Dublin Art Galleries

Couple looking at paintings in the National Gallery of Ireland, a well known Dublin art gallery

Luke McLeod | Last Updated 26/09/2023 | 7 Minute Read 

Art is all around us. In Dublin, Art Galleries are dotted along our streets, colleges and even in our hotel. The Arthaus Boutique Hotel, is inspired by the spirit of the world-famous Bauhaus school of art and design.  

Throughout the hotel you will find an art trail featuring some of our favourite pieces in our gallery. This array of art features pieces to delight and explore the thoughts about our context in the world at large.  

Our Luxury Boutique Hotel has been designed to be a stylish sanctuary. Offering substance and a cheeky twist.  

On a monochrome backdrop, we have added layers of intense colours, geometric design elements and delicate naturalistic pieces. Creating an unapologetically plush and opulent space for guests to enjoy 

Jump to Gallery

The National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland is home to a collection of Irish and European art, covering all major schools. Offering free access to their permanent collection, a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland can be a rewarding experience, without any cost.  

Officially opening to the public in 1864, the gallery has transitioned many times to what it has become today. In 2017 the newly refurbished historic wings were reopened to the public.  

The gallery has a vert notable piece by Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ. This piece was thought to be lost or destroyed, only to be found in a scholar house in Dublin in 1993. Another notable artist on display is Jack B Yeats, brother to W.B. Yeats and Olympic Medalist.  

Don’t hesitate to check out their offer of guided tours or take a virtual tour to prepare for your visit. The National Gallery of Ireland is found less than 15 minutes’ walk from the Arthaus Hotel. 

The Green Gallery

Found just outside the door of the Arthaus hotel, the Green Gallery is on the top floor of St Stephen’s Green shopping centre. This unique area brings the gallery to life. Bright lights from the sky, bustling sound from the stores below, and the friendly smiles of shoppers all make the Green Gallery what it is today.  

The gallery has a number of exhibitions each year, while also boasting a retail from world renowned artists like Ronnie Wood, Graham Knuttel and Miles Davis. If you’re a tourist visiting the Green Gallery, you’ll be delighted to know that they offer worldwide shipping.  

Dublin City Gallery – The Hugh Lane

Open Tuesday to Sunday the Hugh Lane Gallery is a Dublin Gallery with a great history and amazing exhibitions. Boasting permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions, the gallery focuses on both Irish and international artists.  

The Hugh Lane Gallery is currently displaying the “Andy Warhol Three Times Out exhibit”. This runs between October 6th, 2023, and January 28th, 2024. You can see over 250 works from museums and private collections in Pittsburgh, Canada and Europe.  

The Stained Glass work of Harry Clarke is on display In the Municipal Gallery. The piece illustrates “John Keats’ the Eve of St. Agnes”. Clarke’s stained glass is most notably of religious works, so this piece is one of few outside a church. There is also a piece in Bewley’s Café, a short walk from the hotel down to Grafton St. 

One of their most intriguing permanent exhibitions includes the studio of Francis Bacon. This was carefully moved from London with all of its content. Resulting in a never seen before comprehensive database of the entire contents of a world famous artists' studio.  

Ever dreamed about visiting a famous artist’s studio? Now you can do it and only a short walk or drive away from Arthaus Hotel. 

The Royal Hibernian Academy

Founded in 1923, the RHA is one of Ireland’s main public art galleries hosting exhibitions of Irish and International artists. The RHA is one of the country's oldest ``artist-led visual arts institutions’’.  

The RHA has a diverse exhibition programme, displaying both traditional and new art forms. You can find pieces by RHA Academicians, up-and-coming names and nationally and internationally recognised artists.  

Now with five different gallery spaces, the RHA lives in a new modern Dublin city centre building. Admission is always free to the RHA, and a tour can be arranged for your group. Plan your visit to the much loved Dublin Art Gallery, Royal Hibernian Academy on your stay in our boutique hotel, just a 12 minute walk.  

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

Home of the National collection of modern and contemporary art the museum’s magnificent building was first opened in 1684. It was a home for retired soldiers housing up to 2,500 people at one point.  

At present, IMMA has six exhibitions on display.  A site installation sits in the IMMA courtyard, Kind Words can Never Die was created by Navine Dossos. Aiming to bring together our Internal and External Worlds. This exhibition challenges the viewer to think about the intimate effects of climate change. You can visit this display until 30th of April 2024.  

Internal exhibition from Jo Baer showcases her collection of artworks inspired by her stay in County Louth between 1975 and 1982. The series of six works completed between 2009 and 2013, was fuelled by Baer’s continued research into Irish Neolithic artefacts and myths. 

There is also a stunning garden, a graveyard and a series of sculptures on the site grounds. IMMA is another Art Museum in Dublin that is free admission, with the exception of special exhibitions. Discover the special exhibitions on at IMMA during your stay.  

Stay and Save at the Arthaus Hotel

Explore some of our favourite Dublin Art Galleries and relax in the heart of Dublin’s Cultural quarter. Just seconds form one of Ireland’s most well-known venues.  

Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in one of our boutique rooms in the heart of Dublin. Inspired by the best of the Bauhaus Art Movement. Our stylish and creative rooms are the perfect touch of luxury to begin your Dublin journey. 

Our artwork in the Boutique rooms features works inspired by the Bauhaus teacher Wassily Kandinsky. He is often hailed as the pioneer of abstract art. In his own words, ‘’Colour is a power which directly influences the soul. 

Enjoy a fresh full Irish Breakfast on each morning of your stay.  

National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History

The former military barracks is home to two fascinating collections:  Decorative arts which include silver, ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing, jewellery and coins. The Eileen Gray collection explores the life and work of the Iconic 20th century designer. On display, Eileen’s Adjustable Chrome Table and the Non-Conformist Chair add to a range of personal photographs and ephemera.

While the military history collection tells Ireland’s military and revolutionary past showcasing, uniforms, weapons, aeroplanes and tanks. There are a number of permanent collections on display. Highlights of these exhibits are the Irish Wars 1919 to 1923, and the Asgard ship.  

In December 2023, a very special exhibition is planned. Alison Lowry: (A)Dressing Our Hidden Truths was nominated for the Annual Global Fine Arts Awards 2019: Global Humanity category in addition to a nomination for the Annual Global Fine Arts Awards 2019: “YOUniversal” and “You-2” people’s choice awards. This is a must see on your trip to Dublin’s Art Galleries. 

Like many National museums admission is free to permanent exhibitions. Plan your visit to the decorative Art Museum now.

Chester Beatty Library

The Chester Beatty collection is undoubtedly a hidden gem in the city's heart. Located on the grounds of Dublin Castle gardens the gallery holds very interesting collections that include European and Japanese prints, manuscripts, rare books and other treasures from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.  

There are currently two exhibitions on display. “Arts of the Book” and “Sacred Traditions” are running concurrently on different floors of the art gallery.  

You can join in on lots of activities, talks, films or tours for free at the gallery. Each week there is a new activity with many running over consecutive weekends.  

There is no admission charge to the library, but they do accept donations. The suggested donation is €10. The venue is closed on Mondays between November and February. Plan your trip to the Chester Beatty now.   

Old Library & The Book of Kells – Trinity College

One of the greatest libraries in the world the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin houses one of the most precious books in history which is the 1,200 years old Book of Kells.  

The €18 ticket gives access to both the Book of Kells exhibition and the stunning library ‘’Long Hall’’, where a book collection of more than 400 years old rest on tall shelves spread around the 2 floors. The Long Room library is synonymous with both Harry Potter and Star Wars fans, even though it was not used in filming.   

The Book of Kells is a 9th century manuscript that was produced over a 200-year period. It is permanently on display in the Long Room library.  

A specialist turns the page of the book roughly every 8 weeks, so if you have visited this attraction before, the chances are it will be a different page on your next visit. Sculptures and other objects are also part of the permanent exhibition.  

So, you see, Art really is all around us. From when you wake in your cosy room to the minimalist designs of IMMA to the classical masterpieces at the National Gallery. I hope to have helps you find your way around Dublin’s Art Galleries.  

Our philosophy at the Arthaus is that of Paul Klee, “Art does not reproduce what we see. It makes us see.'' We hope it makes you see the world in a different way as well.  

The Wrap Up

So, you see, Art really is all around us. From when you wake in your cosy room to the minimalist designs of IMMA to the classical masterpieces at the National Gallery. I hope to have helps you find your way around Dublin’s Art Galleries.  

Our philosophy at the Arthaus is that of Paul Klee, “Art does not reproduce what we see. It makes us see.'' We hope it makes you see the world in a different way as well.

About the Author 

Luke McLeod is the Arthaus Hotel’s travel and culture editor. Hand-picking must-see experiences, venues, places to eat in and much more for you to enjoy on your next holiday in Ireland.   

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