Chester Beatty, Dublin

Chester Beatty houses a large collection of Islamic and Far Eastern artifacts, including manuscripts, prints, paintings, rare books, and decorative arts. Established in 1950 to store the vast collections of Alfred Chester Beatty, a well-known mining mogul, the library now attracts both serious scholars and amateur art lovers. The standout among the library's collection of over 20,000 objects is the "Gospel of Mani," the last remaining artifact of Manichaeism, an ancient belief system that originated in Persia. Start your self-guided tour by exploring the first-floor gallery about Beatty's life and career, and end your visit at the rooftop Japanese garden, which offers unrestricted views of the city's emblematic castle. Put Chester Beatty on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Dublin trip planner.