Chester Beatty Library

The best-kept literary secret in Dublin Castle, this literary treasure is home to a renowned collection of ancient manuscripts from all over the world.
This Aladdin's cave is frequently visited by school groups clamoring to enter, tourists taking advantage of the free excursions, and historians studying the collection of Chinese jade books.
Families swarm to the art classes over the summer break, while the more sophisticated PhD students look forward to the riveting talks on subjects like multiculturalism and identity.
The unpretentious Middle Eastern café, tucked away in the back of the museum, is the best-kept secret, with its delectable food satisfying many a hungry visitor.

There is nothing Irish about the Chester Beatty collection, only the fact, that it was gifted to Dublin by American-born millionaire, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). Sir Alfred, a great lover of Ireland, traveled extensively in Asia and amassed an eclectic collection which ranges from priceless Persian manuscripts to hundreds of delicate Chinese snuff bottles.

Did you know that this tourist attraction, which moved from the suburbs to its present location in the historic Clock Tower of Dublin Castle in 2000, was a winner of “European Museum of the Year” in 2002? Chester Beatty Library is one of the country’s real gems and boosts impressive, huge, unique and word class collection from across the Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Europe. Alfred Chester Beatty’s collection, which is an open window for people who want to discover and explore the cultures and religions of the world. The Bible manuscripts, costumes, clay tables, drawings, decorative arts, wall hangings, Egyptian papyrus texts, amazingly presented copies of the Qur’an, Turkish and Persian paintings, glowing Japanese prints, dragon robes, medieval and renaissance manuscripts, incredibly rare texts, books and beautiful scripture in the East Asian/Middle Eastern religion are among the highlights of the collection.

Add this Dublin attraction as a must place to see in Dublin, if you’re interested in Asian art and culture. If you’re not, it might be an inspiring eye opener for you- it’s very informative and educational-you’ll learn a lot about different cultures around the globe and important religions. This Dublin place, without a doubt, is a must place to see in Dublin. A museum of the Year is located on Dublin Castle grounds.

Described by Lonely Planet as ‘not just the best museum in Ireland but one of the best in Europe’, the Chester Beatty is the pre-eminent Irish museum promoting the appreciation and understanding of world cultures with holdings of manuscripts, rare books, and other treasures from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. An engaging and welcoming space, visitors from Ireland and overseas will find permanent and temporary displays, an intercultural learning programme and a broad variety of public activities for all ages and backgrounds.