Chester Beatty, Dublin: Hours, Address, Chester Beatty Reviews: 4.5/5
Chester Beatty
Chester Beatty
4.5
09:45 - 20:00
Monday
09:45 - 17:30
Tuesday
09:45 - 17:30
Wednesday
09:45 - 20:00
Thursday
09:45 - 17:30
Friday
09:45 - 17:30
Saturday
09:45 - 17:30
Sunday
12:00 - 17:30
About
FREE Admission. Described by Lonely Planet as ‘not just the best museum in Ireland but one of the best in Europe’ - and the only Irish museum to ever win European Museum of the Year - the Chester Beatty’s extraordinary collections from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe span centuries, continents and cultures and offer visitors a fascinating view of global artistic heritage. Donated to the Irish nation, American mining magnate and philanthropist Sir Alfred Chester Beatty's bequest is considered one of Ireland's greatest gifts. Open late on Wednesdays until 8pm. Download the Chester Beatty app, for audio tours in 13 languages, virtual walk-throughs, online collections and more!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: South City Centre
How to get there
- St. Stephen's Green • 7 min walk
- Jervis • 8 min walk
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Popular mentions
4.5
4,064 reviews
Excellent
2,992
Very good
884
Average
155
Poor
26
Terrible
7
JET1955
Bournemouth, UK15 contributions
May 2022
Informative and well-presented exhibition. Just the right size not to be overwhelming. Make sure you visit the lovely garden outside and the roof garden.
Written 24 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jenny W
Chatham, MA146 contributions
May 2022
Friend and I were told by a random guy on a bike to check this out today, so we did. What a wonderful little museum - if you like Arabic and Middle Eastern art. Beautiful, quiet, gorgeous art beautifully displayed. And the courtyard outside is just wonderful.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Malcolm H
Grimsby, UK153 contributions
Apr 2022
I don’t usually review museums and art galleries, but am making an exception for this as it was so good and so unexpected.
It was recommended by a lady in one of Dublin’s excellent tourist information offices. A collection of old books and calligraphy didn’t sound that inspiring, but we were walking through the grounds of Dublin Castle and the weather was cold, so we decided to pop-in for a quick visit. Two hours later we were still there.
The exhibits were absolutely stunning, with vibrant colours and amazing workmanship. The museum itself is beautifully designed with great architecture and brilliant display cabinets. The Chester Beatty boasts that it is has a ‘breath-taking world class collection’, and it would be hard to argue with that.
There is an enormous amount to see in Dublin, but even if the weather isn’t inclement, try to allocate at least an hour to view this fabulous free exhibition.
It was recommended by a lady in one of Dublin’s excellent tourist information offices. A collection of old books and calligraphy didn’t sound that inspiring, but we were walking through the grounds of Dublin Castle and the weather was cold, so we decided to pop-in for a quick visit. Two hours later we were still there.
The exhibits were absolutely stunning, with vibrant colours and amazing workmanship. The museum itself is beautifully designed with great architecture and brilliant display cabinets. The Chester Beatty boasts that it is has a ‘breath-taking world class collection’, and it would be hard to argue with that.
There is an enormous amount to see in Dublin, but even if the weather isn’t inclement, try to allocate at least an hour to view this fabulous free exhibition.
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Julian Crumb
Cork, Ireland92 contributions
Jun 2021
I found the displays very interesting and informative. A lot of objects to learn about and study, and I liked how these were presented. Would recommend as a visit if in Dublin
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rebecca S
2 contributions
Apr 2022
I was given a recommendation to go here after seeing Dublin Castle. The early Christian gospels on display were overwhelming to see in person and effected me on a deep spiritual level. I am so thankful for Chester Beatty and his documentation of these priceless artifacts. Definitely an unexpected highlight of my trip to Ireland.
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Regina R
Lititz, PA112 contributions
Apr 2022
Heard it was a good find and if you enjoy historical documents and ancient collectibles this is the place to see them. Amazing original papyrus writings and plenty of scrolls from a variety of religions. Lots to see so allow extra time.
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JimN3JT
McLean, VA7 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a very unusual museum in terms of content of Asian, Middle Eastern and assorted religious content. There is no question this is a gem in Dublin. I had only one disappointment and I wrote to the museum about it the day I visited but now, 3 days later, have not received a reply. The 3 Abrahamic religions are displayed in detail with artifacts from even 2,500 years ago. The Jewish section, however, is set in a corner that is underlit and seems to display only a few items. I noted to a museum manager and in a message on the museum's website that the spotlights used to illuminate the key introductions to the Christian and Islamic displays were bright and directed correctly. The spotlights on the Jewish introduction was directed off to the side in a walkway, and the lighting generally was terribly inadequate. I mean, I'd like to know more about what Beatty collected that involved Jewish history. I know that the scrolls were all Jews used 2,000 years ago, bot illuminated books and the like. Still, I have seen some printed versions of the Hebrew Bible that are from the Middle Ages. Apparently Beatty had no interest in this area. For that I am disappointed. For the spotlight issue I am just annoyed.
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for your comments. We always appreciate feedback that helps us improve the experience of the visitor. We can confirm that the lighting issue has been resolved.
Written 26 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wmartin@cme-energy.com
Boston, MA14 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a magnificent, well-maintained, well-presented collection of manuscripts, scrolls, and artwork. The top floor is quite moving with its placement of comparative religious works and the chanting in the background. It is all quite informative. The short film on A. Chester Beatty is really interesting. It is small enough to be manageable. I visited twice during this trip and i look forward to the next visit.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Susan A
8 contributions
Mar 2022
I was especially fascinated to see the collection of ancient Christian writings, older than the Book of Kells (though not as intricately illustrated).
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jerry F
Wichita Falls, TX3 contributions
Mar 2022
The Chester Beatty library has numerous rare documents and other items from the world's major religions. This library is fascinating and free.
Written 30 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Maura R
1 contribution
Is there parking at Chester Beatty?
Unfortunately there is not external visitor parking at Dublin Castle.
There are a good number of sites to park in central Dublin within walking distance of the museum.
goodlucy
Tucson, AZ
we can not find the exact website to book the "print at home" advance tickets for Dublin Castle,
they are all tours, 2 and half hours tours with something else combined. Any info on how to book the tickets?
Mary D
Dublin, Ireland
Dear goodlucy, thank you very much for your message. There is no admission fee or booking required for the Chester Beatty Library. We look forward to seeing you in the museum and we hope that you enjoy your visit.
Here is some information about Dublin Castle which I hope you will find helpful:
The State Apartments dominate the south range of the Great Courtyard. They were built as the residential and public quarters of the Viceregal Court and were the seat of the executive and focus of fashionable and extravagant social life. Today the Apartments are the venue for Ireland's Presidencies of the European Union, Presidential inaugurations and prestigious functions.
The Undercroft is sited at lower ground floor level in the Lower Castle Yard, opposite the Chapel Royal. The city walls join the Castle at this point. Here, the archway allowed small feeder boats to land provisions at the postern gate, from larger boats moored on the Liffey. The double archway and postern gate are still visible. Also on view here is the Viking defence bank, within the butt of the Norman Powder Tower. The original Tower was five stories high - the top storey being occupied by the Lord Deputy during the 16th century.
Tours of the State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal
Monday – Saturday, 10.00 – 16.45
Sunday and Public Holidays, 12.00 – 16.45
Closed: Good Friday, 24th - 28th December & 1st January
Tel: +353 1 645 8813, Fax: +353 1 679 7831
Access to the Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal is by guided tour only
The State Apartments are wheelchair accessible, however, the Medieval Undercroft is only accessible by stairs
Groups of 10 or more must be booked in advance
Foreign language tours may be available on request
Information leaflets are available in the following languages: English, Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Greek, Chinese and Japanese
Guided Tour Prices (50 minutes duration):
Adults: €8.50
Students (valid ID required)/Seniors: €6.50
Children: 12 and under: €3.00, 6 and under: Free
Group rate available on request
Self Guiding Prices
Adults: €6.50
Students (valid ID required)/Seniors: €5.50
Children: 12 and under: €3.00, 6 and under: Free
All good wishes.
Mary
Frequently Asked Questions about Chester Beatty
- Chester Beatty is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 - 17:30
- Mon - Tue 09:45 - 17:30
- Wed - Wed 09:45 - 20:00
- Thu - Sat 09:45 - 17:30
- We recommend booking Chester Beatty tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Chester Beatty tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Chester Beatty:
- The Dublin Pass with Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and Entry to Over 35 Attractions (From €70.20)
- Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From €27.44)
- Private Medieval Walking Tour in Dublin (From €66.12)
- Stories of Dublin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (From €6.63)
- Dublin Self-Guided Audio Tour (From €5.69)
- Hotels near Chester Beatty:
- (0.17 km) Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin
- (0.20 km) Drury Court Hotel
- (0.20 km) Staycity Aparthotels Dublin Castle
- (0.24 km) Hard Rock Hotel Dublin
- (0.16 km) Grafton Guesthouse
- Restaurants near Chester Beatty:
- (0.03 km) Silk Road Cafe
- (0.15 km) Darwins Restaurant
- (0.16 km) Uno Mas
- (0.14 km) Long Hall
- (0.15 km) Caffe Amore