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Heritage Ireland

Royal Hospital Kilmainham

One of Dublin's most iconic buildings and Ireland’s foremost example of fine 17th century architecture

See all opening times

Royal Hospital Kilmainham

One of Dublin's most iconic buildings and Ireland’s foremost example of fine 17th century architecture

See all opening times

Limited Access

Grounds and exhibition open daily

Historical guided tours available from Mid April - November

Unfortunately, as part of the North Range building is closed for refurbishment, there is limited access to the interior

.

Admission

Free except for occasional special exhibitions

Getting here

Military Road
Kilmainham
Dublin 8
D08 FW31

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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.

Opening Times

Grounds and exhibition open daily

Guided Tours available from Mid April – November

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

Contact

Military Road
Kilmainham
Dublin 8
D08 FW31

046 9422450

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 – €2 for the first 3 hrs, €2/hour thereafter.

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.

Open location in Google Maps

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

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