Chester Beatty
Chester Beatty
4.5
09:45 - 17:30
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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Top ways to experience Chester Beatty and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: South City Centre
How to get there
- St. Stephen's Green • 7 min walk
- Jervis • 8 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
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Restaurants
2,124 within 5 kms
Attractions
646 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Victoria168 contributionsWonderful free museumFascinating museum near Dublin Castle. Chester Beatty collected manuscripts from around the world and left them to the Irish state when he died. This museum showcases his collection. It was a wonderful selection of sacred texts - all very rate - from all over the world, spanning millennia. I would recommend watching the informational video near the entrance for added context. Added bonus - it's FREE! A can't miss museum for fans of rare and sacred texts. There's also a quaint little cafe attached to it, which was a relaxing place to have a coffee and relax.Visited January 2023Written 31 January 2023
- Dan HyamsManchester, United Kingdom30 contributionsAmazing for a FREE Museum! Packed with Unique Ancient Arabic Artefacts - Largest anywhere in the world!This Museum is a real gem with some unique artefacts from Ancient cultures and some of the earliest texts from Arabia and the Far East. Chester Beatty is a shrine to all things literature; from the first ever forms of text, scripture and the most basic steps to present day writing. The history from the first marks on walls/blocks from across the world is represented in some form in this museum. The museum holds the largest collection of such artefacts anywhere in the world so a truly exceptional collection! The 2nd floor is dedicated to world faiths with origin stories and artefacts from throughout the world again. There is a tranquil roof garden with views out to the castle. On the ground floor is a lovely Lebanese cafe with drinks, fresh salads, international cakes and snacks. Well worth a visit and a truly fascinating museum - worth paying good money for so it's a real gift that entry is free!Visited February 2023Written 21 February 2023
- Danica_smilePortland, Oregon12 contributionsHole in the WallThank you JESSE My fiance and I went to visit Dublin Castle. We were wandering around trying to kill time until our dinner reservation when we saw the Chester Beatty exhibit outside Dublin Castle. We had never heard of it and this place never even came up when we were researching the top places to visit in Ireland. We went inside and was going through the exhibit and Jesse stopped us. He went through explaining the whole 1st exhibit with us and we learned A LOT. He was so knowledgeable and we were so grateful we ran into him. The only disappointment we have was that by the time we got done with the 1st exhibit, we didn't have time to go through the other 2. It was also our last night in Ireland :( We hope to visit again and maybe run into Jesse again. 10/10 deserves a raiseVisited March 2023Written 10 March 2023
- Bernie KGalway, Ireland8 contributionsAmazing Place!The permanent exhibition is simply eye opening - so many unbelievable interesting and beautiful artefacts. And if that wouldnt be enough, it is free, they have events and courses that are mostly free. Staff is just wonderful and really friendly - particularly to kids! And finally: the cafe has the most amazing food, wonderful staff and great coffee! I will go as often as I canVisited March 2023Written 15 March 2023
- Quill2005Ocala, Florida188 contributionsSee the One of the Earliest Surviving Copies of the GospelsVery near Dublin Castle, itself worth a visit, the Chester Beatty Museum (free entrance) houses a very interesting collection of objects from around the world. Not to be missed are the some of the oldest surviving copies of the Gospels and some of the letters of St. Paul, truly awesome. It's worth a visit to this museum just to see those!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 April 2023
- Evelyn KGraz, Austria32 contributionsThis museum belongs to the people of Ireland - not the state!Unique thing: Chester Beatty gave his collections to the people of Ireland instead of givin them to the national bodies. So it is still a kind of self lead institution, with a deep will to give people an opportunity to learn and to grow. Wonderful place with sensational objects from various cultures. Highly awarded.Visited September 2022Written 11 April 2023
- Caity F9 contributionsGreat and free!So nice to see a free museum, this place was a great stop on our trip. They had lots of nice exhibits and are surrounded by the most lovely gardens. Right next to Dublin Castle, we stumbled onto it. Definitely worth checking out. I imagine artists and writers just hang out there in the gardens all day to work - that's what I would do if I lived nearby!Visited April 2023Written 13 April 2023
- Stefan S24 contributionsfree entrance and excellent presentation of exhibitspleasant surprise! The presentation of the exibits is fantastic. Great variety and all is nicely arranged. There is no entrance fee and it's so much better than many other museums. The book of Kells was disappointing and this was a nice surprise.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 May 2023
- Skier9175Pembroke, Massachusetts467 contributionsA nice museum off the beaten pathThe Chester Beatty Museum is a nice museum that is a bit off the beaten path as it is next to Dublin Castle but appears to be often over looked. It is free but accepts donations. The collection is nice and a visit to the museum is worth a couple of hours. Lastly, there is a nice cafe on site if you want a quick bite to eat.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 May 2023
- snoozermooseBoston, Massachusetts163 contributionsA real gem of a museumWhat a wonderful museum! So many treasures are inside, and the exhibitions are beautifully done. We couldn't believe it was all free. The museum staff were also very passionate about their jobs and very helpful in directing us to areas we wanted to see. The cafeteria inside is also top-notch as far as museum cafeterias go. While it might not be top of the list in terms of must-see museums in Dublin for most people, I'd definitely recommend it.Visited September 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 May 2023
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4.5
4,147 reviews
Excellent
3,055
Very good
901
Average
158
Poor
26
Terrible
7
Izzy S
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Really fantastic collection with a heavy focus on woodprints, scripts and artworks of different civilisations. Plus free entry, added bonus!
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara O
Rochester, IL36 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Wow! What an amazing museum! The collection was incredible. If you are in Dublin, you must make it to the ChesterBeatty. We were blown away and you will be too!
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anuj_Mithani
Mumbai, India3,887 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Remarkable range of exhibits across time periods and geographies. Had an interesting and entertaining conversation with the very friendly and knowledgeable staff member Alan on the 2nd floor. It's free to enter, do donate to support this effort.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mayccm2018
Hong Kong, China494 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Free entrance. There was collection of old manuscripts. The exhibits were interesting. The first floor included arts of the book gallery and the second floor was sacred traditions gallery. The top floor was roof garden. On the ground floor, there was a cafe there. Fascinating and informative museum!
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen B
Seattle, WA35 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Originally the Chester Beatty was something we tacked on to the end of our day. It was a maybe on our list of things to do. I’m glad we stopped in! It was stunning! The exhibits were interesting and well curated! I was enthralled by the illuminated manuscripts from Asia- stunning!
The museum is free but they do have donation boxes throughout.
The museum is free but they do have donation boxes throughout.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judas S
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
a very well organized small little muzium built by the legendary businessman Chester beauty from USA that decide to retire in Ireland. the muzium is unique comprises mainly probably Chester personal hobby collecting world religions and some ancient China artifacts. I like the concept that the muzium also play along some mantra chanting in certain religions as you could hear tibetan lamas very soothing chanting sound as well. the security guards in second floor was very welcoming and accommodating too. too bad the roof garden was closed during my visits but the ground floor cafe was superb!
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fishamble
Yorkshire, UK64 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
A reason on its own to come to Dublin. An intimate and eye widening collection of smaller treasures of the last few thousand years. The cafe and museum shop are also lovely.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denis
Hanoi, Vietnam3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great little museum with unique articles on display including some beautifully preserved ancient manuscripts. We visited to shelter from inclement weather and enjoyed our visit
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
V8405Z
Manchester, UK10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Another free attraction in the centre of Dublin and could be combined with a visit to the State Rooms and old tower of nearby Dublin Castle. A very important collection of eastern and Islamic art and artefacts donated by renowned collector Chester Beatty. How lucky we are that he donated his collection to Ireland! Very informative and good accompanying exhibits. Nice cafe too.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel 360
80 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
A treasure trove of religious writings, artifacts, etc! Absolutely stunning! This fellow didn’t just get a Guinness tee shirt on his travels! What a gift to have it here in Dublin!!
Written 27 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
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Claim your listingCHESTER BEATTY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Chester Beatty
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Chester Beatty:
- Go City: Dublin All-Inclusive Pass - Entry to 40+ top attractions (From €75.22)
- DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour with Live Guide (From €29.38)
- Private Medieval Walking Tour in Dublin (From €116.89)
- Dublin Self-Guided Audio Tour (From €8.23)
- Stories of Dublin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (From €6.39)
- 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
- (0.18 km) Premier Inn Dublin City Centre (Temple Bar) hotel
- (0.25 km) The Grafton Hotel
- Restaurants near Chester Beatty:
- (0.03 km) Silk Road Cafe
- (0.15 km) Darwins Restaurant
- (0.17 km) Brasserie Sixty6
- (0.16 km) Uno Mas
- (0.14 km) Long Hall