Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Malahide

"These include the Irish government state apartments, which are used for official state engagements, as well as the Garda (Irish police) Museum and the Chester Beatty Library museum. All of these can be visited. Visiting the main Castle, which includes the State Apartments, requires a ticket, and you can either do a self-guided tour or a guided tour. The former is free for holders of the Dublin Pass."

"Within the Dublin Castle complex are also the Garda Museum (Irish Police museum) and the Chester Beatty Library museum. Both of these are free and worth visiting, especially the library museum, if you have time."

"The Chester Beatty Library is a popular museum that reflects the world’s most relevant religions and cultures: East Asian, Western and Islamic."

"Situated within the imposing 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is an impressive setting for modern art, one with a cobblestoned courtyard, gardens, and pretty benches overlooking the grounds. The collection itself consists of more than 3,500 pieces, with about 250 works on display at any given time. Although IMMA is a bit outside the city center—about a 30-minute walk from Dame Street—you can combine it with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol, which is 15 minutes away by foot."

"There are a number of great free museums in Dublin which include the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Hall, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Also keep an eye out for discount cards, coupons, and special deals to save money on tickets, tours, and meals."

"Out in Kilmainham, IMMA is worth a visit for the striking building and gardens alone. Contemporary art is spread throughout the former hospital, with free guided tours available too."

"The Hugh Lane Gallery is the first known public gallery of modern art in the world. Founded in 1908 by Sir Hugh Lane, an Irish art dealer, collector and gallery director, it includes a permanent exhibition and other revolving exhibitions, mostly by contemporary Irish artists. Be sure to visit the stained-glass room, which contains a popular piece called “The Eve of St. Agnes,” as well as other stained-glass work from 20th-century glass artists."

"This is the first known public gallery of modern art in the world. Founded in 1908 by Sir Hugh Lane, an Irish art dealer, collector, and gallery director, it includes a permanent exhibition and other revolving exhibitions, mostly by contemporary Irish artists. Be sure to visit the stained glass room, which contains a popular piece called “The Eve of St. Agnes,” as well as other stained glass works from 20th-century glass artists."

"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."

"Collins Barracks have a collection encompassing millennials of mesmerising objects, from jewellery and coins, through clothing and furniture, to weapons and vessels. Given that there are four floors of artifacts to see and depending on your child’s age, you may like to reference the guidebooks or floor plans. This will help you to manage the tour and potentially make it more focused on specific items for younger children."

"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."

"You’d be forgiven for walking past Platform 61 and not knowing what you’d missed. This underground eatery, tucked away on South William Street, is inspired by New York’s Track 61, a secret underground passageway for VIPs that was built in 1913 and is thought to still be in use. Platform 61 opened in 2015, but is a little-known Dublin gem."

"Nunki Tea House opened at the start of the summer and it's the most darling spot for a cup of tea or bubble tea. Along with tea in precious Japanese porcelain cups, they serve delicious sweet treats including a classic bubble tea waterfall cake. It's a really cute spot, deffo worth a visit."

"If you find yourself hungry or thirsty in Dún Laoghaire, Nunki Teahouse is always a good call. For some serious refreshment, they have a range of cold fruit teas including pineapple, orange, watermelon, and a totally tropical mango cloud yogurt tea."

"For pizza slices as big as your head at €3 a go, you cannot beat DiFontaine’s Pizzeria, right in the heart of town on Parliament Street. Don’t expect a five-star setting – this is a counter-and- stools kind of place – but the pizzas are excellent. Your cheap-as-chips slice will have a good base, deliciously melting cheese and a robust tomato sauce."

"I absolutely love this place, if not for their delicious vegan pizza, then for their kind and friendly staff. It has that New York pizzeria feel that sometimes I just crave. When I went to try a slice, the owner shared a story about how they came up with their recipe."

"Unashamedly modern, recently extended and upgraded, and enjoying a delightful location on the edge of its namesake manicured park, the Herbert Park Hotel offers smart service, space, comfort, excellent facilities and lovely views in a tranquil and relaxed south Dublin setting."