See & do · Galleries
National Gallery of Ireland
Opening hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:15 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Grand collection of European art spanning the 14th to the 21st-century, covering all major schools.via Google
Holds a collection of European and Irish art, including works by Caravaggio, Yeats, and Vermeer.
- Good to know
- Free admission to the permanent collection.
Reviews from Google
1000% worth a visit while you are in Dublin (if you like art!) The building is home to so many beautiful rooms and architecture, along with works with some of the greats and some less well known artists as well. I absolutely loved the portrait exhibit they had on display while we were there which featured all Irish artists. Then, before we left, we got to see some incredible pieces that I didn't even know existed from Monet, Van Gogh, Hoch, Renoir, Signac, and so many more. Can't wait to come back again in the future!
Visited Picasso: From the Studio at National Gallery of Ireland and honestly — this is not a “pretty paintings” exhibition, but a journey into how an artist actually thinks. The audio guide (15 stops) makes a huge difference: without it, some works may feel confusing or even unfinished, but with context you begin to see how Picasso constantly reinvented himself — from melancholic early works to bold, playful late experiments. Helpful tips for visitors: 🎧 definitely take the audio guide — it transforms the experience; ⏰ allow at least 60–75 minutes, rushing won’t work here; 👀 focus on how styles change between rooms rather than trying to “like” every artwork; 🪑 take short pauses — the exhibition is mentally intense; 📖 read the wall texts briefly, they connect the studios to moments of his life. This exhibition is less about beauty and more about process, doubt, and creativity in motion. You may not love every piece, but you will leave thinking — and that’s exactly the point.
Visiting the National Gallery was one of the highlights of my trip to Dublin. First of all, it's free. So even if you end up spending only an hour or so because it is not your thing; you didn't have to pay. There are many services available in the museum such as large and spacious toilets, a free cloakroom and lockers, a café and a wonderful giftshop with a wide arrange of quality gifts. The museum was much larger then I anticipated. I must admit I got lost a few times because the layout is a bit confusing but that was also part of the fun, just wandering around and exploring. They have a wonderful collection, I think there is something there for everyone to enjoy. To my suprise a lot of works from Dutch painters such as Vermeer, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Steen. As a Dutch person that was fun to see. Staff was super friendly, I had a long chat with one of the staff about the collection and different paintings. I went there on a friday morning right when it opened so it was nice and quiet and the staffmember had all the time to talk. I had a wonderful time and will absolutely put this on my itinerary again for a future trip.
A lovely gallery that’s well worth the visit when in Dublin. We went at 11am on a Sunday and it was busy but not crowded at all. It’s completely free to visit but there are donation stations around. If you’d like a map or other information material it’s all donation based ranging from €2 upwards. They had a wide variety of modern and classic pieces along with an entire section dedicated to Irish artists. Highly recommend to tourists and locals alike.
Stunning collection! I liked that (mostly) each room or section was dedicated to a specific nationality (French, Dutch, Irish, etc.). There was also a collection of contemporary artists (although there were mixed in between the historical ones so that was a bit jarring, but that’s just a nickpick). Gift shop was spacious, I’d like to see more Irish artists on the “merch” (magnets, keychains). I liked the selection of books. The cafe had a good selection of gluten-free options, there’s milk alternatives. One of the servers looked a bit bothered to be serving (maybe it’s just a case of exhaustion - there is a big glass ceiling above their heads, making their work more difficult because the sun was shining, they had to shield their eyes, not to mention it must get hot). The cakes were expensive, but it’s a free museum so it’s okay. The toilets were clean enough (most of the mess is due to people being pigs, not the fault of the museum :D). Overall a good experience. And it is close to the National Museum as well, so you can visit both and not walk far.