VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at the National Gallery of Ireland Dublin

The National Gallery of Ireland, located in the heart of Dublin at Merrion Square West, is a cultural gem housing over 16,000 works of European and Irish art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Founded in 1854 and opened in 1864, it’s one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, welcoming over onem visitors in 2023. Known for its free permanent collection, world-class exhibitions, and serene atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for art lovers and families.

A visit to the National Gallery of Ireland offers a 2–3 hour immersive experience in a blend of historic and modern architecture, with four interconnected buildings, including the original Dargan Wing and the contemporary Millennium Wing. The gallery is open 362 days a year, with free entry to the permanent collection and select exhibitions. Here’s a breakdown of the core experience:

Permanent Collection:

The gallery boasts over 16,000 works, including 2,500 paintings, 5,000 drawings, and 5,000 prints, spanning the 13th century to today. Highlights include:
Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ (1602): A dramatic masterpiece with striking light and shadow contrasts, depicting Judas’s betrayal.
Frederic William Burton’s The Meeting on the Turret Stairs (1864): A beloved Irish painting of a romantic medieval encounter.
Daniel Maclise’s The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife (1854): A monumental work celebrating Irish history.
Jack B. Yeats, William Orpen, and Mainie Jellett: Key Irish artists showcasing Ireland’s paint-on-canvas heritage.
European masters like Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt, and Degas, with works such as Degas’s Two Ballet Dancers in a Dressing Room (c. 1880).
The National Portrait Collection, established in 1875, features prominent Irish figures, including a recent addition, Edna O’Brien’s portrait by Mandy O’Neill (2018 Zurich Portrait Prize winner).
Visitors can explore 54 exhibition rooms organized by period and region, offering a chronological journey through art history.

Tours and Educational Programmes:

Free Public Tours: Available every weekend at the Merrion Square entrance. Saturdays at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM; Sundays at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Sunday’s 12:30 PM tour is a family-friendly, interactive session for children and adults. Additional weekday tours are offered in summer (check www.nationalgallery.ie for schedules).
Private Guided Tours: Bookable via the education team for a personaliised experience (details on the website).
Audio Guides: Free audio tours, including a kid-friendly version, are accessible via personal devices, covering key works and offering self-guided exploration.
Atrium Creative Space: Located in the Millennium Wing, this drop-in area provides free drawing materials for visitors to create their own art, ideal for families and budding artists.
Workshops and Lectures: Artist-led drawing workshops for adults and teens run in blocks throughout the year, with details announced via the gallery’s newsletter. Educational programmes cater to schools and researchers via the Art Library and Archives.

Temporary Exhibitions:

The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, some free and others ticketed (e.g., €5 on Thursdays after 5:00 PM for select shows). These showcase contemporary and historical artists, often with a focus on Irish talent or international masters.
Photography is permitted for personal use in public galleries, except in special exhibition areas or where prohibited.

Facilities and Amenities:

Gallery Café: Located in the Millennium Wing (Clare Street entrance), open 7 days a week, serving teas, coffees, pastries, and seated meals. Gallery members get a 10% discount.
Gallery Shop: Offers unique souvenirs, including the 2025 Gallery Diary featuring works like Rachel Ruysch’s Vase of Flowers with an Ear of Corn (c. 1742). All purchases support the gallery.
Cloakroom: Free at the Merrion Square entrance, accepting coats and carry-on-sized bags (no large suitcases or rucksacks).
The gallery is fully accessible, with lifts, ramps, and a detailed accessibility map. It offers sensory-friendly resources and ISL-interpreted tours (see 2025 updates).
Photography Policy: Personal (non-commercial) photos and videos are allowed in most galleries, except special exhibitions or restricted areas.
Practical Details: Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, a 3-minute walk from Merrion Square, 8 minutes from Trinity College, and 11 minutes from St Stephen’s Green. Accessible by bus (stops on Merrion Square/Nassau Street), DART (Pearse Street, 5-minute walk), or Luas Green Line (Dawson Street, 10-minute walk). Nearby parking is available at Q-Park Setanta Place.
Monday, 11:00 AM–5:30 PM; Tuesday–Wednesday, Friday–Saturday, 9:15 AM–5:30 PM; Thursday, 9:15 AM–8:30 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:30 PM. Galleries begin closing at 4:50 PM daily (7:50 PM Thursdays). Closed December 24–26.
Admission: Free for the permanent collection; some temporary exhibitions require tickets (€5–€15, with discounts on Thursdays after 5:00 PM). No pre-booking needed for general entry, but online booking is advised for ticketed exhibitions.
Visit Duration: Most visitors spend 2–3 hours, longer with tours or workshops. The tranquil setting makes it ideal for escaping Dublin’s hustle or rainy weather.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
Founded after railway magnate William Dargan’s 1853 art exhibition, the gallery opened with 112 paintings and grew through donations, like the Dowager Countess of Milltown’s contribution for the Millennium Wing.
Its blend of historic (Francis Fowke’s 1864 design) and modern (Benson & Forsyth’s Millennium Wing) architecture enhances the visitor experience.

Picasso exhibition opens October 9 at the National gallery of ireland

What’s New

Picasso: From the Studio, opens on 9 October! The exhibition places Picasso in the context of his studios, highlighting the various facets and phases of his art and life and will feature paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and works on paper, as well as photographic and audio-visual works. Tickets from free to €16. Friends of the Gallery and under 18s go free. The exhibition is organised by the National Gallery of Ireland in collaboration with the Musée national Picasso-Paris.
The gallery is hosting accessible events, including online talks, Irish Sign Language (ISL)-interpreted tours, and audio-described tours of LGBTQIA+ artworks, enhancing inclusivity for diverse audiences. These build on the gallery’s accessibility initiatives, such as sensory-friendly resources and ISL support, aligning with its Strategic Plan’s focus on audience engagement.
X-Ray Scanner Installation: A €124,805 X-ray scanner, purchased in 2017 but delayed due to building constraints, will be operational by the end of 2025. This will enhance conservation efforts, allowing detailed analysis of artworks to inform restoration and research, enriching future exhibitions.
Strategic Plan 2024–2+4428: The plan emphasizes sustainability, digital engagement (following 1m digital users in 2023), and collection growth. In 2025, expect continued focus on free public programmes, new acquisitions (e.g., Rachel Ruysch’s Vase of Flowers with an Ear of Corn, 2023), and eco-friendly initiatives to reduce the gallery’s carbon footprint.

2026 exhibitions

The National Gallery has revealed six special exhibitions for 2026

Turner as Inspiration: 1-31 January 2026
William Blake: The Age of Romantic Fantasy: 16 April – 19 July 2026
Rembrandt to Matisse – A Celebration of European Prints and Drawings: 27 June – 8 November 2026
Hilma af Klint: Artist and Visionary: 15 October 2026 – 7 February 2027
AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize 2026: 14 November 2026 – 14 March 2027
Jan Steen: Sacred and Profane: 21 November 2026 – 25 April 2027

Tips for Visitors

Book Early for Ticketed Exhibitions: Reserve online at www.nationalgallery.ie for temporary exhibitions to secure preferred times, especially for Thursday evenings (€5 tickets).
Take a Free Tour: Join weekend tours (Saturday 12:30 PM/2:30 PM, Sunday 11:30 AM/1:30 PM) for expert insights. Family tours on Sundays are great for kids.
Visit Off-Peak: Arrive early (9:15 AM Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM Monday/Sunday) or late Thursday (until 8:30 PM) to avoid crowds.
Combine with Nearby Sites: Explore Merrion Square Park, the Oscar Wilde Monument, or Trinity College (8-minute walk). The gallery is ideal for rainy days.
Budget Wisely: Pack snacks to save on café costs. The shop offers unique gifts, but similar items will be cheaper elsewhere.
Check Accessibility: Download the Gallery Map for accessible routes and request ISL or audio-described tours in advance for June 2025 events.