The Chester Beatty Library is next to the Dublin Castle
The Chester Beatty Library is one of those unique museums that makes me excited to visit museums again. I get tired of seeing museums with similar exhibits wherever I go so this was a nice change of pace. It is one of the most interesting museums that I have ever visited.
The library is actually a book museum that was created from the collection of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. Chester made his fortune mining copper in Colorado in the early 1900’s. This fortune allowed him to collect an incredible amount of ancient manuscripts, books and texts dating back to 2700 BC. He moved to Ireland in the 1950’s where he established the museum and became a naturalized citizen.
I really wish I could show you pictures of the amazing books that I saw inside but since they do not allow photography so you will have to visit and see for yourself. You can also visit the website or download the iPhone App for photos and videos of the collection.
This museum is a great alternative to visiting the popular Book of Kells at the nearby Trinity College. I did not visit the Book of Kells but I do know that you can only see four pages of the book. The Chester Beatty Library has similar illuminated manuscripts to the Book of Kells in addition to a vast collection of other fascinating items. Admission to the Library is also free and you will not have to wait in line to get in.
- Visit the Museums website for more information
- The library is located in gardens of the Dublin Castle.
- It is is open Tuesday through Sunday.
- Admission is Free
- Download the free iPhone, iPad, iPod touch App. (Sorry there is no Android or Windows version)
- Like their Facebook Page for more information on exhibits and events.
Vanessa says
May 2, 2013 at 8:10 PMLove this article! Ireland is an amazing source of literary inspiration and a must see destination for writers and artists. I\’ve been there twice, including spending a full summer there, and I loved following in the footsteps of Yeats, Synge, Gregory, and company. I did a St. Patrick\’s Day post this year about some of my favourite Irish lit things if anyone wants to see my list of favourites from the Irish lit scene and it was fun to take a trip down memory lane.
Jeff says
May 3, 2013 at 6:56 PMI also really liked Ireland. The people were so friendly and there were so many interesting things to do there.
Agness says
May 5, 2013 at 9:59 PMUnfortunately, I’ve never made it to Dublin, but planning to go there very soon. The Chester Beatty Library sounds and looks so interesting. I’ll definitely go there once I visit Dublin.
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Arianwen says
June 4, 2013 at 11:30 AMI’ve never even been to Ireland but would love to go here one day. It’s a shame you weren’t allowed to take photos. Always gutting to hear that as a blogger!
Jeff says
June 4, 2013 at 7:48 PMIt is better that they do not allow photos. There would be to many people taking picture with their flash on and ruining the important books.
Jeff recently posted..Cliffs of Moher Ireland – Pictures
Jean of Holy Smithereens says
June 12, 2013 at 8:17 AMWhoa a Book Museum!! that would be heaven for me as Im such a book worm. Im going to Dublin end of the year I will definitely visit this thanks for sharing 🙂
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Jeff says
June 12, 2013 at 8:26 AMIt is an amazing museum. One of the most interesting that I have seen.