Free Museums in Ashbourne

"You could spend hours wandering through the halls of the National Gallery, but if you only go to one room, it should be the hall devoted to the paintings of Irish artist Jack B. Yeats. The vibrant colors of his paintings are unexpected and striking, and it’s fascinating to see so much work from one painter in a single space. Accommodations:Hotels near the National Gallery of Ireland"

"The National Gallery of Ireland holds a collection of more than 15,000 works of art as well as regular exhibitions. The Gallery has been opened since 1854 and is housed in a beautiful Georgian building in Dublin city centre. The entrance is located on Clare Street."

"The Merrion Square Open Air Art Gallery is Dublin City’s only free year-round outdoor art exhibition which now has over 200 artists showing and selling their work every Sunday."

"You don’t have to go far to see a castle, as the Dublin Castle is in the heart of Dublin. It played a massive role in Ireland’s history, as it was the seat of England from 1204 until 1922. While no one lives there now, you can walk inside to see the how the staterooms used to be. There are over 11 acres to explore, including multiple museums and gardens."

"Dublin Castle can be read as a “living building” which has been adapting for over 1000 years. The center of state ceremony for hundreds of years, the building has hosted Ireland’s presidency of the European Commission, state visits, and the inauguration of Irish presidents."

"The Irish Museum of Modern Art is fortunate to be housed in one of the finest 17th-century buildings in Ireland, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which was open as a retirement home and infirmary for nearly 250 years for generations of military veterans who lived and died here. The IMMA boasts over 400,000 visitors a year and a mixture of both permanent exhibitions and temporary collections from many prominent contemporary artists. It includes ancient burial grounds, early Christian monuments, a Viking settlement and a medieval."

"This is one of the most visited museums in Dublin with more than 400,000 visitors in one year. Here you can also take part in some permanent exhibitions as well as temporary collections. It takes in early Christian monuments, ancient burial grounds and many more."

"The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art by both Irish and international artists."

"Just a short walk from Dublin’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, this permanent collection hosts some of Ireland’s most notable modern art and is free to enter. It’s named after Sir Hugh Lane, who donated a collection to the council in 1908; the works included pieces by well-known French impressionists such as Renoir, Manet, Morisot and Pissarro, and they can still be seen on display here today. There is also a room dedicated to the abstract works of Dublin-born painter Sean Scully, who has twice been a Turner Prize nominee."

"Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane – also known as the Hugh Lane Gallery – was founded in 1908 by Sir Hugh Lane, a County Cork-born art dealer and collector who died on the Lusitania. At the time of its founding as Dublin’s Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, the Hugh Lane Gallery was the first public gallery of modern art in the world. Now operated by Dublin City Council, the Hugh Lane Gallery has received bequests from the estate of Francis Bacon and a donation of eight paintings from renowned modern Irish artist Sean Scully."

"The Dublin City Gallery – Hugh Lane, most of which is housed in the William Chambers-designed Charlemont House, focuses exclusively on modern and contemporary art, with a strong representation Irish artists, Highlights are the Impressionist paintings of the Lane Bequest and the faithfully reconstructed studio of hell-raising painter Francis Bacon in all its messy glory. You might also like: Best day trips from Dublin"

"Imaginosity, the Dublin Children’s Museum, is a unique child-centred creative space for children up to nine years of age and their families. The Museum celebrates children’s imaginations on the journey from curiosity to discovery. Imaginosity offers a wide variety of workshops and classes in arts and crafts, computers, music and theatre every day in the Art Studio, in the Children's Theatre Space and in the Cyber Room – and most are free with admission."

"Imaginosity is often referred to as Dublin’s children’s museum as it is a child-centred space where kids and parents can engage in creative play together. Imaginosity contains exhibits, which are educationally designed to inspire learning through play. Address: The Plaza Beacon South Quarter Sandyford Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland"

"Suitable for children up to 9 years of age this museum has been designed to stimulate children’s natural curiosity and ability to explore. Visit the website for directions, public transport options, opening hours and prices."

"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."

"Closing our list of the best museums in Dublin is the Zoological Museum. It is housed on the grounds of Trinity College and is home to over 25,000 specimens from around the globe."

"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."

"Located in Trinity College Dublin, the Science Gallery describes itself as the place where science and art collide in a series of interactive themes and exhibitions. The Science Gallery doesn't have a set collection - the themes change every few months, meaning they're sometimes closed to the public while preparing the next exhibition. But it's definitely well worth checking their site to see what they're running during your city cycle."

"Photo courtesy of the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin. Scientific debates usually take place between the pages of academic journals, but the Science Gallery at Trinity College helps bring the issues to life for visitors of all ages. The cutting-edge exhibits touch on human perception, biomimicry, and the future of technology in the workplace."

"Hands-on, interactive and compellingly relevant, the Science Gallery is devoted to explaining the intricacies of science and how it applies to everyday life. Exhibitions explore big ideas, so bring your curiosity with you. The striking Poolberg Lighthouse is the perfect conclusion to a stroll along the Great South Wall © Cezzar 1981 / Getty Images"

"This museum is located in St. Enda’s Park in Dublin and offers insight into the home of the Irish patriot, Patrick Pearse."

"The beautiful grass and colourful flowerbeds are overlooked by the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a great day out for all, and even sits by the River Liffey."

"Covering an area of 78 acres, Farmleigh is a huge estate that was developed as an accommodation for visiting dignitaries and for the recreation of the general public. A visit to this estate will remind you of the Edwardian period and aura. There is a kind of eclecticism that defines this estate as it combines a variety of architectural designs and decors."

"A historic house holding important collections, an art gallery, a working farm, and the official Irish State guest house, Farmleigh House and Estate is open seven days a week, all year round."

"In commemoration of the Irish men and women who valiantly fought and killed during the First World War, this park was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The centerpiece of the gardens, the Circular Rose Garden pond, can be found in the Sunken Garden of Remembrance, where you can take a relaxing stroll. If you take pride in Irish history, do take a walk at the Great Cross of Sacrifice, wreathed with flowers of commemoration."

"A walk around Dublin War Memorial Gardens is a must for anyone planning to visit the Phoenix Park. The gardens are dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives during the first world war.The gardens are home to ‘rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree-planting’ and are a great place to go for a stroll, relax and reflect."

"These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914-1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the granite bookrooms in the Gardens."

"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."

"Bright and cheery Alma in Portobello is a relative newcomer on the Dublin breakfast scene. The seasonal ingredients are sourced locally but the menu has an Argentinian twist. Stop in for the bestseller, Choripan Argento, which is Argentine chorizo and a fried egg on sourdough with chimichurri, salsa criolla, caramelized onions, and a spicy hit of sriracha."

"A brunch spot with a sweet twist – Alma means soul in Spanish but is also the initials for the daughters in the family. Alma does a selection of Argentinian food using Irish produce. This makes it so much more than just the typical brunch spot."

"Pembroke Townhouse is a smart and comfortable combination of period and contemporary, beautifully located in prosperous south Dublin. Come here for an elegant but homely alternative to the big hotels – with superlative breakfasts to round off the deal."

"One of my favourite locations for wedding photos in Dublin, Trinity College is only accessible for those who can call it alma mater. But if you or your partner went to Trinity, the opportunities are endless. From the iconic and unique Trinity College Library to the Museum Building, from the quiet Rose Garden to the classical columns."

"One of Dublin’s biggest tourist attractions is Trinity College. Located in the middle of the city, it hosts the Book of Kells and attracts millions of visitors each year. Most widely photographed is Bell Tower in the Front Square, as it is Trinity’s landmark."

"The stunning gothic-tinged architecture, and the lawns where many of the greatest minds have sat make for an inspired visit. Trinity College is always a great spot to wander through, and that’s even better when you have your loving partner along for the ride."

"Before it's closure in 1924, Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol housed some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history. The prison is considered a must-see in Dublin and offers a panoramic insight into some of the most profound, disturbing and inspirational themes of modern Irish history. Pre-booking online is essential."

"Many Irish revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and executed in this prison by the British."

"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."