The Chester Beatty Library houses artistic treasures from great cultures and religions all over the world! There is a rich collection of manuscripts, prints, icons, miniature paintings, early printed books and objects d'art from countries across the globe! read more

Chester Beatty Library - Chester Beatty Library - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

I really enjoy spend my time there, they got an amazing collection of art and religion, parts of the original bible, i particularly love the japan and Chinese artefacts displayed there, in a sun day u could also jut lay in the outside garden read more

Chester Beatty Library - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

I've been waiting to visit the Chester Beatty Library for sometime now. I finally got around to it today, and it did live up to my expectations. First up, this collection is far better than anything the National Museum in Dublin has to offer; I have a real gripe with the latter's displays, 80% being pots in various disrepair. Some might say that the Chester Beatty collection houses books in various disrepair, and therefore is equally as boring as the National Museum, but the difference between this museum and the National Museum is that you learn so much more about different cultures and religions through these books. The collection ranges across many continents, and is a wealth of information for both young and old. I was genuinely shocked at how much I learned after just touring the Western collection. I was also delighted to see The Bamboo Cutter's scroll display, whose story and conservation was a delight to read. There were times where it was difficult to tell which label was supposed to accompany which book, leaving me a little confused at times as to whose history I was reading about, but this didn't happen too often except on the larger displays. The main collection was housed in a room which was quite chill, so remember to keep your coat on when you go upstairs. Also this collection is extremely extensive and reading becomes quite taxing after a time, so I would advise to take breaks between continental collections, and take a walk around the gardens downstairs. Overall I was extremely impressed, and will be returning some time very soon; i.e. next weekend. read more

This must be one of the nicest museums in Dublin - at least interior and setting-wise. Because it mostly stores and displays manuscrips and miniature paintings from the Islamic and West Asian regions - so please don't expect anything interactive above some touchscreen displays. It does however make a great destination for a lazy Sunday afternoon, finishing your visit with a coffee in the cafe in the atrium. read more

Chester Beatty Library - Libraries Near Me - Dublin, D

This is the most amazing collection of worldly ancient text and art. The reception was so informative and nice. Glad we accidentally stumbled across this gem. read more

A great place to visit and a definitely must-see when you are in Dublin ! Very close to the Dublin Castle, this Library is actually a whole collection of books and various treasures related to literature (manuscripts, paintings, drawings). All these treasuries have been collected by Sir Chester Beatty, hence the name of the Library. read more

The blurb describes it as 'European Museum of the Year 2002', but don't let that put you off. Chester Beatty, a wealthy American mining expert, spent much of his life building up a collection of books and manuscripts via a network of dealers and contacts. Here's the result: ancient religious volumes, papyrii and visual art that look like they've come from another planet. The collection of Korans is held in high esteem internationally. Happily, admission is free. read more

This place is amazing! Even though it says that it's a library, it's actually a museum. The main collection on the first floor is amazing - very interesting, collections from different cultures - Japanese, Chinese, Islamic, English, Christian, etc. The second floor showcases collections relating to different religions. The garden on the roof top is kinda cool, although it doesn't seem to be popular with people. The cafe on the ground floor serves good food. It can be crowded. Definitely visit Chester Beatty Library. Do NOT miss it. read more

The Chester Beatty Library is the definitive must-visit spot on every visitor to Dublin's list. Unlike most museums, the Library lacks the stale, stiff atmosphere associated with other specialist collections. Instead, the collection is effortlessly appealing and the museum itself is both welcoming and intimate. Nestled in the surprising surrounds of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty is the hidden gem of this historic setting. Admission to the Library is free, another plus point, and it is closed on Mondays. Check out Beatty's extensive anthology of rare books on the first floor and see where the seeds for his later library sprang from. I personally love looking at manuscripts, scrolls and religious artefacts and thankfully the CBL is full of such historic treats I never get bored of looking at. The permanent collection is joined by touring exhibitions, with the Durer showcase a few years ago being a standout memory of the Library for me and many others. For those with even an inkling towards spirituality, the Sacred Traditions collection is essential. Read about Jainism, Hinduism and have Buddhism explained, all alongside depictions of the growth of Early Christianity. If this sounds a bit too niche, boring or off-putting, never fear - the collection is explained in layman's terms throughout. Although you won't have a theology degree by the time you leave, you will most likely know more than when you came in. On the top floor is another fine touch - a quiet garden to unwind after absorbing what the collection has to offer. Combine the scenic surrounds of Dublin Castle with the chilled out and dark atmosphere of the collection, this library is definitely one of my favourite places to chill in the city. read more

The best Museum in Ireland! It has on display fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls, fantastic Goya prints, ancient Korans, Torahs, and Bibles, and Chakra opening Buddhist Mandalas, need I say more!?! A MUST see. read more

A must visit if you're visiting Dublin, especially if you are into ancient books and manuscripts. There's a large collection of religious texts as well as a bunch of Japanese art. When I visited, there was a big collection of Japanese Surimono prints on display in exhibition that were lovely. Admission is free, with a small gift shop as well as a cafe on the ground floor. There is also a small rooftop garden that offers a great view of the black pool of Dublin Castle. read more

The library/museum holds the most beautiful books, manuscripts and objects from around the world that were collected by Chester Beatty. Admission is free. Extremely interesting place to visit ,lovely location and peaceful surroundings with great coffee in the cafe upstairs. Well worth a visit if you fancy an hour or two away from the bustle of the city centre. read more

This is quite possibly the best museum I've ever been to, not just in Ireland. Quite hard to believe that this collection was basically put together by one individual during his lifetime. The museum is very well put together, you not only have all the artifacts Chester Beatty collected but also videos on book-binding and paper-making- yes from scratch!- so you can fully appreciate the work and craftsmanship that has gone into every single item. And there is no real specialisation either, the objects are from so many different countries and so varied. Also, the library has a very nice restaurant on the ground floor, which is well worth checking out! read more

Look this place beats the Book of Kells any day and it's free.Wonderful collection skewed towards eastern religious objects.Some fake Durer and real Durer, a Goya display and lot of wonderful books and prints.By all means view the video on Chester Beatty. read more

One of the best museums I have ever been to....and I have been to a lot around the world! Terrific items that you will not find elsewhere. Great educational display. Highly recommend! read more

Calling this place a library is wrong. You cannot check out books! This is more like a museum but I prefer to call it a collection - one of the finest collections of its kind anywhere in the world. Really. Read the other reviews for details but in my opinion this is one of the top attractions in Dublin - a shame that Dublin does not do more to promote this cultural icon. And it is free. It is free because that was a condition of Mr. Beatty when he donated this collection to the state of Ireland. I would return - again and again. read more

If you're looking for culture from your trip to Dublin than this is the place to come. Set in a beautiful building the library has displays and artefacts from all roung the globe, ranging from Asia, to Europe, to Africa. The guided tours around the library are well worth checking out, the guides are friendly and knowledgeable. The tours also help you to get a sense of the library that you don't get from just walking around on your own. I've been here a couple of times and the curators change the exhibits that you can see, so that each time I've been back there has been something new to see, which you don't find with a lot of museums. This is a great location for enjoying a cultural afternoon out and learning at the same time. read more

Great library. One of Dublin's best attractions in my opinion. The guide helped explain a lot of the collections which otherwise would have been lost on me. Great visit and the restaurant is a good spot too. All for free aswell! read more

The chester beatty was a library where american alfred chester beatty donated a large collection of religous texts to the state, including the worlds second largest collection of korans outside istanbull. he is the only civilian to ever recieve an irish state funeral ever for his achievements and his library is well worth a visit. read more

Go here. This is the best thing in Dublin. Ancient papyrus with the Letters of Paul the Apostle. Korans from the 700 ADs. Hindu and Byzantine art. Unbelievable. I went with my teenage sons, and I couldn't get them out of here. read more

While in Dublin for a cold, wet and windy winter week the wise decision was to find indoor activities rather than challenge the weather. My wife had been in Dublin in the past and suggested we go to the Chester Beatty Museum. It is now located close to the Dublin Castle and Trinity College. Because of requirements of Mr. Beatty's gift the entrance to the collection is free although a donation is suggested. Only a small part of the collection is on display, however if you are interested in hand bound books and illuminated manuscripts especially with a religious theme you should not miss The Beatty. As a bonus we were treated to a series of Turner drawings which Mr. Beatty collected and instructed they be displayed each year for a month free of charge. What a wonderful way to spend a wet morning. read more

My favourite museum in Dublin - advise all visitors to go here instead of Book of Kells - the manuscripts are extensive, ancient and mind-blowing. Repeat visits worth doing. Dublin's best. And a nice cafe and surroundings. read more

This place is a must see in Dublin. Stunning collection of art, manuscripts, and books. The papyri from the 2nd and 3rd century AD is amazing. Beautiful displays of Asian art and furniture. Enjoyed the rooftop views. Easy to get through in a couple of hours. Located right behind Dublin Castle and free admission. read more

My visit to the Chester Beatty Library was fabulous. The illustrated manuscripts and jeweled and filigreed book covers were absolutely gorgeous, and the collections of religious artifacts was beautiful. Quite possibly my favorite museum in Dublin, including the lovely roof garden. read more

would highly recommend this library, found it fascinating and very enjoyable