Top 10 things to do

Whether you want to visit a museum or art gallery, take in a play at one of the city's theatres, or simply wander through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, soaking up the cultural vibe, you can be assured there is a Dublin cultural experience to suit everyone. Here are a few of the museums that you can expect to find around the city. Click here to download our brochures on ‘Things to do in Dublin and the island of Ireland’ for more ideas!
 
1. National Museum of Ireland

The collections and exhibitions of the Museum are situated on four sites, three in Dublin and one in the west of Ireland in Co. Mayo.

The Museum of Decorative Arts and History at Collins Barracks has state of the art exhibitions on costume, clothing, coins and furniture.

The Museum of Archaeology and History on Kildare Street exhibits Ireland’s world famous collection of Bronze Age gold ornaments and unparalleled Irish early Christian treasures such as the Ardagh Chalice, the Derrynaflan Hoard, the Tara Brooch, the Shrine of St Patrick’s Bell and the recently restored Tully Lough Cross. These premises also house the Viking Ireland and Medieval Ireland galleries.

The third Dublin branch is the Museum of Natural History on Merrion Street. This is the oldest part of the museum and has been open on this location for a century and a half.
For further details:
T. +353 1 677 7444
or log onto
W: http://www.museum.ie

2. Dublin Writers' Museum

The Dublin Writers’ Museum is located in a magnificent 18th century mansion on Parnell Square in the north city centre. It was established in 1991 and houses works from Swift, Wilde, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett, to name but a few.
For further information:
T: +353 (1) 872 2077
or
W: writers@dublintourism.com 

3. National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish art and European master paintings. Admission to the Gallery is free.
For more information:
T: +353 1 661 5133
or log onto
W: http://www.nationalgallery.ie

4. The Joyce Centre

The James Joyce Centre is a beautifully restored 18th century townhouse location on North Great George’s Street and is dedicated to promoting an understanding of the life and work of one of Dublin’s great writers. Guided walking tours that explore the Joyce’s beloved north inner city, may be booked through the Centre.
Tours cost €10 and include admission to the Centre.
Contact: info@jamesjoyce.ie

5. The Joyce Tower

The British Army built the Martello Tower at Sandycove in 1804 as part of their defences against a feared Napoleonic invasion. It became the private residence of Oliver St. John Gogarty in 1904 when James Joyce (then 22) was invited to stay. In 1962 the Tower was opened by Silvia Beach (who published Ulysses) as a Joyce Museum.
For further information:
T: +353 (1) 280 9265
or
E: joycetower@dublintourism.ie

6. Temple Bar

The cobbled streets of Temple Bar, also known as Dublin’s Cultural Quarter or Left Bank, is a maze of theatres, galleries, shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs and cafes. Why not take in a live outdoor performance on Meeting House Square, before stopping at Fitzer’s Restaurant for excellent hospitality and service, rounding off the evening with a pint or two of “the black stuff” in one of the numerous pubs, which are everywhere you look. Temple Bar really is the liveliest part of Dublin, day and night, a wonderful example of how Dublin combines the traditional with the modern, thus creating a truly unique place to be.
For further information, see
W: http://www.templebar.ie

7. Theatres

Visitors to Dublin can enjoy a huge variety of productions in the city’s numerous first-rate theatres.

8. Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. Based in the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, the Museum opened in 1991.
For further information
T: +353 (1) 612 9900
E: info@modernart.ie
W: http://www.modernart.ie

9. The Hugh Lane Gallery

Funded by Dublin Corporation, the Hugh Lane Gallery houses one of Ireland's foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. The Gallery also hosts various events, including the Sundays at Noon concert series, which has been attracting large audiences for almost 25 years.
For further information
T: +353 (1) 874 1903
E: info@hughlane.ie
W: http://www.hughlane.ie

10. National Wax Museum

The National Wax Museum can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, perfect for a family outing. While the exhibitions mainly portray Ireland's historical and cultural development, you can also see fantasy figures, Hollywood and music stars, and of course, the highlight, the Chamber of Horrors!
For further information
T. +353 (1) 872 6340