About National Gallery Bookshop
Situated within the grand National Gallery of Ireland on Merrion Square West, this bookshop is a haven for art lovers wandering Dublin's premier cultural square. Overlooking the manicured lawns of Merrion Square, it's seamlessly integrated into one of Europe's finest collections of Irish and European art. The shop complements the gallery's masterpieces with an exquisite range of art books, from in-depth catalogues on Caravaggio to vibrant monographs on Irish impressionists like Jack Yeats. Feel the hush of history as you thumb through pages amid the scent of fresh ink and polished wood floors, a stone's throw from the square's buzzing cafes and the Osborne Hotel.
What to Expect
Discover exhibition tie-ins, children's art books, glossy coffee-table volumes, and niche titles on everything from Renaissance drawings to contemporary Irish sculpture. Knowledgeable attendants help navigate the stacks, and there's merchandise like prints, postcards, and sketchpads. Free entry to the gallery means you can browse post-exhibit, soaking in Degas or Vermeer before selecting a souvenir read. The atmosphere is refined yet welcoming, perfect for a rainy Dublin afternoon.
Insider Tips
Locals swear by the Friday evening openings when the gallery hums softly; combine with a square picnic of Bewley's tea and a scone. Hunt for limited-edition catalogues from past shows, often at bargain prices. Stroll out to the Wilde statue for photos, then loop back for the latest on Sean Scully. If architecture tickles you, cross to RIAI nearby. Avoid peak weekends; midweek mornings offer quiet contemplation. Their journals are ideal for sketching Trinity's spires from the square.
In Merrion Square's artistic heartbeat, this bookshop weaves gallery wonders into portable tales, making it essential for cultured Dublin days.