National Gallery of Ireland — Attraction in Dublin

Living North of Newcastle upon Tyne, it is weirdly quicker and cheaper to go to Ireland's National Gallery than to England's or Scotland's and the art contained therein did not disappoint. I saw so little of the permanent collection and none of the exhibitions so I am already anticipating my return!

The five stars are for the art, their home, a beautiful building, and the staff who look after them and the visitors. Also, there are handy lockers that are free to use, secured by a single-use security code of your choice. The toilets were good. The shop was a good size with a range of merchandise inspired by artworks.

There were several things that could be done to improve the visitor experience though. First of all, the building, is not easy to navigate.

The galleries themselves are well-lit with detailed information boards beside each painting but they are difficult to find thanks to being interchangeably numbered and named. As an example, I was planning on using the Highlights audio tour to start my visit which meant I needed to find The Shaw Room, or a route to it. All the rooms on the map were numbered with a key giving room names or contents. Of course, to read the key, one must zoom in on it which takes the map off the screen. I checked the key for the room I was standing beside but it was not listed. I later found out that it was number 17. If this had been shown above the doorway, like its name, I could have oriented myself. Since it was not, I had to ask for help. Following the directions given through a series of rooms and a courtyard, I found myself in The Shaw Room.

The audio tour provided detailed descriptions and histories of the selected works but I became really frustrated by the recording as it jumped straight to the next piece without warning, saying where to go, or how to recognise the next piece. This made it necessary to keep flicking between 3 pages: the recording, thumbnails of each picture, and the written description of the route. While doable, it made it difficult to focus on why I was there: the art. Adding a simple instructions such as, 'now turn to your right where you will see [name of painting/artist] which shows a young woman in green, who is seated beside a large fireplace' or 'crossing into room 16 and looking to your left, you will notice a group of boys mocking a dashing officer as he walks with his sweetheart'. There is no point talking about small details, biographies, subjects, etc if the visitor is not standing in front of the artwork in question.

There is good collection of work by Jack Yeats on display but it seems to have been hung in a random order. Given the pronounced change of his style over time demonstrated by the collection, it would be far more impactful if hung in chronological order.

Finally, it should, in the 21st century, be reasonably easy, and inexpensive, to help visitors appreciate the details of VERY dark pictures, such as The Poachers (O'Connor) using scanning and picture editing software to provide a brighter image on the website. A QR code on the information boards would allow it to be viewed. I had to use the night setting on my phone camera to even be able to see the figures of the poachers.

All of which annoyances, of course, pale into irrelevance beside the opportunity to view so many artworks that would otherwise still be held in the private collections of the wealthy unavailable to the eyes of the...

So, for my birthday, I rallied a group of friends, some local and some brave souls from the UK, for a trip to Dublin. The journey started with a 3am wake-up call, followed by an hour and a half drive to the airport because nothing says "flight trip" like borderline delirium. But hey, we were pumped. That is, until a random passenger decided to play a full contact sport with my ribs for the entire flight. Nothing like a good jab in the side to start your day, right?

Finally, we landed and started the day with a fancy brunch and some well deserved baby Guineas (yes, tiny cocktails for grown-ups, and yes, they hit just right). With a nice buzz in the air, we thought, “Why not visit the National Gallery of Ireland? It’s free!” Honestly, if you’re in Dublin and it’s free, you’re legally required to go. I’m pretty sure that's the law.

So, we wandered in, and for about 10 minutes, we thought, "Wow, this place is actually really cool." But as the alcohol started to take its full effect, suddenly, every piece of art was the most fascinating thing we’d ever seen. We started interpreting the paintings…deep interpretations, like, “Is that person sad, or are they just really chill?” And, as we gazed at those statues, inspiration struck us like an art-school graduate with a philosophy degree.

Next thing we knew, we were re-enacting the poses. The dramatic arm gestures, the serious faces, and the questionable flexibility (who knew I could bend like that?). To say we were “committed” would be an understatement. We became living, breathing art. And sure, there were a few confused looks from other visitors, but who wouldn’t want to witness the next Michelangelo in the making?

At one point, I’m pretty sure I outdid myself with a pose I didn’t know my body was capable of. There I was, hands dramatically extended like I was summoning a storm. I didn’t know I had it in me, but the art, the vibes, and the alcohol were all in sync. My friends? They were a perfect mix of interpretive dancers and statuesque works of art, bending and contorting into shapes that defied nature.

I’ve never felt so cultured and out of breath in my life. So, would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I travel back to Dublin and risk the infamous elbow jabs from the plane ride just for another round of art-induced yoga? 100%. The National Gallery of Ireland made my birthday unforgettable, and the unintentional acrobatics will forever be my fondest memory.

Do yourself a favor: Go, interpret art, and maybe stretch before you go. Your body will thank...

My visit to the National Gallery of Ireland was an unforgettable journey through the world of art, showcasing an impressive collection of masterpieces that spanned centuries of artistic expression. Situated in the heart of Dublin, this esteemed institution offers a rich tapestry of artistic styles, genres, and periods, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.

Upon entering the gallery, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of its architecture and the serene ambiance that permeated its halls. From towering marble columns to ornate ceilings adorned with intricate designs, every aspect of the gallery's design exuded elegance and sophistication, setting the stage for an immersive art experience.

As I wandered through the galleries, I encountered a diverse array of artworks, ranging from classical paintings and sculptures to contemporary installations and multimedia exhibits. The gallery's extensive collection includes works by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh, offering a comprehensive survey of art history's most influential figures.

One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to witness iconic masterpieces up close, each one meticulously curated and displayed to showcase its beauty and significance. Whether it was the vibrant colors of a Impressionist landscape or the emotive brushstrokes of a Baroque portrait, every artwork held its own unique allure and captivated my imagination.

In addition to its permanent collection, the National Gallery of Ireland also hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that further enrich the visitor experience. The gallery's knowledgeable staff were also on hand to provide insights and guidance, enhancing my appreciation for the art on display.

Overall, my visit to the National Gallery of Ireland was a truly enriching and inspiring experience, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of art. With its unparalleled collection, stunning architecture, and commitment to artistic excellence, this gallery stands as a testament to Ireland's vibrant cultural heritage and...