Are you an art-lover hoping to discover the best exhibitions in Dublin City? Look no further than our list of the top five best art galleries in Dublin, ranked.
Whether you’re interested in art or want to be but just don’t know where to start, let us guide you with this versatile range of galleries in Ireland’s capital city.
Our countdown will satisfy all tastes, featuring the work of contemporary artists such as Gerard Byrne or Irish legends like Jack B Yeats.
Discover the old, the new, and the beautiful with the top five best art galleries in Dublin, ranked.
5. Gerard Byrne Studio – one of the top five best art galleries in Dublin
Home to one of Ireland’s leading contemporary artists, the Gerard Byrne Studio reveals a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the public.
Visit the studio, admire the paintings, and see the artist himself at work, giving you a snippet of what goes on behind the scenes. The impressionist style is aimed at art enthusiasts and collectors.
Despite taking on the task of painting such different subjects in every piece, whether it’s landscapes and nature or buildings and people, Byrne still manages to capture his distinctive style with every brush stroke.
Luckily for you, the art here is for sale, so it’s time to give your space a new look with a large painting or small print.
Address: 15 Chelmsford Rd, Ranelagh, Dublin 6
4. Olivier Cornet Gallery – a sanctuary for fans of modern art
Olivier Cornet is exciting and contemporary, a real treasure on our list of the top five best art galleries in Dublin. The exhibitions here change frequently, and there is always something new to discover.
The gallery displays a diverse range of art, with paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fine art prints, digital art, and installations. It’s a good place to start if you haven’t found your niche yet.
We were very impressed by the work of Yanny Petters here, a botanical artist with many floral creations under her belt. Petters is adaptable; whether it’s an oil painting, a watercolour piece, or a glass painting on display, we appreciate and applaud her work.
Moreover, Olivier Cornet Gallery often hosts events to present Ireland’s other art forms. This could be poetry, music, or storytelling. If you’re looking for a souvenir, the art is for sale!
Address: 3 Denmark Street Great, Rotunda, Dublin
3. Trinity College – discover the art history of Ireland
Trinity College Dublin is not exactly an art gallery, but it embodies the pinnacle of art nonetheless. Here, you will find the famous Book of Kells, an ancient manuscript that dates back to Ireland’s 9th century.
Each page shows illustrations of intricate detail and Celtic filagree. This is a must-see on your tour of Dublin’s top five best art galleries.
Furthermore, Trinity has a gorgeous, enormous library, with books and mahogany shelves that seem to go on for miles. The library is a work of art on its own and is worth a visit while staying in Dublin.
Address: College Green, Dublin 2
2. Hugh Lane Gallery – enjoy the fairy-tale style of Harry Clarke
Best known for showcasing every paint splatter and torn picture of Francis Bacon’s art studio, Hugh Lane Gallery is a strong contender on our list of the top five best art galleries in Dublin.
The gallery has a lot to offer. Be sure to check out the astonishing stained glass room, home to the popular piece ‘The Eve of St. Agnes’ by Harry Clarke.
Clarke is a unique Irish artist with a dreamlike style. This art gallery is also known to host free Sunday tours and art workshops for children, what’s not to like!
The Hugh Lane Gallery, officially Dublin City Gallery, is said to be one of the first modern art galleries and is a must-visit when touring Dublin’s art galleries.
Address: Parnell Square North, Rotunda, Dublin
1. National Gallery of Ireland – the best art gallery in Dublin
Could this be the cultural heart of Ireland right in the Irish Capital? We think so! Visit this gallery to experience a little bit of everything.
Travel back in time with some superb works of art from the Renaissance period or enjoy the bright colours and playful style of Jack B Yeats.
Our favourite painting in the entire gallery has to be ‘A Convent Garden, Brittany’ by William John Leech, another Irish artist.
This painting depicts a young nun staring dreamingly at the sky. The patterns and visible sunlight in this piece will leave you speechless.
Trust us, if you weren’t a fan of art before, you will be after seeing this painting along with the thousands of others exhibited in the art galleries of Dublin City.
Address: Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
Notable mentions
Gallery of Photography Ireland: In Dublin’s bustling Temple Bar, the Gallery of Photography Ireland gives you the chance to check out contemporary photography.
IMMA: Irish Museum of Modern Art: The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland’s leading institution for displaying modern and contemporary art. Although it’s outside the city centre, you could combine it with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol, which is a short walk away.
The MART Gallery: This is an arts organisation founded in 2007 by Matthew Nevin and Ciara Scanlan. Since opening, they have curated events and exhibitions all over the world.
Jam Art Factory: Jam Art Factory, located in the Temple Bar area of Dublin City Centre, is an independent gallery and design shop that specialises in local art made in Ireland.
The Molesworth Gallery: A small but fantastic gallery, The Molesworth Gallery hosts some of the most acclaimed artists working in the country today.
Sol Art Gallery: Sol Art Gallery is a great art museum that showcases both local and international artists.
Oriel Gallery: Oriel Gallery is Ireland’s oldest independent art gallery. It is a commercial art gallery that focuses on Irish artists.
Kerlin Gallery: Kerlin Gallery was established in Dublin in 1988. It is a contemporary art gallery.
The National Portrait Gallery: The National Portrait Gallery displays depictions of beloved Irish personalities. From Seamus Heaney and Maeve Binchy to former president Mary Robinson.
FAQs about art galleries in Dublin
Which art galleries in Dublin are best for travellers on a budget?
National Gallery of Ireland, Olivier Cornet Gallery, and Jam Art Factory are among some of the best galleries in Dublin to visit on a budget.
How many art galleries are there in Dublin?
With Ireland being a very cultural country, and Dublin its capital, it would be nearly impossible to say how many! Let’s just say, a lot!
