Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Enniskerry

"Chester Beatty Library is located directly adjacent to the Dublin Castle and is free. It houses the collections of Sir Charles Beatty, who made his name in mining. Admission is free, and guided tours are available for a fee, but check the tour times when you plan to visit so you can adjust your day accordingly. The treasures are displayed in two collections, “Sacred Traditions” and “Artistic Traditions.” Upon his death, Mr. Beatty bequeathed these priceless and sometimes rare items to the Irish People."

"Unexpected and splendid: the Chester Beatty Library, with its remarkable collections of Oriental, Islamic and Western art and books, is simply one of the finest museums in Ireland. This collection was gifted to the Irish State by Chester Beatty, an American mining magnate. The permanent 'Arts of the Book' and 'Sacred Traditions' exhibitions showcase the Library's treasures, which include Chinese jade books and Biblical papyri in state-of-the-art galleries; other exhibitions change regularly."

"Nestled behind Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty is the only museum in Ireland to have won the European Museum of the Year award. Its vast collection of religious artifacts from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa is unparalleled. Works from 2700 B.C."

"Like all our galleries in Dublin, IMMA is a fantastic place to explore for kids of all ages, to fuel and inspire little imaginations though their interactive exhibitions. The grounds of the gallery alone are beautiful and perfect for a good run around with the little ones. All of their exhibitions are always free for under 18s and the size and scope of the IMMA campus makes it a great destination for children."

"Like all our galleries in Dublin, IMMA is a fantastic place to explore for kids of all ages, to fuel and inspire little imaginations though their interactive exhibitions.The grounds of the gallery alone are gorgeous and perfect for a good run around with the little ones."

"The Hugh Lane Gallery is one of Dublin's other great, free attractions that features the collectors collection which he bequeathed to the State along with over 2000 works of contemporary and modern art. The main attraction is the painter Francis Bacon's studio which was relocated in its entirety from London and gives an incredible insight into the cluttered, haphazard nature of the artist's method. The building itself, located on North Parnell Square is beautiful and airy - the perfect place to peruse slowly."

"Hugh Lane was an Irish collector and public figure who opened the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, one hundred years after his death the Dublin City Gallery pursues his legacy. It’s located on Parnell Square in Charlemont House a very original building in this arena. You can admire there the bequest of Sean Scully works or the studio of the iconic Francis bacon."

"The Hugh Lane Gallery has an excellent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as short-term exhibitions. But one thing really draws people to this gallery: the Francis Bacon Studio. When the artist died in London, his entire studio was transported back to his hometown of Dublin."

"This museum is one that should be on everyone’ s bucket list and better yet it is only footsteps away from us. Ideal for those history heads amongst your family or friend group, the museum delves into Ireland’s social, military, political and economic progress throughout the years. The museum is also free of charge as you get to witness and explore artefacts and exhibitions on display are examples of furniture, weaponry, folklore costumes that have been used over the years in Ireland."

"Once the world’s largest military barracks, this splendid early neoclassical grey-stone building on the Liffey’s northern banks was completed in 1704 according to the design of Thomas Burgh (he of Trinity College's Old Library). It is now home to the Decorative Arts & History collection of the National Museum of Ireland, with a range of superb permanent exhibits ranging from a history of the Easter Rising to the work of iconic Irish designer Eileen Gray (1878–1976)."

"National Museum of Decorative Arts & History – A museum that will appeal to both art and history lovers. It is filled with decorative arts, jewelry, furniture, costumes, weapons, Asian art, & history exhibits."

"The Olivier Cornet Gallery on Denmark Street represents some incredible contemporary Irish and international artists, who's works include painting, sculpture, ceramics, fine art prints, photography and installations. They're always running incredible exhibitions too, so have a look at their site to see which artists they're showcasing at the moment."

"The Gerard Byrne Studio, Art Gallery is home to a display of Gerard's paintings and is aimed at art enthusiasts and collectors."

"Nestled between two lakes, haunting Glendalough (Gleann dá Loch, meaning 'Valley of the Two Lakes') is one of the most significant monastic sites in Ireland and one of the loveliest spots in the country, centred on a 1000-year-old round tower, a ruined cathedral and the tiny church known as St Kevin's Kitchen. It was founded in the late 6th century by St Kevin, a bishop who established a monastery on the Upper Lake's southern shore and about whom there is much folklore."

"This cozy family-run place pulsates the spirit of an Argentinian-Irish amalgamation, offering a refreshing all-daybreakfast experience that takes their guests on an unprecedented culinary adventure. While the name means ‘soul’ in Spanish, it also stands for the initials of the four daughters in the family which runs this thriving café. The cafe resonates with health and happiness."

"This Portobello café stunned me twice this year - once upon a "first look" visit and a few months later while on the hunt for the tastiest pancakes in Dublin. Run by an Argentinian lady whose parents and siblings have also moved over since it opened to lend a hand. There are four sisters in the family, which gives Alma its name - each letter representing a sister."

"Alma in Portobello are giving away a free coffee with every pancake order today. They're also selling a pancake set on their website here."

"Not only do they do amazing coffee, which we talk about in this article here, Square One also prepare a mean brunch. They do all the classic brunch recipes while also adding a few more original plates, such as blueberry, lemon, and ricotta pancakes and grilled peach French toast. The café is light and spacious and is currently doing takeaway brunch and outdoor dining to continue serving during COVID restrictions."

"Dubliners around Dawson Street grab one of the best vegan-friendly cuisines around the city in Tang Coffee—another famous restaurant around Dawson St. They offer three, widely-varying menus—breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Their signature dish during breakfast is the Buckwheat Pancakes—for only €8.75 your squishy buckwheat pancakes are served with greek yogurt, fresh berries, pecan nuts, honey, and almond butter."

"Mimicking American diners of the 1950s, Irish retro-restaurant chain Eddie Rocket’s does dessert better than any of its rivals. Their chocolate brownies and cookie sliders are widely celebrated, but their milkshakes and malts made with premium dairy ice cream could qualify as desserts in and of themselves – the imaginative menu blends heavenly flavours like Kinder Bueno, Oreo cookie and Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cup."

"Sure it's a burger joint, but I think Eddie does a decent burger – and the milkshakes are the best in the land. Kids are king in this place, with colouring books, kids' menu and a gift on leaving. The menu is more of a treat, but the music and speed of service sometimes makes this the best choice."

"The restaurant is hidden behind a Korean supermarket so make sure to venture into this unfamiliar territory if you are in the neighbourhood. It’s very close to the centre, located on Great Strand Street, close to Liffey River and it’s a rave among the Asian community in Dublin (I initially heard about the place from my Taiwanese friends) so you know that the flavours are as authentic as possible. Apart from being heavenly delicious, the place is ridiculously cheap, I had a kimchi fried rice for just €6.50."

"Dublin 1It doesn’t look like much from the outside… just a run-of-the-mill Korean grocery store on a quiet side street. But right at the back is a tiny little restaurant serving up the best Korean food in Dublin (and at a bargain of a price, too). It’s more of a canteen -- don’t dawdle when you’re ordering and grab the first seat you see."