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Chester Beatty Library

The Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library; it houses the vast collections of Alfred Chester Beatty. It has been described by the Lonely Planet as not just the best museum in Ireland, but one of the best in Europe.

Born in New York in 1875 Alfred Chester Beatty was a collector of Oriental art, books, manuscripts, Paintings, Prints, Rare Books and Decorative Arts. Upon his death in 1968, he was accorded a state funeral by the Irish government – one of the few private citizens in Irish history to receive such an honour. He bequeathed the Chester Beatty Library to Dublin.

The Library's collections are displayed in two collections: "Sacred Traditions" and "Artistic Traditions". On display are great artistic treasures of culture and history from The Middle East, Africa and Europe. Beautiful copies of the Qur’an, the Bible, European Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts are some of the many fascinating documents. There are many exhibitions to visit including The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, which are 17th Century Japanese Picture scrolls. Also on display is an extensive collections of carved snuff bottles.

The Library was named Irish Museum of the year in 2000 and was awarded European Museum of the year in 2002.

The Silk Road Café at the Library offers a range of mouth-watering menus from Afghanistan, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Morocco and Palestine, as well as Ireland, it also caters for conference delegates and all evening receptions.

Admission Fees: 

Free

Opening Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9:45am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:45am - 8.00pm
Sunday 12pm - 5:30pm
Closed: Mondays November - February
Closed: 1st January, Good Friday, 24th to 26th December

Location:
The Chester Beatty Library
Dublin Castle
D02 AD92

The Chester Beatty Library is located a 20 minute walk from the Castle Hotel.
Public transport can also be taken, our front desk staff will be able to guide you on these.

Map & Directions
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