The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the country’s most popular visitor attractions. It houses the nation’s collection of European and Irish art from about 1300 to the present day, and an extensive library and archive.
Entry to the permanent collection, and many temporary exhibitions, is free for all. Open seven days a week, the Gallery is conveniently located in Dublin City centre, a short stroll from Trinity College and Merrion Square.
Free guided tours are available at weekends. Family packs and drawing and creative writing kits are available to borrow for free. Facilities include a shop, café, and wheelchair access to all levels.
Some temporary exhibitions need to be booked in advance and have an admission charge, but there are discounts and special offers available.
Take a look at the Gallery website in advance of your visit for full details.
- William Blake: The Age of Romantic Fantasy
Arts and cultureWilliam Blake: The Age of Romantic Fantasy William Blake, a visionary artist and poet, was a defining force in Romanticism. His imaginative and unconventional works continue to inspire today.
- Pop-up Talk: Orpen's Portrait of the Artist's Parents
Family funPop-up Talk: Orpen's Portrait of the Artist's Parents Join a free pop-up talk at the National Gallery of Ireland on Orpen's Portrait of the Artist's Parents on Tuesday 21 July 2026.
- Drawing on the Lawn
Family funDrawing on the Lawn Drawing on the Lawn, our free, drop-in drawing events for all ages and abilities, returns this July to the front lawn of the Gallery near the Merrion Square entrance.
- Tipple with Art
Arts and cultureTipple with Art Explore your creative side over a glass of prosecco or soft drink in a fun atmosphere here at the National Gallery of Ireland and join in our 'Tipple with Art' event!
- The Art of En Plein Air: Summer Oil Painting Workshop
Arts and cultureThe Art of En Plein Air: Summer Oil Painting Workshop Join us this summer for a series of four facilitated en plein air oil painting workshops, taking place in July and August (weather permitting).
- Public Tour: Comedy with Underthings
Free things to doPublic Tour: Comedy with Underthings Join Underthings - Improv, an improv and sketch duo, for a tour of the National Gallery of Ireland with a twist!
- Public Tour: Irish Art
Family funPublic Tour: Irish Art Join the National Gallery of Ireland for a free guided tour exploring a selection of Irish art in the national collection.
- Photography Walking Tour: Visual Poetry – The Photography of John Minihan
Arts and culturePhotography Walking Tour: Visual Poetry – The Photography of John Minihan Join photographer Gavin Leane for a dynamic street photography workshop inspired by Visual Poetry - The Photography of John Minihan.
Call into Sweny's Pharmacy in Lincoln Place immortalised in James Joyce’s Ulysses, still selling the famous lemon soap as bought by Leopold Bloom in chapter five of Ulysses.
