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Chester Beatty: A World of Treasures in Dublin Castle

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Explore world cultures at Dublin's Chester Beatty: manuscripts, art, and treasures from across the globe in the heart of Dublin Castle.

The Chester Beatty, located in Dublin Castle, is a renowned museum and library housing a remarkable collection of manuscripts, rare books, and art from around the world. Founded in 1950 to showcase the collection of mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, it offers a fascinating glimpse into diverse cultures and religions.

A brief summary to Chester Beatty

  • Tuesday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:45 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Admission is free, but a donation of €10 is suggested to support the museum.
  • Download the free audio tour app in 13 languages for a self-guided experience.
  • Check the Chester Beatty website for temporary exhibitions and events.
  • Visit the Silk Road Café for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • The museum is closed on Mondays from November to February, as well as on January 1st, Good Friday and from December 24th to 26th.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Chester Beatty is located in Dublin Castle, in the heart of Dublin city center. From Dame Street, walk towards Dublin Castle, passing the Olympia Theatre. Enter the castle grounds through the main gate and continue straight. The Chester Beatty is on your left, with landscaped gardens in front.

  • Public Transport

    Many Dublin Bus routes stop near Dublin Castle on Dame Street, Lord Edward Street, and George's Street. Bus lines include 9, 13, 15, 16, 27, 40, 49, 54a, 56a, 65, 68, 68a, 77a, 122, 123, 140, 150, and 151. The closest Luas (tram) stops are St. Stephen's Green (Green Line) and Jervis (Red Line). From the Luas stop, it's a short walk to Dublin Castle. A single fare on Dublin Bus or Luas is approximately €2-€3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Dublin. A short taxi ride from Dublin Pearse to Dublin Castle typically costs €7-€9 and takes only a few minutes. Note that traffic can affect travel times and fares.

  • Parking

    There is no visitor parking available at Dublin Castle. The nearest public car parks are Q-Park Christchurch and Park Rite Drury Street. Q-Park Christchurch is located on Werburgh Street. Jervis Street Car Park is another option, with hourly rates starting at €3.70. A discounted rate of €16 for 24 hours is available at Car Park Drury Street for guests of the Premier Inn Dublin City Centre (Temple Bar). Expect to pay between €3.70 and €7.40 for 1-2 hours of parking.

Discover more about Chester Beatty

The Chester Beatty is a world-class museum and library situated within the historic grounds of Dublin Castle. It was established in 1950 to house the vast collection of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, an American mining engineer, philanthropist, and collector. The museum opened in its current location on February 7, 2000, marking the 125th anniversary of Beatty's birth. In 2002, it was named European Museum of the Year. The Chester Beatty's collection is divided into Western, Islamic, and East Asian sections, featuring rare manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. Highlights include early Christian artifacts, Islamic manuscripts, Chinese jade books, and Japanese art. The museum's two main galleries, "Arts of the Book" and "Sacred Traditions," showcase these treasures. Visitors can explore temporary exhibitions, enjoy free admission, and take advantage of audio tours in 13 languages. The museum also offers accessible tours and facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. The Silk Road Café provides Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, and the gift shop offers unique souvenirs. Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968) was a mining magnate and philanthropist who amassed a vast collection of art and manuscripts from around the world. He became an honorary Irish citizen in 1957 and bequeathed his collection to the Irish people. The Chester Beatty is not just a museum; it's a legacy of cultural appreciation and a testament to one man's passion for preserving the world's artistic heritage.

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