Get ready to tour Ireland’s capital city! We’ve rounded up info on three must-visit museums to give you a glimpse of Ireland’s past, present, and future.
National Museum of Ireland
LOCATION: Three of the museum’s sites are in Dublin and a fourth is in County Mayo.
- Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin
- Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin
- Natural History, Merrion Square, Dublin
- Country Life, Turlough Park, County Mayo
WHY YOU VISIT: Founded in 1877 the National Museum of Ireland houses an amazing collection of relics from days gone by on the Emerald Isle, thus giving visitors insight into the country’s history. From furniture to Viking artifacts, there’s something for every Irish enthusiast spread across four unique sites that are in themselves worth the visit.
DON’T MISS: The special programming for both adults and children. From mystery-solving adventures to an introduction to geology and guided tours, there are numerous ways to take your visit one step further and get behind-the-scenes information.
Admission to the museum is free.
Guinness Storehouse
LOCATION: St James’s Gate, Dublin 8
WHY YOU VISIT: If you’re a Guinness fan (and who isn’t?), you’ll love the interactive experiences spread across seven floors of the storehouse. Each floor offers an in-in-depth look at what makes Guinness Ireland’s (and perhaps the world’s) most-loved ale. From advertising artifacts to learning the art of the perfect pour at Guinness Academy, each area is dedicated to an aspect of the brew.
DON’T MISS: The 7th floor’s Gravity Bar where you can enjoy a pint along with a 360° view of Dublin.
Please note: Advance booking is recommended for the Guinness Storehouse.
IMMA | Irish Museum of Modern Art
LOCATION: Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
While the art is contemporary, the structure that houses the collection is a 17th century building that originally served as a home for retired soldiers and was restored by the government in 1984 before it became home to IMMA.
WHY YOU VISIT: As the name implies, this is Ireland’s most comprehensive collection of modern art, with a focus on pieces from the 1940s to present. In the museum’s permanent collection, you’ll have the opportunity to see more than 3,500 works by both Irish artists as well as those from around the world. Additionally, the museum often hosts exhibitions that focus on either a subject, idea, or particular artist.
DON’T MISS: The live interaction experiences. One of the museum’s missions is to create a connection to contemporary life through art. Therefore, a number of the works or exhibits are interactive and encourage visitors to participate. For example, you might find live performances or music, food presentations, or even gardening as a part of the museum’s experiences.
Admission to the museum is free.