Established by an Act of Parliament in 1854, the National Gallery first opened its doors to the public in January 1864. At the time of its inauguration, there were just 105 paintings in the collection (the first purchase was 15 paintings bought in 1856 in Rome).

Today the collection boasts over 2,440 paintings, 5,230 drawings, watercolours and miniatures, 3,066 prints, and 331 pieces of sculpture, vestments and objet d'art. Every major European School of Painting is extensively represented. Not unexpectedly, it houses a major collection of Irish paintings, the majority of which are on permanent display, including the Jack Yeats room which focuses on the work of the famous Irish artist, brother of poet W.B. Yeats. 

Location. Merrion Square West, Dublin 2.
Bus. 5, 7, 7a, 7b from Burgh quay, 10 (O’Connell Street) 
44, 47, 48, 62.
Phone. +353 1 6615133
Fax. +353 1 6615372
Opening Hours. Monday-Saturday 10am-5.30pm, Thursday 10am-8.80pm, Sunday 2pm—5pm.
Entrance Fee. Free

www.nationalgallery.ie