Royal Hospital Kilmainham
One of Dublin's most iconic buildings and Ireland’s foremost example of fine 17th century architecture
Royal Hospital Kilmainham
One of Dublin's most iconic buildings and Ireland’s foremost example of fine 17th century architecture
Site Closed
Grounds and exhibition open daily
Admission
Free except for occasional special exhibitions
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Royal Hospital Kilmainham
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham stands on the site of a seventh-century early Christian settlement, replaced in Norman times with a monastery of the Knights Hospitallers.
The building as we know it today was begun in 1680. Leading architects such as William Robinson, Thomas Burgh and Francis Johnston made it the starting point for Dublin’s development into a city of European standing.
Inspired by Les Invalides in Paris, the building was to be a retirement home for old soldiers. Over the next 247 years, thousands of army pensioners lived out their final days within its walls.
In 1991, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham became home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Gallery
Opening Times
Grounds and exhibition open daily
Guided Tours available from Mid April – November
Guided Walking Tours of Grounds, including North Range, available daily: 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Monday- Saturday: 10:00- 17:00.
Sunday and Bank Holidays: 12:00- 17:00.
Notice
Dogs are not permitted in the following areas :
Formal Walled Gardens
Bully’s Acre
Officer’s Graveyard
Getting Here
By Luas: Red line to Heuston Station (8 minutes walk via Military Road.)
By Bus: Buses to Heuston Station (8 minutes walk via Military Rd): C1, C2, C3, C4 from Aston Quay. Buses to James Street (8 minutes walk via steps to Bow Lane onto Irwin Street and Military Road): 13 from O’Connell Street or Dame Street; G1 and G2 from Eden Quay.
By Car: Paid car parking – €3 for the first 3 hrs
On Foot: Approx. 30 to 40 minutes from the city centre.
By Train: 8 minutes walk from Heuston Station.
Cycling: There is bike parking onsite and a number of Dublin Bikes stations located nearby.
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions
Facilities
- Art
- Bookshop
- Café
- Car park
- Coach parking
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Museum
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
Nearby sites to visit
Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
A monument to more than a century of Irish nationalism
Approx. 0.7 km from Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Phoenix Park – People’s Flower Gardens
Enjoy Victorian floriculture at its best
Approx. 0.8 km from Royal Hospital Kilmainham
Irish National War Memorial Gardens
Relax and reflect in this beautiful garden monument
Approx. 0.9 km from Royal Hospital Kilmainham
