I'm kind of a bum when travelling: I like to do all the free things, because they're free. You should spend money on the plane ticket, and that is all. Also, free things are the things the locals do, and so give you more of a feel for the place.

Anyway, the Hugh Lane is awesome, and admission to the gallery is completely free. Some great modern art. It also, amusingly, houses the (reconstructed) studio of Francis Bacon, with all its contents in disarray.

Here's a list of other FREE things/places in Dublin to see:

www.ruba.com/guide/Jessica_Colley/Top_FREE_Things_To_Do_in_Dublin

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A five minute stroll from the top of O'Connel Street is the recently renovated and extended Hugh Lane, the official Dublin City Municipal Art Gallery. Its bright, naturally lit spaces make it one of the most pleasant places to spend an afternoon in Dublin, especially if it's raining. The highlight is an exact recreation of the chaotic studio of Francis Bacon, which you view through the room's windows and door. There is a wide variety of painting, photographic and stained glass and sculptural work on display, both modern and classical, a well stocked art book shop, and chic (if slightly pricy) cafe. Best of all, it's totally free.

Parnell Square North.

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The Chester Beatty Library is a wonderful collection of old manuscripts and artefacts of Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and a few of its offshoots.

The importance of the items and the background on them is very impressive, and the museum hosts a very elegant and complete display of the works (beautiful garden enclosed within the old Dublin Castle as well).

The Chester Beatty Library.
Dublin Castle,
Dublin 2,
Ireland
Tel: (+353 1) 407 0750
Fax: (+353 1) 407 0760
Email: info@cbl.ie
www.cbl.ie/

The Chester Beatty Library and Galleries are situated in the gardens of Dublin Castle in the heart of the city centre. They are a two minute's walk from Dame Street via the Palace Street Gate of the Castle and close to Christchurch Cathedral (enter via the Ship Street Gate of the Castle). Nearest DART Station: Tara Street.

Bus Routes
13, 16, 19 & 123 (from O'Connell St)

Open

October - April: Tuesday - Friday 10.00am-5.00pm
May - September: Monday - Friday 10.00am-5.00pm
Saturday, 11.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday, 1.00pm - 5.00pm
(Closed 1 January, Good Friday, 24, 25 and 26 December, Monday public holidays)

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Ireland's National Gallery (not to be confused with the nearby National Museum sites!), tucked away near the Dail (Parliament) buildings, is home to a collection that's quite simply staggering.

There are over fifty rooms which take you through the ages of Irish art, from 17th century painters to the extraordinary work of Jack B Yeats - WB's brother. There's plenty of Italian Renaissance painting and Dutch masters to keep you going as well, and some great modern Irish portraiture. Add a fantastically-stocked shop and two great cafes to the mix and well, you've got the makings of a whole day's worth of wonder, and occasional repose.

National Gallery of Ireland
Merrion Square West
Dublin 2

www.nationalgallery.ie/

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Dublin has several good art galleries. My favourite were the Douglas Hyde Gallery at Trinity College, the Gallery of Photography at Temple bar and the National Gallery's Millennium Wing near Merrion Square.

Douglas Hyde Gallery: Trinity College, Dublin; tel: tel +353 1 896 1116; www.douglashydegallery.com
Gallery of Photography: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar; tel: +353 1 671 4654; www.irish-photography.com
National Gallery: Merrion Square West & Clare Street; tel: +353 1 661 5133; www.nationalgallery.ie

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If you have any interest in contemporary art you have to visit the Douglas Hyde gallery when you're in Dublin. It's not commercial and has without a doubt the best exhibitions (and lecture series) of any art institution in the city. It's a strange deep box space which must be difficult to install work in, but often makes for interesting shows. It's right in Trinity college, so will probably be on your tourist trail.

Trinity College, Nassau Street entrance

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