Dublin, a city of writers, painters and players

About Dublin, a city of writers, painters and players

By the ULTIMATE Dublin Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Dublin is a city of words. MoLI brings Ireland’s writers to life in manuscripts and installations; the Abbey is the national theatre and the Gate has played on Parnell Square for generations; the Gaiety has staged opera, drama and pantomime since 1871. The National Gallery of Ireland faces Merrion Square, IMMA fills the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, and the National Concert Hall is the designated home of music in Ireland.

Galleries

The National Gallery of Ireland, IMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the RHA on Ely Place, The Douglas Hyde at Trinity and the Kerlin. The Hugh Lane Gallery is closed for refurbishment, and the Chester Beatty until the end of December 2026.

The stage

The Abbey Theatre, the Gate, the Gaiety, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre by Daniel Libeskind, 3Olympia, the National Concert Hall and the Pavilion in Dún Laoghaire.

Check the Abbey and Gate programmes before you book your dates.

Writers

MoLI, Marsh’s Library, the National Library of Ireland on Kildare Street and the James Joyce Tower at Sandycove.

Our advice: most national museums and galleries have no admission charge: check their own sites for hours.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Dublin, a city of writers, painters and players before you go.