Chester Beatty
Chester Beatty
4.5
9:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:45 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
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!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: South City Centre
How to get there
- St. Stephen's Green • 7 min walk
- Jervis • 8 min walk
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- V8405ZManchester, United Kingdom10 contributionsChester Beatty LibraryAnother 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.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 October 2023
- Judas SDublin, Ireland31 contributionsworth a visits and spend a day here with friends or family!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!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 October 2023
- Colleen BSeattle, Washington108 contributionsA must seeOriginally 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.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 November 2023
- mayccm2018Hong Kong, China1,061 contributionsFascinating and informative museumFree 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!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 November 2023
- Anuj_MithaniMumbai, India4,515 contributionsFascinating collectionRemarkable 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.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 November 2023
- Amergín Ó1 contributionCaithfidh sibh teacht anseo!Iarsmalann den scoth. An-taispeántas, an-léargas agus an t-ádh le muintir na hÉireann go bhfuil na lámhscríbhinní seo ar fáil sa chaoi is gur féidir linn féachaint orthu saor in aisce. Bhí an iarsmalann deas fáiltiúil agus na painéil eolais ar fad i nGaeilge agus an treoraí ar an aip i nGaeilge freisin. Nach méanar dúinn.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 December 2023
- Tony McMahonLondon, United Kingdom393 contributionsFantastic for history buffsThis is a great experience if you love your history and don't mind poring over medieval illuminated manuscripts. I thought it was an amazing mix of ancient Islamic, Christian, and Buddhist texts from all over the world. It's basically the collection of a very rich couple who hoovered up lots of antique texts on their travels. It's very focussed on books, papyrus, illustrations so don't come expecting statues and mummies. Manage your expectations. Thought it was a great two hours and would gladly return.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 January 2024
- RCH33 contributionsPerfect for book lovers: short and sweetCame in on our weekend away in Dublin. Popped in after a visit to the castle (which was disappointing). This was a small short and sweet visit. Some of the texts were fascinating and some of the artistry was beautiful. This may not tickle everyone’s fancy but worth the short tripVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 January 2024
- Adrienne MCounty Dublin, Ireland35 contributionsWhat’s not to love?I did the free Sunday afternoon tour with Jo, a volunteer with the library. She interpreted the collection in a very accessible way, brought it to life for me. This is a fantastic resource to have in our city and I recommend it to anyone. And then try something authentically different to eat in the Silk Road Cafe afterwards. What’s not to love!Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 25 March 2024
- Sue HPort Elizabeth, South Africa87 contributionsLike no other museum!Once you've been to this museum/exhibition, you will never want to pay entrance fees again. Itbis beyond belief that such an impressively large display of antiquities can be free to enter. We spent 2 hours meandering, reading display notices and just being mesmerized by the displays. You can skip other museums but just not the Chester Beatty!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2024
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4.5
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breandanoscanaill
clifden county Galway63 contributions
Jan 2020
On a recent trip to Dublin I revisited the Chester Beatty Library and was very moved by the wonderful exhibitions. It is a very calm place with low lighting but full of the most beautiful books and illustrations, mostly from Asia and the Middle East. Each display is a wonder by itself, but when they are all added up the sum is truly amazing. What is also great is that this is the collection of one man, Chester Beatty, and that he presented this collection to the Irish Nation. We were extra fortunate on our visit as we had a guide from the museum who gave us so much information. Jesse, was full of knowledge and was well able to pass this information in a lively way, without loosing the facts. His explanation of the amazing Dragon Robe was a wonder. The food in the cafe is great and don't miss out the roof garden.
Written 8 January 2020
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.
John N
Leeds, UK146 contributions
Mar 2020
This little gem has a really calm atmosphere and a whole host of ancient treasures. I was particularly impressed with the exhibition featuring all of the major religions on earth and an overview of their history.
There is a roof terrace which I would imagine on a warm sunny day would be a perfect place to meditate. Unfortunately it was a little bit fresh on the day of our visit.
The photography exhibition on Siam was very unusual and is worth twenty minutes or more of anyone's time.
Top tips
1. The cafe in the late morning is very quiet and the coffee is delicious.
2. For those on a budget there is no entry charge but a donation to the upkeep is requested.
There is a roof terrace which I would imagine on a warm sunny day would be a perfect place to meditate. Unfortunately it was a little bit fresh on the day of our visit.
The photography exhibition on Siam was very unusual and is worth twenty minutes or more of anyone's time.
Top tips
1. The cafe in the late morning is very quiet and the coffee is delicious.
2. For those on a budget there is no entry charge but a donation to the upkeep is requested.
Written 13 March 2020
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.
victoriafoody
Victoria, Canada297 contributions
Aug 2019
We decided to check out this museum as our daughter has been learning about calligraphy. We spent most of time in the Islamic and Chinese calligraphy collection. It is a fantastic collection that is worth taking the time to explore. Each exhibit is a piece of art in it's own right. There is lots of information on the history of the collections, explanation of the different calligraphy styles and how they developed over the years and on the materials used to created the calligraphy. Our daughter was inspired to try her hand at calligraphy herself.
There is also an excellent bookshop which has books and gifts not seen elsewhere, let alone Dublin.
In some ways this museum was more interesting than the Book of Kells.
There is also an excellent bookshop which has books and gifts not seen elsewhere, let alone Dublin.
In some ways this museum was more interesting than the Book of Kells.
Written 5 January 2020
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.
Niamh
Dublin, Ireland63 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Hidden behind the grounds of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty library is a beautiful place you must visit. Filled with ancient stunning antique’s and historic pieces, there is so much history within these walls. There is no cost either! It’s completely free for you to walk in and take as long as you like to browse the collections and pieces.
Written 12 March 2020
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.
Taisteal
Dublin, Ireland104 contributions
Nov 2019
This free museum is in the heart of the city in Dublin Castle. It is the lifetime collection of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. The works are from the 3rd century onwards. There are many extraordinary pieces around the world. Most are priceless. Some of the rooms are darkened to protect the valuable exhibits. But the lighting is perfectly to allow you view these rare pieces.
Written 5 March 2020
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.
Jack Wilmith
Dublin, Ireland272 contributions
Aug 2020
An exceptional collection of Middle and Far East objects of religious art that we haven’t seen in any other museum in Europe, finely put together with an eloquent and highly interesting accompanying descriptions. We were stunned to see the oldest discovered manuscripts of St Paul’s Letters and other ancient Biblical texts dating back to C 3rd AD! For such a place to have a free admission is just a dream come true! An during the current Covid times it’s so quiet too- we’ve passed by 4 other persons during our 2h visit!
There is also a very quiet roof terrace, with almost no noise coming in from the city- you almost feel like in a sanctuary. Would recommend to anybody having a free afternoon in the city centre!
There is also a very quiet roof terrace, with almost no noise coming in from the city- you almost feel like in a sanctuary. Would recommend to anybody having a free afternoon in the city centre!
Written 15 September 2020
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.
Mari P
Lancaster, Pennsylvania3 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We spent about five hours in here and would have stayed longer if our feet weren't so sore! This is one of Dublin's finest gems and an absolute delight to visit. The significance and quality of the collection is on par with major global museums. We were visiting on a slow day and one of the staff, Jesse, pulled us and another nearby couple into an impromptu tour - and it ended up being one of the best museum experiences I've ever had! He was so passionate and we loved listening to him talk about various pieces in the collection. Absolutely recommend a visit (or several) to the Chester Beatty and also highly recommend a tour with Jesse!
Written 18 January 2022
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.
Kiron R
Liverpool, UK130 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
A quiet place despite being very busy. We didn't know anything about it but I heard a very good free tour guide at Dublin Castle recommending it the day before, and my wife saw it recommended in the Rough Guide to Dublin and wanted to visit the garden in front. We very much liked the high quality if expensive cafe serving food for all dietary requirements with Middle Eastern and Asian options. Also cakes and a good range of drinks. The history of Chester Beatty and his collection was probably more interesting than the actual limited selection of items on display. The higher floors were less crowded. There is much information about the major world religions, different branches of them, and associated cultures. This included a lot that I didn't know before about Islam and Hinduism for example. Lovely examples of art and bookbinding. Historic manuscripts and maps. The information signage is very good in English and usually Irish, and the shop has a good range of books, postcards and souvenirs to suit all pockets.
Written 16 June 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.
Philrost
Sheffield, UK7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
This is an absolute gem. It houses all of, and beautifully displays some of, the vast collection of early manuscripts put together by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty and given to the Irish nation in the 1950s. The parts of the collection on display include staggeringly lovely scrolls and codices from the middle and Far East and Europe. They include the earliest known manuscript of letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians, some sumptuous early Qu’rans and some quite breathtaking Chinese and Japanese painted scrolls. The collection is beautifully and informatively displayed in a brilliantly repurposed part of Dublin Castle. I was transported.
Written 15 January 2020
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.
Ficie
Reykjavik, Iceland437 contributions
Feb 2020
A must do in Dublin! The Chester Beatty collection is quite impressive. The art works on display are all interesting, and their relevance is well explained on plaques across the museum. I try to visit museums with different art styles in my travels, and this is one of the most interesting ones I have come across. Despite being compact, it's varied, and not repetitive. Entrance is free, so there really is no reason not to pop in and take a look. You will find something that sticks with you (I personally loved the Japanese stories with monsters, and the minutely decorated copies of the Quran).
Written 1 March 2020
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.
goodlucy
Tucson, Arizona
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?
Written 6 August 2015
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
Written 10 August 2015
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