Chester Beatty Library

The Chester Beatty Library is one of those gems that often gets overlooked in favor of the more flashy attractions of Dublin. But this extensive collection of books, artwork, manuscripts, and religious objects from around the world is worth at least a few hours of precious vacation time. On the first floor, you find a diverse collection of works, from Chinese scroll paintings to a tenth-century Persian illustration of the heavens to a large Northern Italian book of choir music from 1450.

Narrated videos of craftspeople at work are found throughout the gallery, illuminating crafts such as bookbinding, papermaking, and printmaking. The second floor is dedicated to books and objects from many of the world’s religious traditions. A beautifully created audiovisual explores religious practices and belief systems around the world. The treasures on this floor are numerous, including a Hindu cosmological painting from 18^th century Nepal; a standing Tibetan Buddha; and some of the earliest New Testament and Gospel texts, including the Gospel of St. John, written on Greek papyrus, circa 150 to 200. If you are spiritually satiated but physically hungry, the Silk Road Café is excellent.