We are extremely fortunate to have some of Dublin’s most iconic museums all within 5km of our front door. From art, history, literature, and much more for all tastes. The museums are great for a day out and learning about Irish culture. We’ve picked out some of the best museums close to Ashling Hotel and we recommend you check them out on your next trip to Dublin.
National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts and History Museum at Collins Barracks
This museum is one that should be on everyone’ s bucket list and better yet it is only footsteps away from us. Ideal for those history heads amongst your family or friend group, the museum delves into Ireland’s social, military, political and economic progress throughout the years. The museum is also free of charge as you get to witness and explore artefacts and exhibitions on display are examples of furniture, weaponry, folklore costumes that have been used over the years in Ireland.
EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum
The EPIC museum Dublin should be top of your list if you are visiting the Emerald Isle to get a deeper understanding of Ireland and what it means to be Irish. The museum is dedicated to the 10 million men and women who emigrated all over the world from Ireland. You uncover the story of our emigrants and how they shaped the world. Uncover 1,500 years of Irish history through touchscreens, video galleries, sensor quizzes, sensor games and audio to have an enjoyable and informative experience.
The Little Museum of Dublin
Situated in an 18th-century Georgian town house located on St. Stephens Green and described as “Dublin’s best museum experience” by the Irish Times. The museum tells the story and history of Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. Suitable for both adults and children, tour guides give children special attention throughout their tour of Dublin as they fill in worksheets, quizzes and in return get a prize and a badge for their participation. The treasures, photographs and artefacts in the museum are donated by Dubliner’s which shape the museum and tell Dublin’s story.
Dublin Writers Museum
Literature fans listen up, The Dublin Writers Museum is designed for you and other budding writers or literature enthusiasts. Come inside as the museum showcases the work of world-famous Irish literature icons including W.B Yeats and James Joyce. Personal items, books, letters and portraits are on display in the museum for visitors to enjoy. The museum holds exhibitions, readings and has a special room devoted to children’s literature so the museum is suited for everyone.
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Showcases the fascinating stories of those laid to rest in the cemetery. There is an impressive collection of statues and headstones from the simplest to the magnificently ornate. Historical Irish figures such as Thomas Ashe, Michael Collins and Countess Markievicz are all buried in this cemetery. There are exhibitions on throughout the year in the museum as well as guided tours. Visit the graves of Irish heroes and listen to the extraordinary stories told about them.
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is located at Merrion Square and interprets, creates and showcase art in a way that makes those with even a small knowledge of art, want to experience and learn more. The team aim to provide an outstanding experience that inspires an interest and an appreciation of art for all.
GPO Museum
The GPO Museum is both a captivating and interactive experience telling Dublin’s biggest historical moment – the 1916 Easter Rising which happened right on the GPO grounds. The tour guides will tell you all that a happened on that famous day as well as some modern Irish history. This museum is ideal for any history heads or perhaps so keen tourists wanting to discover more about Ireland and its history for independence.
Kilmainham Gaol
One of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe Kilmainham Goal opened its door in 1796 and finally shut in 1924. It witnessed some of the most heroic an tragic events in Ireland’s emergence an independent nation. Now a major museum visitors get the opportunity to have a real insight into the lives of prisoners and what they had sacrifice for their country. The tour also includes an audio visual presentation.
Ashling Hotel front desk team are always happy to help with directions and any queries you may have throughout your stay.
If you’re looking for a perfect spot to explore Dublin, celebrate a hen party, a couples getaway or a family trip, be sure to check out our Ashling Hotel packages. Escape to Ashling Hotel for an overnight break with full Irish breakfast, comfortable luxurious guest rooms, delicious award winning food and cocktails and beer at our Iveagh Bistro. Book directly online or with our team for exclusive offers, not available anywhere else.