For a day of art and culture, museum and gallery hopping in Dublin is a day well spent. An inspiring way to learn the history of this city. From one of the world’s most impressive natural history museums, to stories told through the donations of locals, there’s hours of browsing to be had.

Here’s our favourite Dublin galleries and museums we think you should visit:

EPIC THE IRISH EMIGRATION MUSEUM

The world’s very first digital museum, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum showcases 1,500 years of Irish history. Moving audio and video brings to life the story of Ireland’s culture and people, and tells the tales of its past. Be sure to visit the Family History Centre, where genealogy experts are on hand to help you uncover your Irish roots. Where museums in Dublin are concerned, this one’s a family day out not to be missed.

Blue Line, Stop: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND

Home to over 12,500 works of art, the National Gallery of Ireland houses impressive paintings, water-colours, sculptures, drawings and prints. With a section dedicated to Yeats, and an award winning Millenium Wing, you can spend hours browsing your way around this peaceful gallery. A perfect place to take the family, there’s a child-friendly free audio tour guide, activities for all ages, drawing packs and much more to keep them engaged.

Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: National Art Gallery

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Home to two million species, the Natural History Museum in Dublin is one of the world’s finest. Featuring mammals, insects, birds and sea life. Displaying wildlife not just from Ireland, but all corners of the globe, you’ll be surrounded by vast and fascinating creatures from present and past. Sculptured panels tell the story of mythological figures, and exhibitions educate on zoological collections. This Victorian cabinet-style Dublin museum, part of the National Museum of Ireland, is free to enter.  

Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: National Art Gallery

LITTLE MUSEUM OF DUBLIN

This Dublin museum might be small, but it’s packed with historical gems donated by every day Dubliners. A diverse mix of treasures tell the story of Dublin’s cultural and social history in the 20th century. From the untold story of Ireland’s influential women, to where it all began for the nation’s greatest rock band U2, it’s a story told through the eyes of the locals. And there’s a guided tour included in the price with every ticket - spaces are limited, book now.

Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: St. Stephen’s Green

IRISH WHISKEY MUSEUM

Find out where the craic began at the Irish Whisky Museum in Dublin. Located at the main entrance of Trinity College, entertaining guides will take you on a journey through the ages of Irish Whisky. From its booming era, to its steep decline, and now its current day revival. Enjoy memorabilia dating back to the 1800s, and even a little tipple of the golden stuff. Then, on the way out, hit the café bar and sample some fine Irish whiskeys, Irish coffee, or whiskey cocktails. A Dublin museum that’ll delight all the senses.   

Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: College Green

IRISH MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

Ireland’s leading museum for showcasing the collection of modern and contemporary art, the Irish Museum of Modern Art brings together old and new wonderfully. Contemporary, modern-day artist displays sit alongside the works of, say, Pablo Picasso. Its regularly changing programme of exhibitions, from Irish and international artists, plus free educational and family friendly exhibits make for an inspiring day out in Dublin. Based in the 17th century Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, the building alone is worth a minute to take in. 

Blue Line & Red Line, Stop: Royal Hospital Kilmainham

The above list makes up the cultural map of Ireland’s capital. A day or three making your way around these Dublin museums and galleries is an inspiring way to learn about this animated city. Hop off at these stops and turn your bus tour into a day of history and wonder.