Irish Museum of Modern Art
Housed in the magnificent architecture of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is home to an engaging array of contemporary work. The museum showcases the world renowned talent of artists such as Carol Rama, Simon Fujiwara, and Ireland’s own post-war realist painter Patrick Hennessy, giving visitors a well-rounded experience of modern art from Ireland and the rest of the world.
You can take part in a number of tours on your visit, including a Touch Tour and one given in Irish language. The Irish Museum of Modern Art is open from 10am-5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday, and from noon-5:30pm on Sundays and holidays, with admission free for all. You can find the museum a 15- minute bus ride or a five minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch.
Marsh's Library
One of Dublin’s cultural gems, Marsh’s Library is the oldest public library in Ireland and a landmark of the country’s heritage. The library was founded in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, and is one of the few 18th century buildings still used for its original purpose. It has since built an impressive collection of books and manuscripts – many of which are displayed on antique oak bookcases, giving Marsh’s Library a grand and luxurious finish.
The library is open from 9:30am to 5pm on Mondays and from Wednesday to Friday, and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, with admission free for under 16s and €3 for adults. You can find Marsh’s Library just a seven-minute walk from our Christchurch hotel.
Christ Church Cathedral
If you’re looking for an insight into the cultural and historical legacy of Ireland, look no further than Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral. The architectural masterpiece and ‘spiritual heart of the city’, Christ Church Cathedral was founded c. 1028 and became the centre of Dublin in medieval times, giving it a number of relics and oddities from the time – keep an eye out for the heart of Dublin’s patron saint, St Laurence! You can also drop into the medieval crypt and have a look at the fascinating memorials within, including the ‘cat and the rat’, two unusual mummified inhabitants of the crypt known to the locals as Tom and Jerry.
Opening times vary throughout the year, but are roughly between 9am and 5-7pm, Monday to Friday. Adults can buy a visitor’s pass for €6 while it costs €2 for children. You can find Christ Church Cathedral sitting opposite Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch.
Dublin City Hall
Built over 10 years at the end of the 18th century, Dublin City Hall has been used as a hub for Dublin’s trade for its early years, known as the Royal Exchange, before also being used as a hospital, and as a Garrison for the Irish Citizen Army. Now the building is a civic centre for the city, and houses a variety of historical objects such as statues of 4 famous Irishmen from Dublin’s history, a number of murals, and a mosaic Coat of Arms.
For history and culture fans there is a ‘Dublin’s City Hall: The Story of the Capital’ exhibition that tells you the story of Dublin’s civic history, with tickets costing €3.60 for adults and €1.50 for children. City Hall is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5.15pm and is a brief three minute walk from our Christchurch hotel.
Custom House
Found just off the River Liffey, Dublin’s Custom House is one of the city’s prized pieces of architecture. It was designed by English architect James Gandon, and the building has a number of statues and sculptures symbolising parts of the history, culture, and folklore of Ireland and the rest of the world.
A landmark of the city for over 2 centuries, the building’s history and cultural significance is revealed in an exhibition found in the Custom House Visitor’s Centre. It covers the development of scientific meteorology in Ireland, the story of the Custom House during the Easter Rising, the construction of the building, and the Custom House Fire of 1921. The Custom House Visitor Centre is open from 10am to 4:30pm with free admission, and you can find the Custom House just a 20 minute walk from our Christchurch Hotel.
National Leprechaun Museum
The first tourist attraction dedicated to Ireland’s mythology, Dublin’s National Leprechaun Museum lets you dive right into the nation’s charming folklore. You’ll be guided by an expert story teller through the magic of the leprechaun, including a journey to a leprechaun-sized world and a trip to the end of the rainbow – will you find the elusive pot of gold?
For a darker version of events come for the adult-only night time tour and hear some of the more twisted tales of Irish folklore! Afterwards you can visit the gift shop and take home goodies like the collected stories of Eamon Kelly or poems by WB Yeats, graphic novels based on 11th century Ireland, and t-shirts or hoodies with classic Irish designs. All of this can be found just a 7 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Parnell Street, with tours every day from 10am-6:30pm costing €14 for adults.
National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History
Part of the National Museum of Ireland, the Decorative Arts and History museum gives visitors the chance to explore the unique history and heritage of Irish decorative art, from clothing and jewellery to furniture and ceramics. Standing out amongst the displays is the Irish Silver Collection, one of the largest collections in the world with items dating from the early 17th century.
The museum also caters to history buffs with exhibitions on the history of the Irish military at home and abroad, from 1550 to today, while budding sketchers and artists are encouraged to test their skills on a range of artefacts! The Decorative Arts and History part of the National Museum of Ireland is free to enter, opening from 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday and at 2pm on Sundays. Find it just a 10 minute drive or a 25 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel on Parnell Street.
Dublin Writer’s Museum
Housed in a stunning 18th century mansion, the Dublin Writer’s Museum is a treat for literature buffs wanting to explore and celebrate the rich literary heritage of the Irish capital. Browse the various displays and learn in depth about legendary Dubliners like Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Bram Stoker.
You’ll see objects and memorabilia that give you an insight into their personal and professional lives, like Samuel Beckett’s very own phone and one of the first editions of Stoker’s renowned ‘Dracula’, while you can also attend special readings and lunchtime theatre productions that bring their great literary works to life. The Dublin Writer’s Museum is open from 9:45am-4:45pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am-4:30pm on Sundays, with admission for adults costing €7.50. You can find this treasure hove just a 5 minute walk from our hotel on Parnell Street.
