Dublin Weekend Break

Museums and Galleries

Dublin has a number of galleries and museums catering for both general and specialist interests. For this reason, those on short Dublin breaks will normally manage to find something that appeals, even if it is slightly out of the ordinary.

Not surprisingly, the emphasis in Dublin is quite naturally on Ireland and its history, artists, culture and way of life, but international art and history are also covered. Ireland is a major player when it come to art and culture and at least one of these museums is worth a visit during your Dublin weekend break.

As an example, the Natural History Museum is a good family attraction and is always popular, whatever the weather.

Irish Museum of Modern Art Opened in 1991, the Irish Museum of Modern Art houses modern and contemporary works.


The Hugh Lane Gallery This city supported gallery hosts exhibitions and its own collection of modern and contemporary works. These include impressionist and postimpressionists, sculptures, stained glass, and works by recent Irish artists. Located on Parnell Square


National Wax Museum features includes characters from Irish history, a chamber of horrors and the typical Hollywood stars.


Bewleys Museum This specialty museum is all about the Irish history of coffee, tea, and chocolate and is interesting for all icluding families.


National Museum Located on Kildare Street, this is a museum specializing in everything concerned with Irish history and it has a number of significant artifacts.


Natural History Museum In keeping with all natural history museums this one holds a diverse collection of exhibits from skeletons to stuffed animals. It is a good family attraction. Located on Merion Square West.


Dublin Civic Museum An unusual museum "come gallery" that portrays Dublin in pictures and graphics from the times of the Vikings through to the present day.


National Gallery Opened in the late nineteenth century, this gallery has over 2,000 paintings and exhibits on permanent display. Located on Merion Square West.


Chester Beatty Library and Gallery of Oriental Art An eclectic collection of books (including 22,000 manuscripts), paintings, and items from other distant cultures. Located on Stable Yard.