robinson, is part of the collection. That sounds cool. How’s the space? With 19th-century architectural details and dramatic stone staircases, the building itself is a stunning backdrop to the art. The renovation yielded a narrow new courtyard, which currently features a sculpture by Joseph Walsh and a large-scale illustrative installation by Joe Caslin. The art’s the main thing, of course. How is it? The power players are all here—Caravaggio, Monet, Goya—but there’s also a solid selection of works by Irish artists, including a Yeats room featuring pieces by Jack B. Yeats (brother of the poet) and a gallery that's home to an archive of the painter's sketchbooks, journals, and letters. One piece that always draws a crowd is "Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs," a delicate Frederic William Burton watercolor that's only on-view two hours a week. Are there tours? Free tours, which run regularly on weekends, tend to focus on a particular theme. Tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate. I’m interested. At the end of the day, what—or who—is this place best for? You'll want to spend a solid few hours exploring all of the rooms in depth. Serious art aficionados will be just as impressed as newbies." - Nicola Brady

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/dublin/national-gallery-of-ireland-archaeology
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Luca Lombardi

Google
What a spectacle! One of the best art galleries I've ever visited. Natural light allows you to see the true colors of the paintings and the artist's brushstrokes. No protective glasses to interfere with the experience. The rooms are spacious, so you can breathe and walk among the paintings undisturbed. The incredible thing is that the museum is free, so consider making a donation. Highly recommended!

Grigor Aramyan

Google
The National Gallery of Ireland is a must‑visit. Its calm, majestic halls house iconic works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and many more masters. Info plaques are sparse, but the atmosphere is unforgettable — a super place to soak in art’s greatest moments.

Valérie

Google
The building could be empty that it would still be worth visiting. Every carved wooden door is different and highlights sciences. Every mosaic floor is inspirational. Every railing tells a story.

L. M. H. Oppenheimer

Google
Excellent experience especially for a visitor to Dublin. Easy to walk to. Free admission and many beautiful and intriguing gallery areas. I spent hours quietly walking and viewing. Plus at the end the cafe offered delicious food and drink and the shop had lovely selection of books, portable art and items.

R V

Google
Incredible FREE museum! Been here twice already and it’s on my top list of museums. The place is huge and stunning, filled with an arrange of beautiful artwork and statues. My favourite was The Meeting on the Turret Stairs, which they show only on Thursday and Sunday evenings because of its delicate state. Staff was also nice and you can take as many pics as you’d like (no flash obvs). Definitely a must seen while in Dublin!

Olena Myronenko

Google
Very interesting museum! A large collection of European art from the 14th to the 20th century, covering all major schools. It is nice to look at the paintings. Get to know Irish masters and meet famous ones, such as Averkamp, ​​Goya, El Greco and many others. Admission is free.

Ersin Yılmaz

Google
Stunning collection of Irish and European art in a beautiful, welcoming space. The National Gallery of Ireland is a must-visit for art lovers, with highlights like Caravaggio’s masterpiece and vibrant exhibitions. Friendly staff and free entry make it even better!

Sam Horn

Google
Plan for a few hours, or, better yet, pop in when you have some time on different days and explore bit by bit. The building is well worth the attention, let alone the collections! It is gorgeous, and, with free admission, is an incomparable gem in the heart of town!
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Allison P.

Yelp
I went to this museum with my partner and a couple of friends today. We started on the third floor and worked our way down but missed about half of the museum because it was late in the day and we were exhausted from a long day of exploring the city. There are some really beautiful pieces of art here. You can really feel the history when looking at all of it. The wings are broken down by period and where in the world the art originated from. The stained glass room specifically was amazing, I just wish it was bigger with more to look at. The people working here are nice and do a good job of keeping an eye on everything. The gallery is very clean but I felt like it could use a bit more signage pointing to where everything was and what you were coming up on next. It got just a little confusing sometimes but that may be because we started on the top floor and worked our way down, I'm not sure. This gallery is a great spot to visit, especially because it's free!
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Anna S.

Yelp
Incredibly beautiful free museum in Dublin, conveniently located near the National Museum of Ireland. I saw someone else's review mention completing this museum in one hour. Let me just say, if you're someone who likes to take their time and read each plaque in an exhibit, you will not be able to blow through this place in an hour. I certainly wasn't able to! I got here about 2 hours before closing and ended up staying until the very end and wasn't able to see everything. Each gallery seemed like it went on forever and looped back into room after room of incredible paintings. There's a good mix of contemporary art, Renaissance, and even a section for new artists local to Ireland. There's a small cafe inside which I didn't get to check out but it's there if you need a quick bite to eat. There is also a locker area where you can check your coat or bags but I didn't realize it was there until later on since it's tucked further back into the third floor. For being a free museum with tons to see, I think the value is great and I'd highly recommend paying a visit if you're in the area.
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Kimberly W.

Yelp
Another free public exhibit! There were a lot of students when I visited. Just enter and nobody will stop you! They also have some cute stuff in the gift shop. They do not allow guest to bring drinks so make sure you finish your drink and toss it before you enter. They will have a security guard at the entrance to let you know. They also have a separate heated sitting area before actually entering to finish your drink inside. Donations accepted if you have change to support them! Thank you National Gallery of Ireland!
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Kay K.

Yelp
For the wandering tourist, this was a lovely way to spend 2+ hours one afternoon. No admission fee, modern facility, open welcoming rooms filled with natural light, plenty of museum staff assigned to each area, and a huge collection of beautiful art. Its's easy to get a little lost wandering around but even on this weekday, the museum was bursting with visitors so you'd never really get lost. There is a wing just for family and kid activities.
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Rachel H.

Yelp
A museum for art lovers in Dublin, but the setting is more impressive than the collection itself, which is hit or miss. Highlights for us included an Irish stained glass exhibit that focused on nine artists of the Dublin co-operative studio, An Túr Gloine (Tower of Glass), including founders Wilhelmina Geddes, Evie Hone and Michael Healy. Their glasswork is figurative, innovative and moving. We found their collection of portraits of Irish people of importance really remarkable. You'll find many modern portraits & a contemporary feel. The remaining collection is either historical or religious in tone, and includes lesser works by European greats: Vermeer, Picasso, Renoir, etc.
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Dan P.

Yelp
A nice art gallery with a little of everything including Irish history. The gallery includes some modern and impressionist art including a nice Matisse. Nice section on Vermeer. One section of the gallery has paintings of famous Irish people, including the singer and songwriter Bono. Time to budget: between 1-2 hours depending on your interests Overall cleanliness: above average Bathroom cleanliness: average Misc: Entry to the museum is free, no drinking fountains
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Pam W.

Yelp
What a lovely visit to the National Gallery. This museum owns some amazing artwork and is a really pretty gallery. The museum shop and coffee shop are both quality. We bought some jewelry to support local artists. There is a good variety of artists and artistic styles represented. I'm not a huge fan of religious artwork because it is usually pretty bleak but I appreciate it and know that the major religions funded artists back in the day, so I get it.

Steve F.

Yelp
Very impressive displays. Plan on spending several hours enjoying the many floors of artwork. Nice food court. Clean and friendly.
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Manish C.

Yelp
Located just off the campus of Trinity College in Dublin is the National Gallery of Ireland. It isn't a large museum, but there are exhibits across several floors. They do have works from the like of more known European artists like Picasso and Renoir, but they are rather unknown works added to throw variety into the galleries. My favorite part of the gallery was the Irish stained glass room. You don't need much time to go through it and admission is free. I wouldn't call it a "must visit" kind of place in Dublin, but nice to go to on a rainy day or as an add-on to a visit to Trinity College.
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Katya U.

Yelp
Hhh.. another treasure of the world. Wonderful pieces of art for us to enjoy. Thank you Ireland and the city of Dublin! Free entry. Great people. Wonderful atmosphere. Nice gift shop. Besides the souvenirs they have lovely books too.
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Dave J.

Yelp
A very nice and free location to come to. The gallery was smaller than others I have been to but overall a very good location to stop by
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Alexis B.

Yelp
On a visit to Dublin last week, my friend and I visited the National Gallery of Ireland on a Thursday late afternoon/evening (since on Thursdays they're open until 8:30pm). The building is beautiful, and the collection was varied. The highlights for me were a Vermeer ("Women Writing a Letter, with her Maid"), Lavinia Fontana's "The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon," as well the art of the Millennium Wing. The building was a little confusing to me, and I'm sure I missed parts of the museum, but I'm glad we visited!

L S.

Yelp
There is great exhibits and national treasure there's steps away from Egyptian, Viking, bog men and its next to parliament building this history and info. I highly recommend. Nice displayed museum was football feild large with beautiful architecture
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Biruk M.

Yelp
//5 stars I cannot be happier that this place is free. The fact that it has multiple floors with multiple rooms full of art kept in great shape, it is impressive since it's free. A perfect thing to do if you want to spend your afternoon around Dublin. The arts are of varying eras and styles including dedicated rooms for Irish artists. The museum also has a cafeteria for coffee and food in case you feel hungry. 100% recommend

Mike H.

Yelp
Beautiful and well organized gallery. We'll located in downtown Dublin right across from

Kathleen O.

Yelp
Beautiful ancient art in here. Not to be missed by art or museum enthusiasts! Floor after floor of art! Give yourself half a day to see it all.
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Alex M.

Yelp
Gorgeous place. Wish I could give it 10 stars! First - free wifi. I hate to be shallow, but that's important to those of us without an Irish data plan. Second, free entrance! Wow. So if you don't like it, you've lost no cash- but how would you not like it? It's got a great huge gift shop and a nice cafe- and rooms and rooms of exquisite paintings. I have always loved the Goose Girl- it's here! And so is an El greco, some Vermeer, and many other artists you will recognize. The Vermeer here is one of my favorites. Do check out the carved doors- works of art in themselves. The details differ door to door! I love the lighting here. It's lovely- easy to see the paintings. They're grouped by age- we went backwards in time- seeing the modern first (hello Picaso) and going back towards the Renaissance. So try this out. I don't think you'll be sorry. DO PAY ATTENTION- in the lower right there may be a NO PHOTO sign- a camera crossed out- do NOT take photos of those paintings. Most you can photo- but the guards will come talk to you if you disobey.
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Kelly S.

Yelp
Amazing collection of European art covering the 14th-20th century ... but the best part is it's free! Yes it's always free to visit! The gallery has three floors to explore, make sure you grab a map at the entrance. Photography is allowed in many areas for personal use. All the paintings have a description card next to them, if you are not allowed to take a photo there will be a symbol to indicate that. Some of my favorite paintings here: Claude Monet- Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat located in room 3 Jack B. Yeats- The Liffey Swim located in room 14 Jack B. Yeats- Grief located in room 14 Pablo Picasso- Still Life with a Mandoli located in room 5 There is a shop with lot's of souvenirs for sale and other Irish culture items. Very pretty jewelry selection. I bought a few postcards.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
Excellent collection of artwork and not just Ireland. A little bummed that much of the Gallery was closed for refurbishment, but I took that in stride. Renovations happen, though I'm bummed that so much of it was happening at once to close so much of the Gallery. The collection of European Art was excellent, including pieces from Picasso, van Dongen, Moneyt, Pissarro and Delacroix. These are the masters, my Yelp friends. And they are here on display for free. You want a good close up look at Monet's "Argenteuil with a Single Sailboat"? Here you go. It's beautiful! The "Creating History: Stories of Ireland in Art" exhibit was marvelous. Well curated and nicely grouped by the stories that the are is trying to tell. Really interesting artworks and history of Ireland. Too many "No Photographs" signs posted, even if you were good about not using the flash. That's a bummer and why I can't go to five stars. Did I mention that the Gallery is open and completely free? It is free, but you may want to slip a few Euros into the donation boxes to help support this culture.
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Ella M.

Yelp
I did not think I'd enjoy looking at paintings as much as I did at the National Gallery of Ireland. What is even better is that I got to enjoy it for absolutely no charge! Further, they also offer free wifi (which is great if you are a tourist like I was). There are multiple rooms with a lot of different paintings from different eras. Each painting is like a story so it is interesting to take a few minutes and just absorb its contents. Unlike the National Museum of Ireland - Archeology, we were not told that filming or photographing is prohibited. There are quite a lot of security guards roaming around the premises however. Also, there is a cute cafe (with beautiful natural lighting) on the ground floor. If you are in Dublin and enjoy beautiful art, I definitely recommend you pay this gallery a visit. And if you don't like it - well, it is free anyways!
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Susan L.

Yelp
We visited the museum yesterday and the collection was very disappointing, although admittedly two galleries were closed for renovation. The gift shop was attractive, although the selection wasn't real interesting. However, the volunteer staff (at the entrances) were incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Kent R.

Yelp
World class, nothing more to say: Vermeer, Velasquez, Carravaggio, Fra Angelico...wish that the ugly new wing was never built, and the restaurant is God-awful. The food isn't good and the room and the service behind the counter chaotic. The dining room, if you can call it that, is like the foyer to a public bus station in a minor Soviet republic. Neglected pots of plants hither and tither add to the depressing mood. The Coffee station in the middle of all of this is good! But the collection is marvelous, stunning and the newly painted rooms in the old Gallery are simple lovley colors.
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Jpb T.

Yelp
Dublin has a lot of free museums a short walk from the Temple Bar Neighborhood. There is an art museum, natural history museum, and an Irish History Museum. My great grandparents who passed before I was born came to America from Ireland around 1900. Connecting with your roots on a trip to Europe is something that everyone should do.
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Mary C.

Yelp
I didn't come here to see a particular exhibition, but as part of my interest in art galleries in general. One exhibition that really stood out for me was the travel book. Not art work per se, but a collection of really old (200 years plus) travel books. Kind of interesting to peruse while traveling and reading Fodors. Cafe is top notch -- a bit pricey, but it was possible to get something more than a sugary dessert. A welcome respite from walking and standing in front of paintings. I loved this museum, but I could not match the map of the museum with my actual location in the museum. I could tell where I was by matching the room numbers of each entry door with the map, but actually navigating by using the map -- nope.
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Aoife R.

Yelp
It has been a few years since I went to the National Gallery and I am so glad I returned. It is such a beautiful place to spend a few hours. We are very lucky to have free access to such amazing works of art! There is a JB Yeats portrait room on exhibition at the minute which is an amazing thing to see. I must also note that the café is gorgeous and worth visiting alone.
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John S.

Yelp
What can I say about the national Gallery. I'm a huge fan and its just gotten better over the years. With the addition of the new wing, which is an amazing building in itself its a must see for pretty much anyone visitor or resident of Dublin. Although most of the gallery is free. They do occasionally charge for temporary exhibits. Yes its not the Louvre but thats what nice about the place. As for the art, theres a huge Irish contingent featuring works by Hamilton, Barry, Lavery, Orpen and Henry, the one's that haven't been bought up by bored rich people. A twentieth century Irish art collection is currently being shown, as well as sculpture and a whole wing for Jack B Yeats. Even if your not an art lover, check out the place for the restaurant and the fantastically well stocked gift shop. Theres also a restaurant under construction. As well as all the art theres huge reseach collections, some available to the public. The website has all the details.
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Quentin D.

Yelp
It's like this, either you are an art lover or you are not and if you are not then the thought of going to the national gallery is probably not a huge turn on. But worry not, besides the huge collection of pictures there is some really nice sculpture, a café, a shop and for the younger artist, an area where they can create their own masterworks. In short, a little of everything and enough to kill a few hours even for the most unenlightened of souls such as my good self.
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Gigi L.

Yelp
The National Gallery of Ireland has three (among many) very sweet gems in it: 1) The lost and found Caravaggio masterpiece, "The Taking of Christ". Enough said. 2) The Gallery Gift Shop and all its sweet treasures from postcards to books to notepads to wall hangings to stationery. 3) The Cafe where one can bathe in natural light while enjoying the delicious and wonderful-smelling treats. And, one more thing - it's free. Get your culture on...!
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Nan F.

Yelp
I just visited my favorite painter exhibition, Vermeer, and it was fabulous! The curator did an excellent job and his and the paintings from his contemporary counterparts were presented in a clear way that show the similarities and differences, the influence of the period. Plus they only allow a small number of people inside so I could leisurely look at the paintings. Tip: Get the tickets online one day before getting there or buy them on site one day before. It is 10:15 am here and the next available tickets are for 3:40 pm. The rest of the gallery is very interesting, too, and with lots of space to also walk without feeling crowded.
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Roxanne T.

Yelp
I got to visit the Gallery when I was in Ireland in May of 2017 with my class. I am not an art person but this was a great experience for me! I got to see some Van Goughs as well as some other amazing artists! Even if you are not an art person I do recommend coming here to visit. If you are an art person then this should definitely be on the top of your to visit list!
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Mark W.

Yelp
This is one of Dublins (Irelands) little gems. A great place for a first date or Valentines Day Lunch. You can't help but fall in love here!! Im not an Aficionado of fine art but I do recognise and appreciate beauty when I see it. This is an amazing painting..........I love it. http://www.nationalgallery.ie/en/whatson/Special_Events/Burton/Feb_27.aspx One of many beauties in this Gallery.
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Ellinor L.

Yelp
Spent the afternoon wandering the two exhibits that they have open at the moment. One of them is paintings of saints and other Christian arts, it was like most classical art exhibits and therefore interesting enough. I absolutely loved the other exhibit though. It's called "lines of vision" and is a celebration of the National gallery being 150 years old. The idea is that several Irish writers have selected a piece of art that is then included in the exhibit, this means severely different pieces hanging next to each other almost random in its placement which gives a lovely effect and makes the exhibit that much more interesting to wander through. I highly recommend going to see it while it's possible!
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Patricia M.

Yelp
Best interactive compilation of history and the way forward! I learned tons! It is worth the time to go through this establishment!
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Alouise D.

Yelp
I stopped in here, pretty quickly, on a Sunday about 30 minutes before the art gallery closed. My reasons - I had to use the toilet. They're free and clean. - It's a National Museum, so it's free to check out (but donations are accepted). - It was frickin freezing outside and I wanted to warm up. I wandered around a couple of exhibits, one on the history of Ireland and another featuring some sketches. They weren't very big, but I wasn't really looking at anything in depth. It seems there are a couple of exhibits that are closed and under renovations right now. I'll probably come back in 2017 when they're done (hopefully). I'm not much of an art person (aka I don't know what anything means), but I'd like to come back again and see this museum more in depth. Maybe rent an audio guide or take a tour if it's available.
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Michael L.

Yelp
This is a great art museum in the heart of Dublin city centre. The best part about this museum is that it is free, including a free audio guide available at the information desk. The website says that they have about 15,000 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and objets d'art dating from the early thirteenth century through to the mid-twentieth century. A large portion of the museum was under refurbishment when i visited in November, however there is still a good portion of the permanent collection on display and worth viewing if you are in the area. The museum is divided into Irish masterpieces, European masterpieces, Landscapes and a few rotating collections. My favorite area is probably the European masterpieces, however the Irish section is also very good. The European section has a great variety of notable artists including Monet, Picasso, Goya, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and many others. I also really enjoy the 13th-17th century art at the start of the European wing. The museum does a great job with providing the name of the work, the artist and a little background on the art. Most of the pieces are also available on their website with the information as well which is great if you get home and want more information on your favorites. The museum has a great gift shop too that is definitely worth a browse and not your typical gift shop. Everyone I know who has stepped foot into the gift shop has been impressed with their excellent selection.
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Dolores M.

Yelp
I hadn't been here for years, literally years! last time i entered this hallowed building i was about seven and i was on a school tour. I dont see the point of bringing crowds of kids in here they jsut dont get it, i know i didnt when i was younger, its a load of pictures on a wall! now walking in here you are awed by all of the masterpieces around you, there infornt of your eyes are pieces of work that are worth millions and are literally famous. its like walking along a line of famous people or something. the bit i like most though is the gift shop, you spot a painting that you really like hanging gloriously on one of the art gallery walls and then when you get to the shop you can buy a small little postcard sized version of it to bring home with you to stick on your fridge! :-)
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Jacinta I.

Yelp
This place is a must if you are visiting Dublin city centre. Great cafe too! You need lots of time being that there is so much to see.
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Qype User (kingof…)

Yelp
Even if you are a backpacker visiting Dublin on a shoestring, and you think that the treacherous Irish weather is confining you to your hostel, think again. Most public galleries and museums in Dublin are for free, so you'll be able to see some really good exhibitions without spending one euro. The National Gallery of Ireland on Merrion Square is no exception. Spanning two different wings between Merrion Square and Clare Street, it houses artworks from the 14th to the 20th centuries and includes many major European painters and sculptors. Works by Jack B. Yeats, Titian, Caravaggio, Monet, Picasso, Vermeer and Velázquez (amongst others) are on display all year round. Plus, they have a newly renovated cafe/restaurant in case you should get hungry wandering in between all those paintings. Please note that the gallery is focusing on classic and established art - if you are looking for contemporary art please visit the Irish Museum for Modern Art, also reviewed here: http://www.qype.co.uk/place/147749-Irish-Museum-of-Modern-Art-Dublin At the time of writing the brilliant exhibition of William Turner's watercolours is still on display - please hurry if you plan to visit, due to the delicate nature of the paintings the exhibition is only open in January while it still dark enough outside. For more information please see: http://www.nationalgallery.ie/html/exhibitions.html
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Aj S.

Yelp
I love coming to the National Gallery - its so relaxing. They have a great selection from Monet, Carravaggio to more modern homegrown artists like Louis Le Brocquay. They also have a temporary exhibition this summer dedicated to Sean Scully (most of his work on display appears to be on temporary loan from the Tate Modern in London). Well worth a visit but take your time so you can appreciate it. Check their website / twitter etc for tours or special events etc.
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Jackie W.

Yelp
The National Gallery is a great place to wander and get away from the bustle of the streets. I found the atmosphere very calming and pleasing. The art is magnificent and I particularly enjoyed the exhibit of Bauhaus 100: The Print Portfolios. I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony, one of the employees, overseeing the various displays. He was very friendly and polite. Anthony offered to tell me a couple little known stories about the Portrait of Dona Antonia Zarate by Goya, and Portrait of Gay Byrne by John Kindness. His vignettes were entertaining and they made the visit most enjoyable. If you enjoy fine art and history, I highly recommend the National Gallery. Don't forget to look up and around, as the architecture and interior of the Gallery is amazing. And if you are lucky, you may run into Anthony. Who knows what other stories he has tucked away.
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Melissa B.

Yelp
Spent some time here by myself. I love going to new museums and exploring. Definitely worth a visit.
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Sarah P.

Yelp
Was a little bit disappointed on my recent visit to this museum. A lot of the rooms of the big paintings were closed off and felt like there wasn't a huge lot to see there.... Had a fascinating conversation with one of the attendants about one portrait that particularly caught my eye - looked like it had been grafitteed on! But after a lengthy discussion we found out that artist in question was great at painting people, not so good at painting the other things around them! Certainly a discussion point. Lovely cafe area and food within the museum as well that I would recommend a nice cup of coffee following your look round here.
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Sheila P.

Yelp
The National Gallery of Ireland was established in 1854, and opened its doors to the public in January 1864 with just 125 paintings. Today the collection has over 8000 paintings, watercolors, drawings and miniatures, more than 3,000 prints, 331 pieces of sculpture, vestments and objet d'art. Perhaps the gallery's most famous painting is Caravaggio's "The Taking of Christ", which was lost for about 200 years until it was discovered in a Jesuit house on Leeson Street in 1993 (it had been mistaken for a copy of the original!). You can also find works of Goya, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Bellini, Michaelangelo and any more famous artists. There is also a comprehensive collection of Irish artists - Jack B. Yeats (brother of the poet W.B. Yeats and probably Ireland's most important painter) has a whole section devoted to him. This is a great way to spend a rainy day or a lazy afternoon. Tips: Admission is FREE Has 2 entrances, one on Merrion Square the other on Clare Street. Plan on spending a couple of hours here
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Annie L.

Yelp
It's pretty shocking that the first time I went here was just a few months ago, always the way... The good stuff is right in front of your nose but you think the grass is always greener. I never doubted it's ability to awe but like your childhood home, it will always be there so I opted to explore other places. The layout of the building is appealing to any one with an inkling to explore. Rooms open up into chambers; chambers turn into corridors; classical art lapses into modern canvasses. Such a varied and intense collection but not over whelming. My personal favourite are the portraits of important Irish figures; the painting of Dr Browne had me fixated for a good 20 minutes. What better than to end the free culture with a chocolate muffin and coffee in their cafe. The food there was surprisingly good; so good in fact I've been back several times just to eat there. Sometimes you have to go home for a little while to really learn the important stuff. To really understand the Irish psyche this place is a must do; I think I get us that bit more.
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Sarah O.

Yelp
Got all my Christmas shopping done here in under an hour and without any rise in blood pressure. They even gift-wrapped everything for me for free - wahoo! Oh yeah, the world famous Yeats, Caravaggios and Burtons are nice too... (Philistine)
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Gillian B.

Yelp
When thinking about the great gallery cities of Europe, Dublin doesn't often come to mind, and that is a shame. While this charming little gallery may not hold as many of the famous masterpieces as other places, London Paris and Vienna coming to mind, I never fail to find some little gem I had missed in a previous visit and because of the lack of crowds, you can stand, examine and love each painting, getting to really know its colors, subject matter and your own feelings about it. Plus, in true Hiberno pride, the Irish painting are separated out from the rest of Europe, allowing visitors to really explore Irish paintings, an often neglected area of Art History and find beautiful, deft paintings about Irish life over the centuries. And don't get me started on the Yeats collection. It is really exquisitely handled and so easy to get lost in. This is easily my favorite place to spend one of my rare free afternoons or weekend mornings.
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Susan D.

Yelp
I enjoy a good art museum and I've been to several including the Guggenheim in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC and yes, even the Carnegie in my native Pittsburgh. I've often felt though that when visiting an art museum, it should be judged on its own merits. The collection includes paintings from the 14th century through the 21st century. I really enjoyed the exhibits on the re-emergence of Irish paintings in the 17th century. The sculpture collection mainly ranges from the 17th century up to the 19th century. I tend to be a fan of objets d'art (or decorative arts). I really enjoyed the glass pieces made by Maurice Marinot. Too bad the collection is rather small. The National Gallery hosts a good collection of prints, etchings, and drawings too. The current exhibition is Henry Clarke's illustrations on Hans Christian Anderson's Fairy Tales. These are intricately detailed illustrations, originally done in 1916. As a kid, I really enjoyed the fairy tales, so I really enjoyed this exhibition. Most of this museum is free, and that includes any audio tours available and also the temporary exhibitions. They also do concerts here, and my husband and I went to see the National Choir give an outstanding performance.
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Clive B.

Yelp
A FINE GALLERY Dublin's national gallery is great. As all good galleries should be its free and it contains some wonderful paintings from all around the world. I went in January which is a great time to go as 31 Turner water colours are displayed only in janary every year. These were left to the gallery by Henry Vaughan who as part of the behest specified they must be shown every year in January for free altogether. When I actually went there was some work underway so I think I probably only saw about 2/3rds of whats normally on display. There are some great pieces here from pictures of the seventh seal of hell to local landmarks and famous portraits. The building is very nice and like all good art gallerys much bigger than it needs to be, with airy halls and staircases. There are also a number of statues which are placed around the place as you walk around. The shop is extensive with lots of art books and prints and other bits and bobs. So spend a few hours and see some history and gaze into the past. A great way to get some free entertainment and culture as well.
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Liat F.

Yelp
Luckily enough I have a job that allows me to visit a lot of places in Dublin that I wouldn't if I didn't do my job...does that make sense? One of those places is the National Gallery of Ireland. I do like my art, but wouldn't know much about technique or value, etc if they all slapped me in the face. However, this gallery is quite a friendly sort of place in that you can go and see masterpieces, such as the Caravaggio, which I love more and more every time I see it and obscure pieces that you've never heard of. Today I went with one of my students and spent more time in the Irish section and learned a pile of information about Jack B Yeats because we bothered to listen to the audio guide as well as linger around when the tour guides were giving an art history speech about the different pieces. Super friendly staff to help you with any questions. A great shop for after and I'm sure the cafe is lovely for quenching your thirst after talking a pile of s**** about the artist's inner turmoil at the time... Go visit. It's free. Stay as long or as little as you will.