Assembled by mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, this collection spans Egyptian papyri, Persian miniatures, Chinese jade books, and some of the earliest surviving fragments of the New Testament. Named Europe's Museum of the Year in 2002, it remains one of Dublin's best free attractions.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Fri 09:45–17:45, Sat 09:45–17:45, Sun 13:00–17:45; closed Mon |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; popular Sunday rooftop garden is best mid-afternoon |
| Getting there | Bus 13, 27, 49 to Dame Street; co-located with Dublin Castle |
| Address | Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D02 AD92, Ireland |
Weather through the year in Ireland
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D02 AD92, Ireland
53.3427, -6.2672 View on map
Highlights
- Papyrus fragments among the oldest surviving New Testament texts
- Rooftop garden terrace overlooking Dublin Castle
- Rotating exhibitions of Islamic calligraphy and Asian manuscripts
- Free admission and free guided tours on select days
Tips for visiting
- Ask at the front desk about that day's free guided tour times — they aren't always posted online
- The rooftop garden café is a quiet, affordable lunch spot away from Temple Bar's higher prices