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National Gallery of IrelandvsMarsh's Library
Both Marsh's Library and National Gallery of Ireland are endorsed by expert reviewers. On balance, National Gallery of Ireland scores slightly better than Marsh's Library. National Gallery of Ireland has a TripExpert Score of 91 with positive reviews from 8 reviewers such as Time Out, Let's Go and Fodor's.
National Gallery of Ireland
Fodor's
Concierge
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Michelin Guide
Let's Go
Condé Nast Traveler
U.S. News & World Report
Frommer's
Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
From $0/night
Fodor's "One of Europe's finest smaller art museums... the collection holds more than 2,500 paintings and some 10,000 other works." Full review
i
A highlight of the museum is the major collection of paintings by Irish artists
Concierge "A fine seven-century-wide collection of European art and... introduction to Irish painting."
Travel + Leisure "A standout collection of European masters. Articles Surprising Dublin." Full review
Time Out "This gallery houses a small but fine collection of European works from the 14th to the 20th centuries." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The National Gallery has one of Europe's best collections."
i
The Irish art (17C-20C) is of course exceptional
Let's Go "With works by such luminaries as Velasquez, Vermeer, and Caravaggio, this museum is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Though relatively small, the National Gallery of Ireland holds an extensive number of works by Irish artists." Full review
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"If you're an art lover, make sure to save some time for this extensive (and free! ) museum, which has housed Ireland's national art collection since 1854." Full review
i
If you're an art lover, make sure to save some time for this extensive (and free!
Frommer's "This museum houses Ireland's national art collection, as well as a collection of European art spanning the 14th to the 20th centuries." Full review
i
All public areas are wheelchair accessible.
Marsh's Library Fodor's
Lonely Planet Time Out Michelin Guide Condé Nast Traveler Travel + Leisure
Atlas Obscura
The Telegraph Michelin Guide
Independent Show All Reviews
St Patrick's Close, Dublin
From $0/night
Fodor's "When Ireland's first public library was founded and endowed in 1701 by Narcissus Marsh, the Archbishop of Dublin, it was made open to "All Graduates and Gentlemen"." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"This magnificently preserved scholars' library, virtually unchanged in three centuries, is one of Dublin's most beautiful open secrets, and an absolute highlight of any visit." Full review
Time Out "This is the oldest public library in Ireland (and the only 18th-century building still used for its original purpose)." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The first public library in Ireland was built in 1701 by archbishop Narcissus Marsh. There are 25 000 volumes here." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Though you can’t browse the books themselves, selected tomes are displayed according to changing themes. " Full review
Travel + Leisure "One of the most atmospheric spots in Dublin, Marsh’s Library is a hauntingly beautiful building, which has barely changed in three centuries." Full review
i
At the back of the library, there are three ornate alcoves with wire doors, used as “reading cages”—readers would have been locked in when they were studying a rare book, to avoid theft.
Atlas Obscura "The oldest public library in Ireland. " Full review
The Telegraph "Tucked into a quiet street behind St Patrick’s Cathedral lies a handsome Queen Anne-era building, surrounded by pleasant gardens." Full review
i
Come here for atmospheric reading rooms, excellent and frequently changing exhibitions and a colourful history – and be sure to have a look at the cages into which readers were formerly locked in order to stop them stealing the books…
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The first public library in Ireland was built in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh." Full review
Independent "The 18th century Marsh’s Library looks exactly as it did 300 years ago, the shelves heaving with giant leather-bound tomes and the intoxicating scent of old books filling the air"
Microguides
May 13, 2022
