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Ireland/Things to Do in Dublin, couple trip

National Gallery of Ireland (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is National Gallery of Ireland?

88%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 88% Couple-Friendly: Calm galleries, café pauses, ticketed shows, and optional private or mindfulness tours give pairs a relaxed, shared art experience that easily fills a date-length outing.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 16,876 reviews)
Free Dublin Attractions: A Day at the National Gallery of Ireland 🇮🇪 | (4K)
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Free Dublin Attractions: A Day at the National Gallery of Ireland 🇮🇪 | (4K)
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Positives:

  • Complimentary Access: Permanent collection, audio tours, and mindfulness tours are all free of charge.
  • Central Location: Situated next to Merrion Square, easy to combine with nearby parks and cafes.

Challenges:

  • Crowded Peak Hours: The gallery can be busiest late mornings on weekends, leading to queues for temporary exhibits.
  • Limited Guided Slots: Private tours sell out quickly; book at least two weeks ahead.
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🏖️ Explore National Gallery of Ireland with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around National Gallery of Ireland. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is National Gallery of Ireland?

  • A public museum in Dublin that houses Ireland’s national collection of Western European and Irish art from the 14th to the 21st century
  • A complex of four interconnected neoclassical and modern wings encompassing over 11,000 paintings, sculptures and decorative arts
  • An establishment founded in 1854 that researches, conserves and curates major works by European masters and Irish artists

What is so special about National Gallery of Ireland for couple trip?

  1. Free highlights audio tour tailored for couples
  2. Mindfulness and sketching tours for slow, shared experiences
  3. Option to book a private guided tour focused on your interests
  4. Rotating ticketed exhibitions add fresh discoveries
  5. On-site café provides a cozy spot to unwind

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for a free highlights audio tour, a mindfulness session, and a café break.

(View National Gallery of Ireland on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in National Gallery of Ireland

Highlights Audio Tour:

Follow a self-guided audio tour of key paintings using Smartify or QR codes.

Tip: Bring headphones and download the tour before visiting for offline use.

Slow Art Guided Tour:

Join a free small-group mindfulness tour to examine select works slowly.

Tip: Check the gallery’s What’s On calendar and arrive 10 minutes early.

Private Guided Tour for Two:

Book a 50-minute tailored tour focusing on your art interests with a gallery guide.

Tip: Email tours@ngi.ie at least two weeks in advance to secure your slot.

Temporary Exhibition:

Visit ticketed special exhibits featuring international loans and unique themes.

Tip: Buy tickets online in advance for a 10% discount on weekday rates.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to National Gallery of Ireland

  1. Book Tickets Online: Reserve temporary exhibition tickets in advance to skip the line and get a discount.
  2. Early Morning Visits: Arrive at opening time on weekdays for quieter galleries and a more intimate experience.
🏖️ Tour National Gallery of Ireland like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in National Gallery of Ireland. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of National Gallery of Ireland

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Carina KP

Carina KP

Sep 2025

By far, my favourite museum in Dublin. The visit is so quiet and respectful, the collection is amazing, and every time I go, I discover something new and get to see the fantastic temporary exhibitions. The staff is so attentive, the shop has lovely cards and gifts. I truly recommend visiting this Gallery with such varied and fascinating works.

Breno Martinelli

Breno Martinelli

Sep 2025

Amazing visit. Although I have been to Dublin many times, I wasn't aware of this incredible gallery. 3 stories of great art pieces. Enough items for a whole day visit. As a truly flemish art appreciator, the section on the third floor got me speechless. All that for free! If you are an architecture admirer it's also a good place to visit.

Jim & Melissa Thomssen

Jim & Melissa Thomssen

Aug 2025

Great collection in a building that's a work of art in itself. The portrait gallery was an educational place as well as gallery. New additions blend well but there are lots of short steps that may challenge folks with mobility issues. Just FYI . Well worth a visit when in Dublin!

Luca Lombardi

Luca Lombardi

Jul 2025

What a spectacle! One of the best art galleries I've ever visited. Natural light allows you to see the true colors of the paintings and the artist's brushstrokes. No protective glasses to interfere with the experience. The rooms are spacious, so you can breathe and walk among the paintings undisturbed. The incredible thing is that the museum is free, so consider making a donation. Highly recommend...

L. M. H. Oppenheimer

L. M. H. Oppenheimer

May 2025

Excellent experience especially for a visitor to Dublin. Easy to walk to. Free admission and many beautiful and intriguing gallery areas. I spent hours quietly walking and viewing. Plus at the end the cafe offered delicious food and drink and the shop had lovely selection of books, portable art and items.

When is the best time to visit National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin, Ireland)?

Visit on Wednesday mornings (9:15–11:30 am) for free entry to temporary exhibitions and smaller crowds.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Dublin on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Temporary exhibition tickets for two (weekday)EUR 25
Café coffees (2)EUR 12
Private guided tourEUR 100
Total EstimatedEUR 137

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of National Gallery of Ireland

Address: Merrion Square W, Dublin 2, D02 K303, Ireland

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About National Gallery of Ireland

Opening Hours

Monday:11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday:9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday:9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:9:15 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday:9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday:9:15 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday:11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+353 1 661 5133

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