Dublin Things to Do

With almost as many museums in the city as pubs, Dublin’s reputation as a cultural center remains secure, but the best thing about the city’s impressive art and science exhibits is that a huge number of them are absolutely free.

In 1908 art collector Hugh Lane left his collection to Ireland, which established Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane. This gallery of modern and contemporary art includes works by Monet, Manet, Degas – important Impressionist works. Since then the collection has grown to over two thousand pieces, including such artists as Sean Scully and Joseph Beuys. Scully who was born in Ireland donated seven paintings in 2006. There is also a stained glass room featuring works by Irish artist Harry Clarke.

Some places just have that magic feeling about them – they seem filled with dreams and history, you can almost feel anything is possible, and you can hear the chattering voices discussing ideas and changing the world. Trinity College in Dublin is like that. In terms of universities, it’s legendary.