The Guide to Dublin

Art Galleries

The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art
Parnell Square, Dublin 1,
Named after the founder and benefactor, Sir Hugh Lane, who established the gallery in this fine Georgian mansion, Charlemont House, in 1907. Because suitable premise were not available to house Sir Hugh's own collection, he loaned his pictures to the National Gallery of London, and when he drowned on board the Lusitania in 1915, a codicil in his will bequeathing the paintings to the Municipal Gallery in Dublin was held invaild since it lacked the necessary two witnessing signatures. In 1959, a compromise was reached, and from that day the collection was divided into two groups to be displayed in both London and Dublin for alternating five year periods. Among the paintings in the gallery are works by Monet, Boudin, Renoir, Corot, Augustus John, and works representing many modern European and Irish artists.

National Gallery of Ireland
Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
Opened in 1864 and based originally on the collection of William Dargan and George Mulvany, the gallery has, through various bequests including those of George Bernard Shaw, Sir Hugh Lane, Edward Martyn and Lady Milltown, built up an extensive and representative collection from all the European schools.