Becoming Part of an Exhibit at the Irish Museum of Modern Art
Have you ever seen an upside-down horse sculpture? I have, and there’s plenty more wacky exhibits at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. We’re not just talking about random sculptures; these are some of the best modern and contemporary art in Ireland.
When I first saw the exterior of the museum, I was quite sceptical that I would be seeing the avant-garde that contemporary art is known for due to the poshness of the outside. I was mistaken as the inside was brimming with thought pieces left, right, and centre.
So come with us as we explore the heart of Ireland’s modern art movement. We’ll tell you everything you need to know and some additional tips that’ll make your visit that much more exciting. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get to take part in an exhibit.
What is the Irish Museum of Modern Art Known for?
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is the home and leading institution that collects and showcases modern and contemporary art in Ireland. It showcases a wide variety of temporary contemporary art exhibitions and some permanent ones.
Best Time to Go to the Irish Museum of Modern Art
If you’re looking for a quiet experience, we’d suggest that you visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art when it opens on a weekday, as there are fewer people there. If on a weekend, we’d suggest going in the morning, since the afternoon gets quite busy.
Things to Know about the Irish Museum of Modern Art
Address: The Irish Museum of Modern Art is located at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 FW31, Ireland. It is close to other tourist spots such as Dublin Zoo, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Irish National War Memorial Gardens.
Operating Hours: The Irish Museum of Modern Art opens at different times depending on the day. Below is a table of the operating hours of the museum depending on the day of the week.
| IRISH MUSEUM OF MODERN ART OPERATING HOURS | |
| Date | Hours |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
Parking: There is parking available on-site at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, though it is paid parking. We have a table below that lists the parking cost and the corresponding hours of parking time associated with it.
| IRISH MUSEUM OF MODERN ART PARKING | |
| Hours | Price |
| 0 – 3 | €3 |
| 0 – 4 | €5 |
| 0 – 6 | €10 |
| 6+ | €15 |
Contact Information: You can contact the officials at the Irish Museum of Modern Art through their mobile number at +353 1 612 9900. You can also contact them through their website for any enquiries that you may have.
Pets: While pets aren’t allowed inside the museum premises, they are allowed on leash on the grounds and gardens of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. They will need to be on a leash as is required by law.
Accessibility at the Irish Museum of Modern Art
Wheelchair Accessible: The Irish Museum of Modern Art is fully accessible to wheelchair users. While the museum is quite large and has multiple floors, there are lifts to assist you with traversing the museum.
Assistance Dogs: Assistance and guide dogs are welcome at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. We would advise that you bring proper documentation and certification for your assistance dogs, just to be on the safe side.
Blue Badge Parking: They offer Blue Badge Parking for those who are eligible. This parking space is close to the Main entrance of the museum and is easily accessible, and has ample space for wheelchair users.
IMMA Sensory Bags: For those who have a variety of sensory needs, there are bags full of sensory items available for both children and adults. These can be borrowed from the main reception and will be returned once you’re done exploring the museum.
Dementia Inclusive Tours: There are Dementia Inclusive Tours available on the first Friday of every month. These guided tours are specifically designed for the enjoyment of those suffering from dementia and are an enjoyable social experience for them.
How to Get to the Irish Museum of Modern Art
Car: The Irish Museum of Modern Art can be accessed through either Kilmainham Lane or Circular Road. While it may seem that you can access the museum through Military Road, you cannot enter there. Instead, you must head to either of the roads listed above.
Dublin Bus:. There are two Dublin Bus stops located near the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Below are the bus stops associated with them, as well as the specific routes that travel to those stops.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 13 | St. James Hospital Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: • 6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: • 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 51D | Heuston Station Stop | Monday to Friday: • 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM |
| Route 52 | Heuston Station Stop | Monday to Friday: • 4:55 AM – 10:50 PM Saturday: • 6:05 AM – 10:50 PM Sunday: • 8:05 AM – 10:50 PM |
| Route 60 | Heuston Station Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: • 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: • 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route C1 | Heuston Station Stop | Monday to Friday: • 4:48 AM – 3:58 AM Saturday: • 4:58 AM – 3:58 AM Sunday: • 5:01 AM – 4:01 AM |
| Route C2 | Heuston Station Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:18 AM – 4:28 AM Saturday: • 5:31 AM – 4:31 AM Sunday: • 5:31 AM – 4:31 AM |
| Route C3 | Heuston Station Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:32 AM – 4:36 AM Saturday: • 5:38 AM – 4:35 AM Sunday: • 5:38 AM – 4:36 AM |
| Route C4 | Heuston Station Stop | Monday to Friday: • 4:52 AM – 11:02 PM Saturday: • 5:01 AM – 11:01 PM Sunday: • 5:03 AM – 11:03 PM |
| Route G1 | St. James Hospital Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:00 AM – 4:25 AM Saturday: • 5:24 AM – 4:25 AM Sunday: • 5:26 AM – 4:26 AM |
| Route G2 | St. James Hospital Stop | Monday to Friday: • 5:15 AM – 3:53 AM Saturday: • 4:54 AM – 3:55 AM Sunday: • 4:54 AM – 3:54 AM |
Bike: You can head to the Irish Museum of Modern Art through the same roads we suggested in the car section. As for bike parking, there is a designated area for bicycles near the entrance of the paid car park. Bike parking is free.
As for Dublin Bikes stations, there are two that are close to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. One is located at the entrance on Military Road, while the other is located on Kilmainham Lane.
Luas Tram System: The closest Luas station to the Irish Museum of Modern Art is Rialto Stop, which is located on the Red Line.
DART Commuter Rail: You can take the DART to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, as the closest station to it is Hueston Station. This is a short walk from the station to the museum.
Taxi: You can easily take a taxi to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. If heading from Dublin City Centre, you can simply head to the same roads we suggested earlier. We must warn you that this will be quite expensive.
How Much is a Ticket to the Irish Museum of Modern Art
Admission is free at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. They do, however, stop allowing admission at around 5:15 PM, so make sure to visit just before the cutoff period.
Types of Tours in the Irish Museum of Modern Art
There are three types of tours available at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Below are some insights into both and when you can avail each tour.
Self-Guided Tour
| Self-Guided Tour | |
| Days Available: | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM |
| Tour Duration | About 30 Minutes |
Self-guided tours are the main type of tour that you’ll be experiencing at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. With this type of tour, you’ll be able to experience all of the permanent exhibits at your own pace.
The Self-Guided tour will also give you access to the temporary exhibits that are available. These temporary exhibits are generally free, although some may charge a small fee, which is rare.
Guided Tour for Groups
| Guided Tour for Groups | |
| Days Available: | Tuesday to Friday |
| Time Slots: | 9:30 AM | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
| Tour Duration | About 30 Minutes |
Guided tours are available for groups larger than 10. These group tours allow you to experience the entirety of the Irish Museum of Modern Art with a knowledgeable Visitor Engagement Team member.
This type of guided tour does need you to book at least 2 weeks in advance. Don’t worry, these tours are still completely free of charge. You can book your tour here.
Guided Tour for Individuals and Small Groups
| Guided Tour for Individuals and Small Groups | |
| Days Available: | Wednesday | Saturday | Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 2:30 PM |
| Tour Duration | About 30 Minutes |
As for smaller groups or individuals, there are informal guided tours available for those who want to avail themselves. These comprise the same experience as the guided tour above, but don’t require prior booking to avail.
You will need to be in the main IMMA Reception 10 minutes before the tour starts. Try to arrive early, as these tours are only available for a limited number of people (max 20).
Exhibits at the Irish Museum of Modern Art
The exhibits at the Irish Museum of Modern Art change yearly. Be sure to check their website to see if any additional exhibits have been added.
Staying With The Trouble
The Staying With The Trouble exhibit explores the contemporary problems that modern Dubliners face on a daily basis. A collaboration between 40 Irish and Ireland-based artists, the exhibit challenges human-centric narratives for a multi-species perspective.
It is a de-evolution of the human psyche, portraying all the things that humanity has othered over the past decades. Its main proponents propose an interconnecting relationship between humans, animals, and ecosystems.
Kith And Kin
The Kith and Kin exhibit explores the creations of the Gee’s Bend Quilting Group, who are a group of African American women from a small community in Alabama. Unlike typical quilts, their colours are bold and hold artistic and political significance.
These quilts were born out of the women’s resilience and self-sufficiency as they were based in a racially segregated region. They became symbols of Black empowerment, and their craft has been exhibited worldwide as a highlight of marginalised voices.
Sam Gilliam Sewing Fields
– Media Credit: https://www.instagram.com/immaireland
This exhibit comprises the works of Sam Gilliam, one of the great innovators in post-war American painting. His iconic ‘Drape’ paintings were an amalgamation of painting, sculpture, and performance in conversation with architecture.
Gilliam has a close connection to Ireland, as a residency at Ballinglen Arts Foundation reshaped his artistic practice. The exhibit showcases his depictions of the Irish coast, with its vastness and wildness, as mirrored in the paintings on display.
Art As Agency
The Art As Agency is where you’ll find the horse we were talking about earlier. Aside from that, this exhibit showcases works from the 1960s to the present that have been curated by the museum since its inception.
The exhibit showcases the many influences that culture, time, and context have had on their art, shaping it into what it eventually became. The contemporary art here explores many challenges that the modern world faces and the artist’s response to them.
Where to Eat When Heading to the Irish Museum of Modern Art
I’m sure you’re feeling a bit peckish after exploring the halls of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Thankfully, we’re not that far from the city centre, and there’s still quite a handful of great restaurants near the museum.
Fruition
– Media Credit: Fruition Instagram
Website: https://fruitiondublin.ie
Address: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin, D08 FW31, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 612 9900
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday:
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fruition is the cafe of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Like its contemporary owner, the cafe boasts a contemporary atmosphere with modern delicacies that are designed to rival the incredible paintings inside the museum.
Something healthy and filling at Fruition is their Acai Bowl. It’s made with fresh ingredients, and the frozen strawberries offer a nice cooling sensation to the ripe and sweet bananas and the creamy acai berries.
Nancy Hands Bar & Restaurant
– Media Credit: Nancy Hands Bar & Restaurant Instagram
Website: https://www.nancyhands.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093988517985
Address: 30-32 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 W6X3, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 677 0149
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Nancy Hands Bar and Restaurant is an homage to the first female pub owner in Dublin, who served her pints through a small hatch where customers could only see her hands. It’s a lovely story, and the pub pays respect to that courageous woman.
The Shephred’s Pie is the highlight at Nancy Hands. The pie is flaky, and the insides are the right amount of juicy and flavorful. It’s also served with a side of buttered peas and mash that adds a creamy texture to the overall dish.
Iveagh Bistro
– Media Credit: Iveagh Bistro Instagram
Website: https://www.ashlinghotel.ie/bistro-bar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshlingHotelDublin
Address: 8 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 K8P5, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 677 2324
Price Range: €10 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday:
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Iveagh Bistro is a lovely restaurant located at the Ashling Hotel. While you may raise an eyebrow, given that hotel restaurants tend to be subpar, the Iveagh Bistro is an exception. It serves incredible and flavorful dishes that won’t break the budget.
The Hereford beef burger is simply stunning. Such a simple dish that’s elevated by the smoked bacon, the toasted brioche bun, and the incredibly tender beef.
Where to Stay When Heading to the Irish Museum of Modern Art
There are several hotels near the Irish Museum of Modern Art that offer comfortable accommodations. Here are our choices that might interest you when booking a stay near the museum.
Ashling Hotel
– Media Credit: Ashling Hotel Dublin Instagram
Website: https://www.ashlinghotel.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshlingHotelDublin
Address: 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8, D08 P38N, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 677 2324
Price Range: Starts at €378
Did you know that Ashling Hotel is the first hotel in the city to introduce a sensory-family bedroom? Yes, their rooms are thoughtfully designed to support guests with sensory sensitivities.
The rooms are equipped with features like a calming LED bubble tube, aroma diffusers, weighted cushions, and even a fidget toy box. All of which create a comfortable and inclusive environment for families.
Harding Hotel
– Media Credit: Harding Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.hardinghotel.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardinghotelchristchurch
Address: Fishamble St, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 679 6500
Price Range: Starts at €151
The Harding Hotel is known for its simplicity. While their rooms are quaint, they are adorned with local artworks and have a homey and relaxing vibe to them with their muted colours and simple furniture.
It also preserves a piece of Dublin’s medieval urban layout by incorporating Copper Alley, an old alleyway, into its reception area. Guests can actually see this narrow historic street through the lobby.
Maldron Hotel Kevin Street
– Media Credit: Maldron Hotel Kevin Street Instagram
Website: https://www.maldronhotels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maldronkevinstreet
Address: Kevin Street Upper, Portobello, Dublin 8, D08 AX57, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 906 8900
Price Range: Starts at €290
The Maldron Hotel at Kevin Street is one of many Maldron hotels in Dublin. The one in Kevin Street hosts many of the modern amenities that the Maldron hotels are known for, while providing spacious and uniquely coloured rooms perfect for couples or families.
Its deluxe super king rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and those rooms also display photographic work by the local photographer David Cantwell.
Tips When Visiting the Irish Museum of Modern Art
Before you head off and start appreciating the contemporary art at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, we’ve got a few tips that’ll surely make a difference when you visit this haven of modern art.
Head on a Day with a Guided Tour
The guided tours are a game-changer, especially when there are limited-time exhibits at the museum. They offer valuable insights and interesting facts that you simply can’t get with a Self-Guided experience.
Visit Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is quite close to the Irish Museum of Modern Art. While it doesn’t involve art, it does showcase Dublin’s long and tumultuous history when fighting for its sovereignty.
Check for Events
There are certain interactive events that happen at the Irish Museum of Modern Art every so often. If you want to partake in a hands-on experience, then we’d highly suggest checking their website for them.
Become a Member
There are special events at the Irish Museum of Modern Art that you simply cannot access if you aren’t a member. If you’re staying in Dublin for a few months, we’d highly recommend getting an IMMA membership!