The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin is home to the country's Irish and European art collections dating from the 14th to the 20th centuries. Admission is free.
In 2006 the National Gallery marked the 150th anniversary birthday of playwright George Bernard Shaw.
Shaw, who spent much of his childhood immersed in the collections, left one third of his royalties to the National Gallery. The Pygmalion author’s gratitude enabled it to acquire outstanding paintings and sculptures from the past two centuries, including a full-size statue of the benefactor.
Visitors who enjoy viewing modern art can do so in the Irish Museum of Modern Art, ironically located inside a 17th-century structure.
