National Gallery of Ireland Museum
Dublin national gallery displaying Irish and European art
On Dublin's Merrion Square, the National Gallery of Ireland houses Irish and European paintings from medieval to modern periods. Visitors arrive for national collections, works by Irish masters, rotating exhibitions and free access to galleries.
The National Gallery of Ireland is the state art museum in Dublin, founded in 1854 and located on Merrion Square. It holds the national collection of Irish and European painting and sculpture.
Galleries present Irish art alongside European works spanning several centuries, with rotating temporary exhibitions and public programmes. The gallery’s permanent displays cover a broad range of genres from religious painting and portraiture to landscapes and modern works.
Established in the mid-19th century through government and private initiative, the gallery expanded its premises and collection over subsequent decades to accommodate donations and national acquisitions. The institution has developed both its display space and public services to serve national and international audiences.
The museum occupies a central Dublin location on Merrion Square in the city centre, within walking distance of other cultural institutions and the Georgian district.
- Admission: Permanent collection access is generally free, though special exhibitions may carry an admission fee.
- Founding year: Founded in 1854, the gallery is Dublin's national collection for Irish and international art.
How to Get to National Gallery of Ireland#
The National Gallery of Ireland is in central Dublin on Merrion Square, a short walk from major transport links. It’s about a 3-5 minute walk from the St Stephen’s Green Luas stop (Green Line); numerous Dublin Bus routes also stop on Merrion Row/Clare Street nearby, and it’s a 10-15 minute walk from central rail stations and Trinity College.
Tips for Visiting National Gallery of Ireland#
- Take advantage of the free admission to the National Gallery of Ireland's permanent collection and use quieter weekday mornings or late afternoons to explore at your own pace.
- Prebook tickets for any temporary or special exhibitions (these are ticketed and can sell out), and check the gallery website for timed events and late openings.
- Combine a gallery visit with a stroll around Merrion Square and nearby museums-the gallery's central location makes it easy to plan a short cultural circuit.
Best Time to Visit National Gallery of Ireland#
For the National Gallery of Ireland, visit in shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to avoid peak summer crowds and enjoy a more relaxed museum experience.
Weather & Climate near National Gallery of Ireland#
National Gallery of Ireland's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (724 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 72 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
