Membership Benefits

Photo of a couple standing in a gallery in front of a wall displaying gilt-framed paintings and mirrors.
Photographer: Jack Caffrey, The Pimlico Project, 2017. Photo © National Gallery of IrelandCredit

Due to ongoing COVID-19 measures, we have adapted our membership benefits to ensure that Friends can continue to engage with and enjoy the national collection. 

Although we cannot hold in-person events in the Gallery, we are bringing the Gallery to you through a rich variety of digital events and content.

See current membership benefits here

Below, we have listed the benefits you can enjoy once COVID-19 measures are lifted:

  • Free unlimited entry to all ticketed exhibitions*
  • Access to the Members’ Room overlooking Merrion Square. Open during Gallery hours, with tea and coffee facilities and free wifi**
  • Early bird booking for selected Gallery events
  • Exclusive members-only events offering deeper engagement with your national collection and special ‘hear-it-first’ knowledge
  • Members-only discounts:
    • 10% discount in Gallery Shop (15% Christmas shopping day discount)
    • 10% discount in Gallery Café
    • 10% discount on Gallery events such as Tipple with Art, and more
    • 10% discount on customised prints
    • 20% discount on selected Education events associated with temporary exhibitions
    • Discounts on movie screenings (including a 10-minute talk on a related artwork)

* Pre-booking essential. See FAQs for further information.
** Very occasionally, the Members’ Room may be temporarily unavailable. Members will be alerted in advance.

 

Onsite events you can enjoy when COVID-19 measures are lifted.

Gallery-based free events:

  • Monthly welcome tour for new members – pre-booking required
  • Monthly ‘artwork in focus’ talks – pre-booking required
  • Previews of selected exhibitions – pre-booking required
  • Exclusive art appreciation lunchtime lecture series on Wednesdays. Spring and autumn, 20 talks in total.

Gallery-based ticketed events (including refreshments):

  • Annual evening lecture with the Director of the National Gallery of Ireland
  • Curators’ evening ‘hear-it-first’ lectures, prior to exhibitions opening to the public
  • Gallery Time events, including a talk, tour and afternoon tea
  • Behind-the-scenes events with the Library & Archives and Prints & Drawings departments
  • Themed evening tours
  • Christmas concert in the Gallery’s magnificent Shaw Room
  • A range of special events during Friends Fortnight at the Gallery

Offsite ticketed events:

  • Day trips around Ireland
  • Half-day outings to other cultural institutions
  • Walking tours
  • Irish, UK and European overnight trips inspired by the national collection and exhibitions