The Irish Museum of Modern Art occupies the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, a restored 1684 building modeled on Les Invalides in Paris and originally built as a home for retired soldiers. Its permanent collection and rotating exhibitions of Irish and international contemporary art are free to view, set around formal gardens and a grand courtyard.
| Admission | Free (permanent collection); temporary exhibitions up to €10 (~$11) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Fri 11:30–17:30, Sat 10:00–17:30, Sun 12:00–17:30; closed Mon |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons; the 17th-century Royal Hospital grounds are beautiful in summer |
| Getting there | Bus 13, 40, 79; Luas Red Line to Heuston (15-min walk through the grounds) |
| Address | Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 FW31, Ireland |
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Location
Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 FW31, Ireland
53.3422, -6.3082 View on map
Highlights
- Housed in the restored 1684 Royal Hospital Kilmainham
- Formal 17th-century gardens open to the public
- Rotating contemporary exhibitions alongside a free permanent collection
- Baroque chapel with an ornate carved ceiling
Tips for visiting
- The grounds and gardens are free to walk even without visiting the galleries — a peaceful stop between Kilmainham Gaol and the city centre
- Check the website before visiting, as gallery spaces sometimes close in rotation between exhibitions