They say the best things in life are free and in Dublin this rings true. Dublin is one of Europe’s most expensive capital cities so your budget will most likely be taken up with accommodation and dining out. Yet, Dublin has a wealth of museums, galleries, art houses and green spaces that you can visit for free. Take advantage and enjoy access to some of Dublin’s best cultural attractions for free where you'll be inspired and gain an insight into Ireland's fascinating ancient history.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND

A gallery of paintings, sculptures, glass, metalwork and furniture that span centuries of beautiful artistry from Ireland. There are wonderful paintings from our own Irish artists like Jack B. Yeats and from famous artists such as Turner and Picasso displayed in one of Dublin’s most beautiful heritage buildings on Merrion Square. There’s so much to explore here you will need a couple of hours. Plan your visit here.

MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Ireland’s past is displayed in a beautiful heritage building beside our nation’s parliament on Kildare Street. We are particularly fond of this museum as it really is a showcase for the best of Ireland's culture and history with ancient Celtic and Christian treasures, tools, tombs & weaponry from the Neolithic and Bronze ages, ancient preserved mummies from Ireland’s bogs, medieval ceramics, Viking artefacts, and one of Europe's most important prehistoric gold collections. Give yourself 2 hours in here at least. Plan your visit here.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

There’s no comparison to the Museums of Natural History in London or New York but it was Dublin’s first National museum and the listed Victorian building has undergone substantial renovations in the past two years. Fondly known as 'The Dead Zoo’ in Dublin it has a collection of over 10,000 animals on display including a whale that has been hanging in the museum for 150 years. Adults and kids love it equally and it’s amazing to stand beside the giant Irish elk, one of the largest deer in the world, now extinct. Plan your visit here.

HUGH LANE GALLERY

Housed in one of the finest examples of Georgian Architecture in Dublin, the Hugh Lane Gallery is more than just an Art Gallery. The grand Sculpture Gallery of this beautiful building becomes a music venue on Sunday afternoons where you can enjoy the music of the best contemporary Irish artists and musicians in an informal setting. Francis Jacob's entire studio has been relocated from London to his native city, installed carefully in the Gallery with every detail intact, including the dust! There are regular exciting exhibitions and excellent educational programmes for young budding artists. Plan your visit here.

CHESTER BEATTY LIBRARY

Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, on his extensive travels around the world, collected rare books, manuscripts and artworks from Europe, the Middle East and Asia including some beautifully decorated Qurans. The Japanese collection, for us, stands out with beautiful illustrations and calligraphy on display. Located within the grounds of Dublin Castle, there’s a gorgeous garden you can sit and relax in and it's one of our favourite spots for a picnic! Plan your visit here.

PHOTO MUSEUM IRELAND

Formerly known as the Gallery of Photography, Photo Museum Ireland is located in Dublin's cultural hub of Temple Bar. It’s the national centre for contemporary photography in Ireland. Their excellent exhibitions feature both Irish and international artists and they have a huge array of art and photography books on sale. You can sign up for a variety of photography tuition and the dark room classes are particularly interesting. Donations are welcome but not compulsory. Plan your visit here.

HANG TOUGH CONTEMPORARY

Hang Tough has been in Dublin for over ten years and started out as a framing and printing studio for Irish artists. It has become one of Dublin’s foremost exhibitioner of contemporary Irish artists located in the heart of the city and their goal is to ‘bring more art to more people whilst also nourishing Irish visual arts culture’. Hopefully they can continue to occupy the space in Dublin’s Central Plaza on Dame Street and perhaps it’ll encourage more investment in cultural spaces as Dublin is currently suffering from too many hotels being built.

IRISH FILM INSTITUTE

The Irish Film Institute is one Dublin’s best cultural attractions with an excellent year-round line-up of independent films, international film programmes and a fantastic archive free to view online. Weekdays at lunchtime there’s regular free screenings, just pick up your ticket in advance at the box office in Temple Bar. It’s a cool spot for a drink and a bite to eat and stays open late for those post-show chats and pints. They do meal and a show deals that are great value too.