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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Top ways to experience Chester Beatty and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighbourhood: South City Centre
How to get there
  • St. Stephen's Green • 7 min walk
  • Jervis • 8 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • V8405Z
    Manchester, United Kingdom10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chester Beatty Library
    Another 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 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 7 October 2023
  • Judas S
    Dublin, Ireland31 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    worth 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 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 24 October 2023
  • Colleen B
    Seattle, Washington108 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see
    Originally 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 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 5 November 2023
  • mayccm2018
    Hong Kong, China1,061 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating and informative museum
    Free 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 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 10 November 2023
  • Anuj_Mithani
    Mumbai, India4,515 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating collection
    Remarkable 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 November 2023
  • Amergín Ó
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Caithfidh 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 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 December 2023
  • Tony McMahon
    London, United Kingdom393 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic for history buffs
    This 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 January 2024
  • RCH
    33 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfect for book lovers: short and sweet
    Came 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 trip
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 January 2024
  • Adrienne M
    County Dublin, Ireland35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What’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 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 25 March 2024
  • Sue H
    Port Elizabeth, South Africa87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Like 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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 April 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles4,170 reviews
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breandanoscanaill
clifden county Galway63 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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!
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

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Chester Beatty - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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