Free Dublin attractions
Written by Karen BryanThere are many great free attractions in the Irish capital of Dublin. It’s easy to get to Dublin from most of Europe and there are generally plenty of flight deals. If you plan to visit several paid for attractions, you should investigate the Dublin Pass.
I visited three of the free attractions in October 2009 which I’ve described at the start of the post. Then I’ve listed some other free Dublin attractions with links.
Free Dublin attractions I visited
City Hall Rotunda
City Hall was constructed in the late 18th century as the Dublin Stock Exchange. It was purchased by the City Corporation in the 1850s. Entrance to the Rotunda is free of charge, downstairs in the vaults there is a multi media exhibition about History of Dublin with an admission fee.
Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane
Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane houses a collection of modern and contemporary art. The main building itself Charlemont House is a work of art with beautiful glass ceilings. My favourite paintings were “Un Matin” by Monet and “Aloe” by William Leech.
A Francis Bacon exhibition, which will run until March 2010,was being set up during my visit, so part of the Gallery was closed.
Chester Beatty Library
Chester Beatty Library is an absolutely amazing place that I’d highly recommend. It’s situated in Dublin Castle Gardens. The focus is on religion and culture with displays of paintings and manuscripts. I particularly liked the Japanese picture books.
When I visited in October 2009, the temporary exhibition, MANI: The Lost Religion of Light, was running. It was fascinating to find out about this religion which almost supplanted Christianity as it spread east and west from Persia.
Chester Beatty Library ground floor water feature
Other free Dublin attractions
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology & History and Decorative Arts & History
If you’ve visited any of these free Dublin attractions, I’d love to hear your opinion of them. Or, if you know of any other great free attractions in Dublin, please let me know and I’ll add them to the post.
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