Overview
The National Gallery of Ireland is No. 73 in The Art Newspaper's survey of the world's most visited art museums, with 1,049,638 visitors in 2025, down 1% on 2024. It opened in 1864 on Merrion Square in Dublin.
Its collection covers European painting from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and the story of Irish art. Entry to the collection is free.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest. Check the official website for hours.
Highlights & collections
-
1
The Taking of Christ
Caravaggio's dramatic painting, on indefinite loan to the gallery.
-
2
Vermeer
Woman Writing a Letter, with her Maid.
-
3
Irish art
Works by Jack B. Yeats, Roderic O'Conor, William Orpen and others.
-
4
European masters
Paintings by Velázquez, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet and Picasso.
-
5
Millennium Wing
A modern wing on Clare Street, used for major exhibitions.
Getting there
The gallery has entrances on Merrion Square West and Clare Street. Pearse DART station and the Dawson Luas stop are within a few minutes' walk.
Visiting tips
- Tickets & hours
- The collection is free; some exhibitions charge. Check the official website for hours.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
- Currency
- Euro (EUR). Cards, including contactless, are accepted almost everywhere.
- Visa & entry
- Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen Area, and it runs its own border controls. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries do not need a visa for a short visit. Check irishimmigration.ie for your nationality.
Official information: National Gallery of Ireland (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
Map
Open in Maps View larger map Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors