Ireland's finest 17th-century building
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, built between 1680 and 1684, is considered the finest 17th-century building in Ireland. Designed by Sir William Robinson for King Charles II, it was modeled on Les Invalides in Paris and served as a home for retired soldiers for nearly 250 years.
Today, this stunning building houses the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), creating a fascinating dialogue between historic architecture and contemporary art.
The building's formal gardens, restored in the 1980s, offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of Dublin. The baroque chapel features an ornate papier-mâché ceiling that was restored to its original glory. The Great Hall, with its portrait of King Charles II, evokes the grandeur of the institution's original purpose.
Address: Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Admission: Free access to grounds and IMMA galleries