National Gallery of Ireland - Plan Your Visit

A Dublin Treasure

With works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio and Monet, the National Gallery of Ireland also houses a renowned collection of Irish paintings dating from the 17th century to the 20th centuries, including works by Jack B. Yeats. There are paintings of beloved Irish personalities like poet Seamus Heaney, author Maeve Binchy, former president Mary Robinson, and Olympic medalist Ronnie Delaney.

Yeats Archive

The Yeats archive includes a collection of material donated to the Gallery by Anne Yeats, as well as additional collections acquired since. These collections relate to Jack B. Yeats and members of his family and include highlights such as the artist's sketchbooks which cover over fifty years of his career, books from Yeats’s own library, a collection of journals, theatre programmes, original manuscripts, photographs, postcards and letters, as well as his own easel.

Painting and Sculpture

The National Gallery is home to an impressive range of painting and sculptures by artists from the major European schools of art whilst also featuring the world's most comprehensive collection of Irish art. Among the numerous much-loved Irish works are The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife by Maclise and The Meeting on the Turret Stairs by Burton. Other celebrated Irish artists include Hone, Barry, Hamilton, Osborne, O’Conor, Orpen, Leech and Henry.

European highlights include Spanish works by Velázquez, Murillo and Goya; Italian masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio and Guercino; French paintings by Poussin, Chardin and Bonnard; works by eminent British artists including Hogarth, Gainsborough and Reynolds; and Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.

National Portrait Collection

The National Portrait Collection dates back to 1875. Over the years the collection has been developed with paintings, drawings, watercolours and sculpture of prominent Irish individuals who have contributed to the civic, social, and cultural life of the nation. There is also a series of commissioned portraits of prominent figures from contemporary Irish life. The annual Portrait Prize, launched in 2014, has further contributed to the growth of this significant collection.

Exhibitions

The National Gallery has several ongoing exhibitions. There are also exhibitions which you can enjoy online!

Visit The National Gallery

For full details on current exhibitions, and to see the latest from the National Gallery of Ireland, visit their website.

The Cafe at The National Gallery

Brambles National Gallery Cafe is located at the main lobby and is a popular spot for visitors to the Gallery and many Dubliners. The cafe offers daily specials, sandwiches, and made to order salads.

Where is the National Gallery located?

The National Gallery is located at Marrion Square West, Dublin 2. Other attractions close by include the Museum of Literature Ireland, and the Little Museum of Dublin.

Hop-On Hop-Off

There is a 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.

Dublin Bus

You can take many Dublin Bus Routes the National Gallery. For more information on Dublin Bus routes, visit dublinbus.ie

Train

The National Gallery is located close to Pearse St. Dart Station, ideal for reaching the Gallery.

Walk

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.

Bike

There are three Dublin Bike stands available at Merrion Square. The closest station to the gallery is Merrion Square West, beside the gallery.

Luas

There is a Luas stop at Stephen's Green, 850metre from the Gallery.