Looking for things to do with your little ones that won’t cost a fortune? Why not go and explore some art at your nearest gallery? Ireland is lucky to have several art galleries dedicated to creating a wondrous experience for both adults and children — and best of all, they’re free to visit. Here’s our pick of creative and free fun for all the family in Dublin’s art galleries.
Art galleries are a great place to go on a day when you fancy a little inspiration, where you and your little ones can feed your shared love of art, creativity and imagination. Dublin’s galleries and museums have put a lot of thought into making these spaces welcoming for adults and children alike. In many of them you’ll find a quiet area dedicated to children, where, after being inspired by the art on show, they can get stuck into their own creations.
National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin
The National Gallery of Ireland is home to vast exhibitions from the greats, with a wealth of Irish and European artists from Jack B. Yeats to Monet. It also holds the national collection of European and Irish fine art.
After a walk around the museum, head to the drop-in creative spaces where children can draw and colour to their hearts’ content. These areas are usually well stocked with activity sheets and colouring pencils, and children can hang their finished art for all to admire.
The gallery runs workshops for kids throughout the year, with extra sessions often added over the summer, so it’s worth checking their events page before you visit to see what’s currently on and whether booking is needed.
Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin
The beautiful Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square houses the foremost public collection of contemporary art in Ireland, alongside dynamic temporary exhibitions.
There’s a fabulous children’s area and learning resource centre where children, families and teachers can explore the exhibitions together in their own space and at their own pace. The gallery also runs a Kids Club with its own newsletter, so it’s worth signing up to keep up to date with workshops and exhibitions.
Children can get the creative juices flowing at the gallery’s regular children’s workshops, including Saturday art classes. The gallery also runs free guided tours at set times. Check what’s on before you visit, as some sessions need pre-booking and times can change.
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
The wonderful Irish Museum of Modern Art exhibits modern and contemporary art, which kids and adults will love. Once you’ve enjoyed the exhibitions, head outside to the fabulous grounds and let the kids run off some steam in the maze.
Image via Irish Museum of Modern Art
IMMA also runs family workshops during holiday periods, where children and adults can explore the gallery’s exhibitions and then get creative themselves. It’s worth checking IMMA’s events page for current workshop days, times and drop-in details before you go.
Over to you! Do you have any galleries or museums that you enjoy visiting with the kids? Let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dublin’s art galleries really free to visit?
Yes — the National Gallery of Ireland, the Hugh Lane Gallery and IMMA all offer free general admission. Some special exhibitions may occasionally charge or require pre-booking, so it’s worth checking each gallery’s website before you go.
Do I need to book in advance for family workshops?
It depends on the gallery and the session. Regular drop-in creative spaces usually don’t need booking, but dedicated workshops, kids’ clubs and special events sometimes do. Check the relevant gallery’s events page close to your visit date for current booking requirements.
Are these galleries suitable for young children?
Yes, all three galleries mentioned have areas and activities designed with children in mind, from drop-in drawing corners to family workshops. As with any outing, it’s a good idea to check facilities such as buggy access or baby-changing before you travel if these matter to your family.
Is there anywhere for kids to run around outside?
IMMA has extensive grounds, including a maze, where children can burn off energy after exploring the galleries indoors.
Related Reading
Looking for more ideas like this? You might also enjoy our roundups of free family days out around Ireland and other budget-friendly ways to spend time together as a family.
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