http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18408 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18408 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12966 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12966 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11826
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).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11826 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11771
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11771 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11770 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11770 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7381
Admission is free along with other famous buildings in the neighbourhood such as the National Gallery and National Museum.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7381 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7237 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7237 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4823 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4823 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4328
Often there are architectural exhibitions in the basement level. It's a great way to see the inside of one of the big houses on Merrion Square.

On the same side of the square, No 45 Merrion Square is the Irish
Architectural Archive - well worth a visit for anyone interested in
Irish architecture, and you get to see even more of the interior of an even larger 18th-century Georgian house.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4328 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4188 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4188 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4167 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4167 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4149 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4149 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4140
The galleries are airy and spacious, sensitive to installation requirements and free of any overt pretentiousness. In other words, you don't have to have a deep understanding of art to enjoy the place. There is a good (if pricey) coffee shop on site.

The grounds surrounding the gallery are suitable for leisurely walking; the main avenue leads you directly to Kilmainham Gaol (about 10 minutes walk). War Memorial Gardens are nearby and the National Museum is one Luas hop away from nearby Heuston Station. Essentially, it forms the heart of the emerging museum district, and the Guinness brewery is close to hand also.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4140 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4097 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4097 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/95 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/95 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4118 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4118