National Gallery of Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
Visitor Information
Museum Address
Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
Ticket Prices
Free (exhibitions vary)
Featured Artists
1 artists in database
The National Gallery of Ireland opened in 1864 on Merrion Square in Dublin, founded with a strong collection of Old Master paintings. The gallery holds over 16,000 works, with particular strength in Irish art, Italian Baroque, and Dutch Golden Age painting. Jack B. Yeats (brother of the poet W.B. Yeats) dominates the Irish collection, and Caravaggio's The Taking of Christ, rediscovered in a Dublin Jesuit house in 1990, is the gallery's biggest draw.
The collection includes a fine pair of companion paintings by Gabriel Metsu: Man Writing a Letter and Woman Reading a Letter (both 1665). Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Velázquez are also represented. Entry is free. The gallery sits between Merrion Square and Clare Street, a short walk from Dublin's Georgian quarter.
National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin, Ireland houses 2 masterpieces in our database, including works by Gabriel Metsu. Notable works include Woman Reading a Letter and Man Writing a Letter.
Famous Works at National Gallery of Ireland
Browse 2 notable artworks in our database. Click any work to see details and plan your visit.
Visiting National Gallery of Ireland
Caravaggio's The Taking of Christ, rediscovered in 1990, is the star piece. Gabriel Metsu's companion paintings, Man Writing a Letter and Woman Reading a Letter, are also key works.
Yes, the permanent collection is free. Some special exhibitions charge admission. Open six days a week (closed Monday mornings). The Dutch Golden Age galleries on the upper floor are often quieter than the ground floor.
Gabriel Metsu's letter paintings are standouts. The collection also includes works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age masters. The Beit Collection donation in the 1980s significantly strengthened the Old Master holdings.
On Merrion Square West in Dublin's Georgian quarter, near the Dáil (Irish parliament) and Trinity College. Multiple entrances face Merrion Square and Clare Street. Metsu's letter paintings are in the Dutch galleries on the first floor.
Jack B. Yeats (brother of poet W.B. Yeats) dominates the Irish wing with bold, colorful scenes of Irish life. The gallery also covers Irish art from the 17th century onwards. Romantic Irish landscape painting is a particular strength.
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Browse Our CollectionPlease note: Artwork locations and display status may change. Some paintings may be on loan, in restoration, or moved to different galleries within the museum. We recommend contacting National Gallery of Ireland directly to confirm specific artwork availability before your visit.
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