15 Best Museums in Dublin 2023

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is a great city for culture, with some of the best museums in the world. In addition, Dublin has been an important hub for Irish history and artworks for centuries, resulting in some fascinating museums preserving its iconic past to educate visitors from around the globe.

Head straight to our Top List👇

Every corner you turn, there’s something different on offer, ranging from engaging exhibitions to interesting, insightful displays allowing tourists and locals to explore and learn more about Dublin and its rich history.

One museum visit that stands out amongst many people’s highlights visiting Dublin is The Chester Beatty Library Museum, ranked as one of Europe’s premier cultural institutions presenting over 20,000 manuscripts, rare books, prints, drawings, paintings etc. It also provides outdoor areas within its grounds where stunning gardens boast colourful flowers, adding charm to this beautiful attraction. This library is worth taking your time out, either day or night, to allow an awe-inspiring educational experience perfect for everyone who wants to enrich their minds by learning about treasures brought together at this unique museum!

The National Gallery of Ireland, located in Merrion Square, is another must-see venue displaying modern masters alongside Irish excellence, presented through quality historical pieces by national and international Artists spanning centuries. On entering, rewind back into old school times when looking up towards ornate ceilings dotted with panels filled with stories drawing imaginations away into fantasy realms!

Think tank stations provide interactive activities alongside workshops available, perfect for individuals wanting to develop creative skills, further giving inspiration which will last long after leaving Merrion square.

Free Museums in Dublin 2023

Top Cultural Attractions in Ireland: An Insider’s Guide to the Best Museums in Dublin

Guinness Storehouse

⭐ A Personal Take on Guinness Storehouse:

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Hey, have you ever been to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin? If not, let me tell you that this place is incredible! I recently visited and had an amazing time. The organization and setup are great; everything flows so smoothly from one area to another. And the view from the top floor gravity bar is simply breathtaking!

The history of the Guinness brewing company, spanning over 250 years, is beautifully presented on each of the seven floors. From learning about ingredients and production processes to packaging and advertising – there’s something for everyone here. They also have several bars and restaurants where you can relax with a pint of freshly brewed beer.

Apart from informative displays, there are interactive exhibits like making your own perfect pint or personalized certificates for completing tasks! Even my teenage son enjoyed it thoroughly.

I would highly recommend visiting this iconic museum when in Dublin. It’s one experience that should not be missed! However, do remember to book tickets in advance as there may be lines forming outside otherwise. Trust me; it will all be worth it once you’re immersed in this fantastic world full of Guinness lore!

👍 Our Reasons for Recommending:

• Wonderful time in Guinness building!
• Must-do adventure, memorable experience.
• Interactive history of iconic brewing company.

🙏 Areas for Improvement & Potential Drawbacks:

Our thoughts on how to improve, based on online feedback and our personal experiences. Please keep in mind that reviews may reflect specific situations.

• No Complains or Recommendations

💁All the Facts About: Guinness Storehouse

Name	Guinness Storehouse
Website Map Whatsapp Call
Website	https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/
Address	St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
Contact Details	(01) 408 4800
Opening Hours	Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Google Rating	4.4 Stars out of 5
Total Reviews	16108+ reviews

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is an amazing place to visit if you love art. Located in the heart of Dublin, this gallery offers free admission and is a hub for some truly incredible artwork by renowned Irish and international artists. Through its permanent collection and various temporary exhibitions, the National Gallery of Ireland promotes awareness and appreciation for the rich history of art. The strong range from portraitures to abstracts allows visitors to get immersed with masters like Vermeer, Monet, Caravaggio etc.

The beautiful building presents itself as part cultural attraction part historical site surrounded by lush gardens completing its unique atmosphere where one can enjoy leisurely strolls along with their artworks watching sessions! There are also frequent workshops conducted here for children as well as summer programmes giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity through visual arts education, which it provides completely free of cost. All these facilities make the National Gallery Of Ireland worth visiting once, no matter which corner you’re coming from.

So don’t miss out on your share of this enriching experience next time you’re planning a trip around city central!

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

The National Museum of Ireland is an amazing location for anyone interested in Irish history, archaeological discovery and cultural experiences. Located in Dublin 2 it’s the largest museum in the city and features a vast array of artefacts that date from Neolithic times up until today. Visitors can experience exhibitions dedicated to pre-historic Ireland, Viking discoveries, medieval artefacts, the age of exploration and more. In addition, there are many interactive videos throughout, making the whole experience both educational and fun.

What really stands out at this museum however is its beautiful building with incredible architecture as well as its wonderful customer service which always receives positive reviews online. The overall atmosphere is cheerful yet subdued, so you really get to appreciate all the historical artefacts on display without being rushed or bothered by other visitors or staff members. It’s clear this place has been creating unforgettable experiences since its opening over 100 years ago and continues to do so every year!

In conclusion, we have no doubt when recommending this great landmark for anyone who wants to fully immerse themselves in Irish History & spend some quality time exploring world-famous pieces of culture not found anywhere else! With free admission, what more could one ask for? A must-visit!

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

At EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, visitors of all ages can explore the story of Ireland and its people’s global influence through a captivating mix of interactive exhibits, art installations and storyline-driven experiences. This impressive museum traces its stories across time and around the world. An unforgettable experience to learn about different places in a fun way! You will be taken on an inspiring journey that reveals how émigrés helped shape the world today.

A must-visit for anyone interested in discovering this unique aspect of Irish history! The exhibition runs chronologically from early migration to modern times – featuring extraordinary tales including politicians, scientists, outlaw artists and much more! Visitors enter with ‘passports’ that are stamped as they progress through each room, which is great for those with young children wanting to make it extra interactive.

Highly recommend bringing your own headphones with you so you can access the free audio tour via an app instead of paying for them (mainly just for hygiene purposes). Don’t forget; tickets here are reusable within 30 days, which makes visiting again super easy whenever needed/wanted!

Irish Whiskey Museum

The Irish Whiskey Museum is located in the heart of Dublin, one of Ireland’s most charming cities. It offers an entertaining and immersive experience for visitors who wish to learn more about whiskey’s history. The six interactive galleries offer guests a unique journey through the world of iconic Irish whiskey brands and how they were made centuries ago, with expert commentary from passionate guides.

On top of that, guests can also look forward to enjoying samples at the end of their tour – three glasses if they take part in the regular tour or four glasses if they take up a premium tour option! This is a great way to visit some iconic historical sites while sampling some delicious whisky.

What’s more? Don’t forget to take advantage of their Early Bird Special where tickets get cheaper before noon each day! If you want to great deal while tasting amazing whiskeys, this service is worth visiting every time you come around Dublin City Centre!!

Dublinia

Dublinia museum is a perfect place to go for all ages and nationalities in Dublin. It explores the rich history of medieval Dublin, taking the visitor through 600+ years with interactive displays, activities, hands-on experiences and audiovisuals. The 2-hour experience is broken up into various sections such as Viking & Medieval Dublin and British & Modern Dublin, so you can experience what life would have been like throughout different periods in time.

The exhibition spans 3 floors with plenty to keep visitors occupied, including a fun quiz at the end which tests your knowledge of historical facts regarding Ireland’s capital city. There is also an opportunity to climb their replica tower should you wish for some jaw-dropping 360 views over the city from 20 metres above ground level! All this combined makes it well worth visiting if you want something both educational and unique that can cater for everyone’s interests – kids and adults alike will guarantee to love it here!

National Museum of Ireland – Natural History

The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History is an incredible experience for adults and children alike. As the oldest natural history museum in the country, it has been charming visitors with its Victorian charm for over 150 years – and still remains essentially unchanged from when it first opened to the public in 1857. With extensive galleries featuring animals from Ireland and geological specimens from a total collection of two million scientific artefacts, there is no shortage of stellar exhibits to explore. Even better, admission to this marvellous institution is free!

Families can spend hours here discovering everything that the Natural History Museum has to offer- like marvelling at giant ice-age elk skeletons or squealing in delight at a massive selection of bugs. It’s also a perfect spot on those rainy days when you just need some time out indoors; plus little kids can appreciate feeling tiny amidst such grand displays of science and nature. And even though renovations are currently underway on the top floor – which will be worth experiencing once completed- visitors don’t have to miss out because they can still visit much larger lower-level attractions such as birds, fishes, and other unique creatures from around our world.

Book your own tickets online if possible to avoid long waits at busy times – so everyone can get excited about stepping inside one Dublin City centre gem this summer!

National Museum of Ireland-Decorative Arts & History

The National Museum of Ireland is worth visiting for anyone who wants to learn about the rich history, culture, and art of Ireland. Located in Dublin’s Collins Barracks, visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries containing an impressive array of artefacts, objects, and paintings from across the centuries. The main attractions include war-related items such as wax figures representing real people or aircraft; cultural themes with regards to traditional fashion and jewellery; natural sciences including glaciers and polar habitats; all kinds of instruments used throughout Irish history like harps, clocks etc.

Another great aspect of this place is that entry to the museum is free! It certainly represents excellent value considering it has occupied 22 acres since 1793. Visitors will have plenty to keep them busy here – there are over 50 exhibitions that tour through various time periods along with a research library which houses more than 13000 books related primarily to Irish archaeology manuscripts, antiquities photography prints and drawings among other things.

For families looking for something fun right outside their doorstep on a nice day out or scholars researching for projects (who want respite from their studies!), the National Museum in Ireland should be at the top of your list of visitations. From children’s activities to events outdoors suitable for everyone, this spot offers up some amazing sights and insights into Irish culture you won’t forget any time soon!

The National Wax Museum Plus

The National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin is a unique experience. It features wax figures from historical and popular culture, along with interactive games and displays. Visitors can explore three floors of exhibits featuring Irish notables like W.B Yeats, political events such as the Easter Rising, cultural icons like Elvis Presley and David Bowie, an immersive horror walk, a fantasy section for kids, a mirror maze and much more! Not only is it educational but also entertaining making it perfect for both adults and children.

National Wax Museum Plus offers couples packages where you can have your own wax hands made together or take advantage of their Óir Gnó package to strengthen business relations while discovering Ireland’s national heritage – all under one roof! With everything that they have to offer, it’s no wonder they have over 3900 reviews averaging 4+ stars on Google! Whether you’re looking to discover some Irish history or just to have a fun day out with friends or family, this is the place for you!

Irish Museum of Modern Art

For art lovers looking for spectacular modern art experiences in Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is a must-visit destination. Located at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, IMMA is at once a comprehensive collection of contemporary and modern artworks as well as an iconic building that has been beautifully restored and accented by its outdoor tree-lined garden promenade. With collections coming from over 50 different countries around the world, every visit to IMMA offers something new to see, explore and learn about.

The museum also hosts several rotating exhibitions throughout its duration each year, including stimulating installations like ‘Unbroken Ladder’ – a large exhibition which reflects on contemporary experiences of immigration and diaspora through imaginative design solutions. These types of curated motifs are commonplace among visitors’ descriptions of their experience here; one customer we spoke to described it as “a peculiarly intimate place” filled with moments like these that allow for people’s imaginations to be piqued beyond simple visual stimulation.

Aside from providing captivating artwork displays onsite, IMMA runs additional events such as lectures given by renowned curators or workshops devoted to tackling big abstract topics like life-changing decision-making processes within our own lives or entrepreneurship tactics being employed today. All activities come without any additional entry fees too – so why not take a stroll out of this amazing museum during your next stay in Dublin?

The Little Museum of Dublin

Every traveller should pay a visit to The Little Museum of Dublin, located at 15 St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Ireland. It provides visitors with an intriguing and informative journey into Irish history within thirty minutes. With convenient hours 7 days a week, travellers can experience the unique atmosphere and vivid culture that has shaped Dublin for hundreds of years!

The knowledgeable tour guides add to the experience by delivering stories about art, influential figures from different eras, as well as important movement such as the Irish Revolution compellingly. Furthermore, interactive tours keep guests engaged through sharp visuals – including picturesque photographs taken of various iconic buildings throughout time – as well unexpected Q&A which occur frequently during each tour. These intimate discussions make for fantastic bonding opportunities when visiting with friends or family members!

The Little Museum does not disappoint; it serves its patrons with excellence due to its powerful reviews on Google (3318+) receiving 4.6 stars out of 5 customer ratings – featuring comments like “I could not have asked for a better tour” – this museum is proved worthy of any bucket list additions! Don’t miss out on your chance to learn more about Dublin in just one juicy thirty-minute session – check out The Little Museum today!

National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland

The National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland is a magical and captivating experience, with interactive activities to get visitors fully immersed in the stories of Irish folklore. Its various multimedia displays help bring these legends to life for all ages, enabling them to appreciate the special culture of this beloved land.

The museum’s enthusiastic guides provide personal interactions that tell exciting tales about leprechauns and their histories, bringing out the best parts of Ireland’s heritage in an entertaining way. In addition to its storytelling elements, the museum also has a gift shop filled with interesting books from different genres so visitors can take home a tangible reminder of their visit.

With its friendly staff, entertaining tours and engaging displays wrapped around fascinating history and captivating legend, visiting this charming establishment is sure to be an enjoyable experience fit for any family or group day out!

Hugh Lane Gallery

The Hugh Lane Gallery is a great place to visit for those interested in museums, art history, and culture. Located in Charlemont House at Parnell Square, North Dublin, this art gallery features world-renowned works from artists such as Monet and Degas that date back centuries. Aside from the impressive galleries boasting some of the most remarkable pieces of impressionist paintings and sculptures, The Hugh Lane Gallery also hosts weekly concerts taking place every noon that are chosen expertly to highlight its historic building.

One of the key attractions here is the Francis Bacon studio which takes visitors on a unique journey through Bacon’s life with plenty of detail about his work, expressions, and philosophy portrayed harmoniously within tasteful exhibition space. Not only can you explore exhibitions dedicated solely to Bacon, but there are also lectures too with special guests who discuss his artistic credentials among like-minded creatives.

What is more another beautiful feature in this fantastic establishment can be found when one discovers Harry Clarke’s stained glass work Titled ‘The Eve OF St Agnes’. If all this wasn’t enough to inspire even further there’s also a bookshop as well as cafe adding extra facilities which should keep any visitor happy no matter how long their stay may be!

Chester Beatty

The stunning Chester Beatty Library is a must-see for anyone interested in seeing one of the world’s greatest collections of manuscripts and other rare artefacts from across multiple faith traditions. From Islamic, Indian, and East Asian Art and culturally significant items to European works on paper, visitors can take in thousands of unique objects that demonstrate creativity throughout history.

As well as showcasing breathtaking art from different parts of the world through multimedia displays, there are plenty of interactive activities for visitors such as the beautiful audio production ‘Voices’ where you listen to music formatted into stories – fascinating! To top it off, they also have a handy gift shop, so you can pick up souvenirs or books to fuel your newfound knowledge.

With over 1746 positive Google reviews and loads more every day testifying to its quality, it’s no surprise that this place gets five stars out of five!

Kilmainham Gaol

The historical setting of Kilmainham Gaol is unmissable. This former prison in Dublin has been stunningly restored and preserved, giving visitors a unique insight into the history of Ireland’s struggle for independence. The tour takes about an hour and takes you through different wings of the gaol, as well as its museum. With our Office of Public Works (OPW) card, we were able to save on tickets but even without the cards, I would have happily paid the entry fee anyway because this service was that worth it!

On top of witnessing this fascinating piece of Irish history, our tour guide David was incredibly informative and passionate when telling stories throughout the tour – truly brought it alive with his enthusiasm! From hearing accounts from political prisoners to seeing restoration efforts come to life, we could not recommend visiting Kilmainham Gaol enough if you’re looking for a memorable experience in Dublin. We had access to the museum after completing our tour, which further enhanced what we experienced during the roughly 1-hour exploration around the grounds.

We can wholeheartedly say that if you enjoy exploring historic places or just generally learning about Ireland’s past, then walking through these walls is something everyone should do at least once! Make sure to book ahead, though; their tours tend to sell out quickly due to high customer reviews like ours. It will be an unforgettable journey back in time – trust us!

What are some Tips before visiting a Museum in Dublin?

Visiting some of the best museums in Dublin is a great way to get a better understanding of the city’s history and culture. From interactive experiences that bring its rich culture alive, to access to unique artifacts, artworks and more – there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore different areas of science, art or history in one place.

Here are some tips to help maximize your experience when visiting these attractions: 

• Plan ahead by researching museum websites and book tickets beforehand if necessary 
• Aim to visit during off-peak times so you can avoid crowds 
• Take advantage of any discounts available such as student rates or family packages  
• Check out free exhibitions on offer at certain times throughout the year  
• Make sure you give yourself enough time so that you don’t rush through your visit

What are the pros and cons of visiting a Museum in Dublin?

The museums in Dublin provide a great educational resource for visitors and are an excellent way to gain knowledge of the city’s past. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking to explore art, science or history – there will be something that appeals to your individual interests.

However, due to the popularity of these attractions they can become crowded during peak times and it can be difficult to get around easily. Additionally, some of the more popular destinations may require tickets in advance which you should plan ahead if possible.

But overall visiting the best museums in Dublin is well worth it as you’ll have access to unique exhibits and interactive experiences that bring its rich culture alive!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best museums in Dublin are a great way to explore its history and culture. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking to explore art, science or history – there will be something that appeals to your individual interests.

With access to unique exhibits and interactive experiences that bring its rich culture alive – these attractions provide an excellent educational resource for visitors. However, it’s important to plan ahead by researching museum websites and book tickets beforehand if necessary; aim to visit during off-peak times; take advantage of any discounts available; check out free exhibitions on offer at certain times throughout the year; and make sure you give yourself enough time so that you don’t rush through your visit.

All in all visiting the best museums in Dublin is well worth it as you’ll gain a better understanding of the city’s past while having plenty of fun!

FAQs about Museums in Dublin