About National Gallery of Ireland
A short hop from Grafton Street across Merrion Square, the National Gallery of Ireland stands as a beacon for art lovers in the Grafton Street area. Founded in 1854, this neoclassical powerhouse houses over 17,000 works spanning 700 years, from Caravaggio's brooding The Taking of Christ (stolen and recovered in Dublin's underworld!) to Jack Yeats' vibrant Irish landscapes. Free entry makes it one of the best free museums near Grafton Street. Stroll sun-dappled wings filled with Vermeer, Goya, and modern masters like Louis le Brocquy. The Millennium Wing adds airy modernist space, while the café overlooks lush gardens buzzing with bees in summer.
What to Expect
Discover Irish art from medieval triptychs to contemporary installations, the Yeats family room is a highlight, capturing the soul of the Aran Islands. Audio tours guide you through Renaissance masterpieces, with sensory details like the earthy oils and gilded frames. Special exhibits rotate, like recent Monet loans. It's spacious, so no rush; linger in quiet corners with the faint echo of footsteps on parquet floors.
Insider Tips
Enter from Clare Street (5-min walk from Grafton); Wednesdays till 8pm for after-shopping culture. Download the free app for hidden gems like the Degas pastels. Families: kid trails available. Lunch at the Terrace Café, try the soda bread. Art buffs, hit the Print Room by appointment. In December, festive hangs add sparkle. This gallery's your cultured escape from Grafton Street's retail frenzy.
With world-class collection and prime location, it's essential for any Dublin itinerary.