A guide to Dublin's museums and galleries
Dublin is a beautiful city that is packed with plenty of culture, meaning a few days spent in the Irish capital will certainly make for a refined break. If you love art galleries and museums, you will definitely enjoy your time in Dublin, as it boasts many.
It can be difficult knowing where to start when on holiday in the city, with so many things to see and do. If you find a good deal for car hire in Dublin, though, you can be at your accommodation quicker than you think, meaning you will be able to make the most of your time here.
So, with your hotel and hire car sorted, the next job to do is deciding which galleries and museums to visit. Hopefully, the below guide provide you with an idea of the best ones to take in.
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is something of an historic building, as it has been opened to the public since 1864. With around 10,000 drawings, prints, sculptures and watercolours and more than 2,500 paintings housed here, you will have lots to look at during a visit. Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and Caravaggio are just some of the major artists who are showcased at the gallery.
Keep an eye out for the collection highlights. While there are many, perhaps some of the most popular are The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio, The Cottage Girl by Gainsborough and Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat by Monet. The National Gallery of Ireland is located at Merrion Square West in Dublin 2.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
If you hop in your car and head to the Royal Hospital, on Military Road in Kilmainham, you will find the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The gallery is the leading in Ireland for modern and contemporary art, making it a must-see if this area is something that interests you. Due to renovation works, the museums exhibitions are presently being housed in the New Galleries building in the grounds and at the lower level of the National Concert Hall building, so keep this in mind when you visit.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art boasts an impressive permanent collection, which includes some 1,650 pieces by the likes of Ann Hamilton, Gerard Byrne, Pierre Huyghe, Louise Bourgeois and Jack B Yeats.
National Maritime Museum of Ireland
The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is located around 6 miles from the city centre in Dun Laoghaire, a corner of Ireland you should definitely explore further if you've got a hire car. The attraction is housed within the Old Mariners Church, which was custom built for the sailors to worship in. There are lots of different exhibits here, including paintings, one dedicated to the Titanic, artefacts and displays about Ireland's coastal wildlife.
The Science Gallery
The Science Gallery is a place for those of you who like to learn more by getting involved. Housed in the renowned Trinity College, the museum not only boasts exhibitions, but also holds talks, debates and workshops that encourage you to ask the big questions and have your say. A top tip before you come here: the exhibitions change all the time, so check its website before you arrive to make sure there is something on to pique your interest.
Hack The City is currently running until September and invites visitors to take control of the city, such as hijacking billboards through augmented reality. Some of the other highlights include making your own cola, debating about how Dublin's empty estates can be put to good use and learning how to hack into wireless surveillance cameras.
