Chester Beatty Library 🇮🇪

Located in the grounds of Dublin Castle, Ireland, the Chester Beatty (formerly the Chester Beatty Library) is a museum and library showcasing extraordinary historical artefacts and manuscripts gathered from all over the world. Established in 1953 to house the vast collections of mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, the museum opened at its current site on February 7, 2000, and earned the title of European Museum of the Year in 2002. Today, it stands as one of the premier sources for scholarship in the Old and New Testaments.

As you explore its two main galleries—"Sacred Traditions" and "Arts of the Book"—you will discover rare books, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, and decorative arts spanning Western, Persian, Islamic, and East Asian collections. Priceless treasures include Papyrus 45 and Papyrus 46 (among the earliest surviving Christian artefacts), an extensive papyri collection containing Ancient Egyptian Love Songs, and a volume of the first illustrated Life of the Prophet. You will also see the Gospel of Mani, the medieval Ibn al-Bawwab Qur'an, imperial Mughal album miniatures, classical Persian poetry manuscripts by Ferdowsi and Nizami, 17th-century Japanese picture-scrolls by Kanō Sansetsu, and carved Chinese snuff bottles.

Temporary exhibitions regularly offer additional artworks on loan from foreign institutions.

What to see at Chester Beatty Library

• Early Christian papyrus codices, including Papyrus 45 and Papyrus 46
• Priceless Islamic collections, including the Ibn al-Bawwab Qur'an and imperial Mughal miniatures
• Classical Persian illuminated manuscripts featuring poetry by Ferdowsi and Nizami
• East Asian art including 17th-century Japanese picture-scrolls and carved Chinese snuff bottles

Visiting tips

Be sure to explore both permanent galleries—"Sacred Traditions" and "Arts of the Book"—as well as temporary exhibitions featuring works on loan from foreign institutions.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Chester Beatty Library is easy to reach on Dublin’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Dublin Castle and Spire of Dublin. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Dublin travel guide.