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Chester Beatty Library

Clock Tower Building | Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland (South City Centre)
353 1 407 0750
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Ranked #9 of 238 attractions in Dublin
Type: Libraries, Museums
Owner description: Situated in the heart of Ireland's capital city, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of... more » Owner description: Situated in the heart of Ireland's capital city, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). The Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. Its rich collection from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe offers visitors a visual feast. Chester Beatty Library was named Irish Museum of the year in 2000 and was awarded the title European Museum of the Year in 2002. « less
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604 reviews from our community

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Gosford, Australia
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 June 2013 NEW

In a beautifully designed building we found a selection of history in print that touched us deeply both for its emotional value and its historical significance. Some of the earliest manuscripts of the prophetic religions Christian, Jewish, Islamic and the meditative faiths from all over the world. The place oozes history and the struggle for truly human existence.

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See 4 more reviews by disjas for Dublin
Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

We visited a number of sites in Ireland, but consider this tour one of the best. You not only real insight to the conditions in this jail, but you will also leave with a real understanding of some of the history and struggles the Irish have had in seeking independence.

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See 3 more reviews by Sherpa2286 for Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

you can go this place at anytime. great japanese arts collection and religion informative floor. sometimes they have some free dancing presentations as well. nice garden outside as well

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See 10 more reviews by triptripexpert for Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

went to this little gem a few months ago and loved it. very nice areas to walk around and the museum has many interesting things. there is a little secret garden at the top which is also very cute! would really recommend it, even better that its free and you can have a nice walk around dublin castle too !

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See 3 more reviews by Mali G for Dublin
Belfast, United Kingdom
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5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

My interest was chiefly the Biblical papyri which are stunning. The venue is very attractive and lunch in the cafe was fantastic! One could/should spend several hours in this place ...

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See 3 more reviews by Don I for Dublin
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

The grounds were closed due to the recent inauguration of the EU president but the exhibits were fantastic!

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tipperary ireland
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013

It is wonderful to have such a wonderful collection of Eastern artifacts in the centre of Dublin. Anyone with an interest in Asian History could spend a day in this museum and the general exhibitions are free to view. There is also a very good cafe on site and as it is situated in the grounds of Dublin Castle it... More

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New York City, New York
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3 reviews 3 reviews
3 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

The Chester Beatty Library has one of the most impressive collection of religious texts. They have what I believe is the oldest surviving copies of the gospels, which alone is worth the trip. There are also religious artifacts from other major religions, and the curators did a great job of showing the relationship between the religions represented. The Asian art... More

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See 2 more reviews by jihei18 for Dublin
new hampshire
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Warning - do not go here before seeing the Book of Kells or you will say 'Eh, I saw much more impressive books at Beatty". And lunch at the cafe is the best!

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See 3 more reviews by dmMc for Dublin
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

The Chester Beatty Library, at Dublin Castle has a pretty large collection of ancient religious texts, including the earliest known copies of the four Gospels, some Egyptian papyrus texts, Asian artwork and interesting paraphernalia related to book binding. Very impressive. Admission is free. No photography is allowed. There are lockers adjacent to the front desk where belongings can be stored... More

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See 7 more reviews by JandB_Phoenix for Dublin

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