The National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin)

Located at leafy Merrion Square in the heart of Dublin is the immense National Gallery of Ireland, which houses over 14,000 paintings and sculptures from celebrated Irish and European artists. It is the country's most prestigious gallery, spanning over 500 years of art encompassing everything from iconic Dutch and Flemish masters, Italian renaissance and post war surrealism. On short breaks in Dublin, you will have the chance to explore in detail the most famous Irish paintings from the 17th century to the present day, and it houses the most comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom.

 

Ardent art buffs can easily spend hours browsing the vast permanent collection, housed in a series of well-lit historic and modern wings. There is pretty much something for all tastes. Be inspired by prominent works by Titian, Rembrandt, Picasso and Vermeer or stately English portraits by Hogarth and Gainsborough. On cheap city breaks in Dublin, you can take full advantage of free entry to the National Gallery, which includes complimentary guided and audio tours.

 

The National Gallery has a multitude of facilities to enhance the experience for all enthusiasts, from history of art scholars to young children. You can attend free public lectures, there is a library and research facility, sketching and painting courses and family friendly creative classes designed for all ages. In fact, there are innumerable fun opportunities for younger art lovers with storytelling, treasure hunts and interactive history workshops. Whatever time of year you take a Dublin weekend break, there is sure to be a prestigious temporary exhibition taking place reappraising some of the art world's most iconic paintings and showcasing more obscure modern works. There are often unique exhibitions devoted to classical sculpture, furniture and photography too.