National Gallery of Ireland - What Can I Expect?
- World-class collection of European and Irish Art
- Works include Caravaggio, Monet, Picasso, and Yeats
- Located in the heart of Georgian Dublin with a cosy café and stunning giftshop
- Regular exhibitions of internationally renowned artists
- Family tours and drop-in workshops every Sunday
- Free tours throughout the week
The National Gallery of Ireland - world-class collection of European and Irish Art.
Founded in 1854, and located on Dublin’s Merrion Square West, the National Gallery of Ireland is one of Ireland’s leading institutions of cultural importance, attracting over a million visitors per year. The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection which includes sculpture, prints, drawings and objet d’art but with paintings by Irish and European artists very much to the fore.
The Irish art collection spans every period from the 14th century. Italian art comprises the second largest collection with work by Fra Angelico, Mantegna, Rubans and Titian and others.
This collection includes one of the gallery’s prize possessions, Caravaggio’s “The Taking of Christ“. A strong French section includes 17th century classicism represented by Claude, Vouet and four subjects by Poussin. The Impressionists’ Room has paintings by Monet, Sisley, Pissarro and Gonzales.
Spanish and Dutch art is also well represented, the latter collection has been recently greatly improved by donations from the Beit Collection of works by Vermeer, Metsu, Ruisdael and Hobbema.
In 2003 the National Portrait Gallery opened and now displays over 50 portraits of significant figures in Irish history and contemporary life, including a portrait of Bono by Louis le Brocquy.
Millennium Wing
As part of Ireland’s Millennium celebrations this contemorary new wing was added to the Gallery. This provides much needed additional exhibition space on two levels, one dedicated to the permanent collection of Irish art from the first half of the 20th century, the second to a programme of temporary exhibitions. The new building offers stunning architecture and a wonderful internal space for the public to enjoy, offering a stark contrast to the older parts of the Gallery/
Visiting the National Gallery
The gallery is open 7 days a week. Entrance is free, though there may be a charge for some special exhibitions. It is a very large gallery and you could easily spend several hours here, so if your time is limited it’s a good idea to visit either the old or new parts.
There is a regular and excellent programme of lectures and events, many of them aimed at kids, details of which can be found on their website.
Restaurant in the National Gallery
The restaurant in the Gallery is very good (it's currently operated by Brambles) and is a perfect location for lunch.
Where is the National Gallery in Dublin?
The National Gallery is located at Marrion Square West, Dublin 2. Other attractions close to the National Gallery of Ireland include Trinity College & The Book of Kells, and the Little Museum of Dublin
By Hop-On Hop-Off
There is a DoDublin hop on hop off tour stop right outside the Gallery. City Sightseeing Dublin, and Big Bus Tours Dublin also have a stop outside the gallery.
By Dublin Bus
You can take many Dublin Bus Routes the National Gallery. For more information on Dublin Bus routes, visit Dublin Bus
By Train
The National Gallery is located close to Pearse St. Dart Station, ideal for reaching the Gallery. Check Irish Rail to plan your journey.
By Foot
The National Gallery is in the heart of the city, and walking is a great option. The Gallery is a very short walk along Nassau Street from Trinity College, and from O'Connell Street, the Gallery is 1.5km.
By Bike
There are three Dublin Bike stands available at Merrion Square. The closest station to the gallery is Merrion Square West, beside the gallery.
By Luas
There is a Luas stop at Stephen's Green, 850 metres from the Gallery.