Former Lions centre Rob Henderson scored Munster's only try as they chalked up their seventh straight Celtic League win, ending the Dragons' monopoly against Irish sides in a 25-16 triumph at Musgrave Park.
The 32-year-old was the gleeful recipient of Mossie Lawlor's inside pass after scrum-half Mike Prendergast's box-kick had eluded Dragons fullback Kevin Morgan on 69 minutes.
Former Wales back Morgan got his revenge with an injury time try, but the right boot of Paul Burke - who notched seven successful kicks - already had Munster in a commanding lead.
A first half lacking in any rhythm saw the Dragons' superior scrum target a home front row lacking experience - bar 16-cap Scottish international Gordon McIlwham.
Poor attacking fare saw Burke and Craig Warlow engage in a penalty shoot-out, with the former Harlequin fly-half edging Munster into a 9-6 half-time lead.
Warlow, who grabbed 18 points in the Dragons' win over league pacesetters the Ospreys last week, screwed a drop goal attempt just to the left after 40 seconds as Chris Anderson's side showed their intent.
And when Christian Cullen went over the top on seven minutes, Warlow punched over his first penalty.
Seven minutes later Burke levelled, punishing some slack Dragons' tackling as lock Ian Gough hit Munster's Shaun Payne with a high arm challenge.
With neither try line threatened, Warlow drew the sides level six minutes before the break, as Munster's Australian second row Tom Bowman hauled down a right-wing maul.
A neat slice over from Burke though, in first half injury time afforded Gaffney's charges their slight lead.
The right boot of Warlow was again the Dragons' attacker-in-chief after the restart as he boomed a 40-metre drop goal past the outstretched arms of Denis Leamy and Stephen Keogh, the benefactor of David Wallace's late withdrawal (groin), to square it up on 48 minutes.
Burke's fourth penalty from in front of the posts pushed Munster back in front with half-an-hour remaining and two more on 65 and 68 minutes had the Dragons' six-game run under serious threat.
Henderson then evaded a last gasp tackle from Nathan Brew to crown Munster's victory. Burke duly converted with metronome precision to complete his 20-point haul.
But, with Munster gunning for a second try, wily Morgan sneaked away on a 60-metre breakaway to claim a try at the death.
