We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Dublin

Free Newsletter

Interested in Dublin?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Dublin each week.

  • Save Chester Beatty Library
  • E-mail this page

Chester Beatty Library


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #24 of 276 attractions in Dublin
Traveller Description:
Situated in the heart of Ireland's capital city, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of...... more » Situated in the heart of Ireland's capital city, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). The Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. Its rich collection from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe offers visitors a visual feast. Chester Beatty Library was named Irish Museum of the year in 2000 and was awarded the title European Museum of the Year in 2002. « less
Familiar with Chester Beatty Library? Write your own description and share what you know with other travellers.
Attraction type: Library, Art gallery, Museum
Address: Clock Tower Building
Dublin Castle Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel: 353 1 407 0750
Fax: 353 1 407 0760
Compare Rates for Dublin Hotels
Check Rates
Opens one window for each offer. Please disable pop-up blockers.

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
TravelinKiki   62 contributions
Maryland
16 Jul 2010

I loved this museum, particularly the religious artifacts on the second floor. After visiting (and being disappointed with) the Book of Kells earlier in the day, this was a breath of fresh air. First of all, the museum is free to enter. Second, there are far fewer people, although I don't believe that the artifacts are any less important or... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
_Elizabeth_Wils0n_   9 contributions
Hamilton, Canada
13 Jun 2010

The exhibit on Sikhs in Ireland was kind of weird. I was left with the impression that the artist went and interviewed all 50 Sikhs who live there. Is Dublin really that white? I don't think so, but maybe it is? more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
heodeza   45 contributions
Netherlands
2 Jun 2010

We found the exhibition on religions very interesting and extremely well made. Well done! more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
emmaline   173 contributions
Limerick, Ireland
15 Apr 2010

A must see while in Dublin. Very informative, wonderful displays. Very interesting. more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
edg126   297 contributions
Philadelphia, PA
7 Apr 2010

Lonely Planet called it the best museum in Ireland. It was free, I went. Mostly everyother museum is more heavy on teaching/explanations of irish history than artifiacts, and this museum is all artifacts. Some really neat stuff. The only downside, is that even though it is small it's unnecessarily difficult to navigate, even though there is only a few rooms.... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
luxurylady99   117 contributions
Seattle, Washington
14 Mar 2010

I've been to many museums, but the collection here is incredible. Pages of the Bible from 150 AD? Hard to fathom just how OLD that really is. Collection is wonderful, I believe would even entertain school-aged kids. Building is beautiful---plus its free---how much more do you want??? Great view of the helicopter pad for Dublin Castle--defintely check out hwen you... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
Herding_Kitties   17 contributions
Washington DC, District of Columbia
7 Nov 2009

We visited on a Saturday in early October, the hours that day were 10:00 - 5:00 and it was free admission. No photography is allowed inside. We spent about an hour walking around but you could definitely spend more time. We would not recommend this attraction as a must see, we only stopped by while waiting for tickets to Dublin... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
vstar_driver   17 contributions
Ne Georgia
12 Sep 2009

This is worth doing when your over by the Dublin Castle, It's a FREE self guilded tour that takes about 45 minutes to see, the exhibit shows Asian works of art and early religious artifacts. If your into museums then don't miss this one. more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
jonesinmybones   880 contributions
Virginia, USA
10 Sep 2009
1
person found this review helpful

I can't say enough good things about the Chester Beatty Library. I had expected it to be a sort of "filler" place to visit in between St. Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle. Wow - was I wrong! We spent almost an hour and a half, and still only saw the first floor. I could have stayed there all day. My... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
spkc   3 contributions
Malaysia
3 Jun 2009
2
people found this review helpful

This was the highlight of our trip to Dublin. The love and care that went into the presentation of the exhibits are a testament to the great passion that the late Chester Beatty clearly had for books. We were so impressed with the clarity of the glass casing that housed the exhibits...they were literally invisible, enhancing the pleasure of viewing... more

Travellers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Dublin, County Dublin
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Dublin, County Dublin
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Dublin, County Dublin
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review

Been to Chester Beatty Library? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos
Compare Rates for Dublin Hotels
Check Rates
Opens one window for each offer. Please disable pop-up blockers.

Chester Beatty Library: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Centre
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Chester Beatty Library Address

Clock Tower Building | Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: 353 1 407 0750 Fax: 353 1 407 0760
See all sites
Best Destinations of 2010 »
Holiday Watchdog
Cruise Critic
BookingBuddy
Virtual Tourist
Other TripAdvisor sites: