The Best Things in Dublin are Free!

I’d like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to Sir Alfred Chester Beatty for the donation of his vast collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, rare books and artefacts from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe that make up the museum/library named after him. His once private collection is now a national treasure located on the grounds of Dublin Castle in Dublin city centre.

Last Sunday myself and my friend decided to take a much overdue visit to the Chester Beatty Library, stopping off on the way at a quaint French café restaurant called Chez Maz for a leisurely cappuccino. We decided to sit outside so we could cope with our hangover-induced hot flushes.

Because entry is free we decided to visit just one of the permanent exhibitions as there is so much to take in that we took our time in the ‘Arts of the Book’ collection. We plan to return again and visit the others. The collection is housed in an expansive dimly lit room which felt relaxed and peaceful to walk around. We took time to read all the explanatory notes next to each artefact and enjoyed the unique beauty of the ancient manuscripts and paintings.

Before heading home we took a stroll upstairs to the roof top Japenese Zen garden and relaxed under the warm sunshine. There are viewing areas around the garden where you can see areas of Dublin castle and the city. We also had the pleasure of hearing the distant melody of church bells ringing out around the city. It did feel quite barren there with a lack of greenery but we still found it an oasis of tranquillity on a sunny Summer’s afternoon in late August.

The Chester Beatty museum/library is gushing with culture and the joy of the place is in the diversity of the collections. I’m already looking forward to my return visit. If you live in Dublin it’s the perfect way to while away an afternoon or indeed if you’re a visitor to the city you will find it an interesting stop off for an hour or two depending on your time. For more information visit the website www.cbl.ie.
Walking distance from Temple Bar Hotel - 10 minutes