National Museum of Ireland

National Museum of Ireland National Museum of Ireland is Ireland’s premier cultural institution and home to the greatest collections of Irish material heritage, culture.
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The National Museum of Ireland is home to the world’s greatest collection of objects related to Irish history and heritage. The collection spans from prehistoric times to the present day and is on display across four museums in Dublin and Mayo. Exhibitions explore a diverse range of themes from Bronze Age gold and extinct Irish mammals to 20th century revolution and contemporary design. The main a

im of the NMI is to preserve, share, explore and celebrate Ireland’s history and culture and its place in the wider world. Admission is free. Sign up to the National Museum of Ireland Newsletter to find out about our exhibitions and events https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/newsletter?__RequestVerificationToken=E9sYgRG56zc3tvJR5chrZjdwikuHjgi5eFMiHXZecl2pbY2bVLvH5MkxL1edGc6sswyCo1BW_s1UxG3bO-bMpoXILv1S9IWCi6--GvqQCy81&Email=

Tune into on Sunday 31 May for "Museum of Me" a TV series hosted by Dermot Whelan that explores the lives of notable I...
30/05/2026

Tune into on Sunday 31 May for "Museum of Me" a TV series hosted by Dermot Whelan that explores the lives of notable Irish figures through the personal objects they’ve held onto - items that carry emotional weight, mark key moments, or reveal unexpected sides of their story.

Each episode culminates in a public exhibition at Fota House in Cork, curated by Dr. Siobhán Doyle Curator of Contemporary Irish History and the team, where these objects are shared with visitors and the individual’s story is brought to life.

The Museum of Me airs on RTE One at 8:30 PM, Sunday 31 May.

Artist Ishmael Claxton, a New York–born photographer now based in Dublin for over a decade, has spent extensive time exp...
29/05/2026

Artist Ishmael Claxton, a New York–born photographer now based in Dublin for over a decade, has spent extensive time exploring the spaces and collections of the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History (better known as the “Dead Zoo”).

Drawing on his experience as an African American living in Ireland, Claxton brings a unique perspective to these familiar surroundings.

Using a specially selected blue-tinted film stock—referencing the Irish term for a Black person, *duine gorm* (“blue person”)—he creates an atmosphere that conventional photography cannot replicate. Through this deliberate choice and careful lighting, his work offers a striking new interpretation of the museum’s animals and spaces.

📍 This week, the Dead Zoo Lab, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks is hosting a temporary exhibition of his work.

📅Friday, 29 May to Sunday, 7 June

Don’t miss the chance to experience this distinctive collection.
https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Exhibitions/Dead-Zoo-Lab

In this month’s blog, Wildlife Biology student Keisha-Paige Plant explores a fascinating specimen from the Natural Histo...
29/05/2026

In this month’s blog, Wildlife Biology student Keisha-Paige Plant explores a fascinating specimen from the Natural History collections: a rare five-legged frog.

Through her work placement, she uncovers how such unusual deformities can occur, often linked to parasites that disrupt normal limb development.

The blog highlights how even the strangest specimens can offer valuable insights into biodiversity, environmental change, and the importance of museum collections in scientific research.

Hop to the link for more details.

https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Registration-Department/Registration-Blog/The-fantastic-five-legged-frog

This Irish Poetry Day, discover Gibiní by Martina Evans, a powerful poem that explores home as something both felt and f...
28/05/2026

This Irish Poetry Day, discover Gibiní by Martina Evans, a powerful poem that explores home as something both felt and fashioned. On display as part of Silent Objects / Spoken Lives at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, the poem responds to a small but evocative object, drawing out the hidden stories stitched into its fabric.



You can also follow the link to hear the poem read by Martina Evans herself https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Collection/OnSight-2024-25-Silent-Objects-Spoken-Lives/Artefact/Gibini/cab402cb-0a22-48e2-a8d5-57b5f107cd8a

Due a scheduled Electricity Supply Interruption from ESB Networks, our location at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo wi...
28/05/2026

Due a scheduled Electricity Supply Interruption from ESB Networks, our location at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo will be closed to the public on Friday, 29 May 2026. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

We look forward to welcoming our visitors again when opening hours resume as normal from 10am on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

Browse events, exhibitions and plan your visit via the link in the comments below.

Museum After HoursStep into history… as the sun goes down.Tonight, the National Museum of Ireland opens its doors after ...
28/05/2026

Museum After Hours

Step into history… as the sun goes down.
Tonight, the National Museum of Ireland opens its doors after hours for the very first Dublin by Dusk- a brand-new monthly evening series inviting you to see the city differently.

✨ Wander iconic galleries in a relaxed, atmospheric setting
✨ Join FREE expert-led tours (no booking required)
✨ Discover Ireland’s treasures-from ancient gold to modern culture
✨ Enjoy a unique night out in the heart of Dublin

Whether you're a culture lover, curious explorer, or just looking for something different- this is your Thursday evening, reimagined.
📍 Collins Barracks & Kildare Street
📅 Thursday, 28 May
🕔 From 5pm – late (open until 8pm)
🎟️ Free entry | Drop in and take a tour
👉 Make it your new monthly ritual.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/News/Dublin-by-Dusk-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland

27/05/2026

The Army No 1 Band today @ Collins Barracks- mark your calendar for the 17 June and 12 August when they will return

We were delighted to host the launch of the Clew Bay Garden Trail 2026 at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park,...
26/05/2026

We were delighted to host the launch of the Clew Bay Garden Trail 2026 at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, with special guest Tommy Marren, presenter from Midwest Radio.

The Clew Bay Garden Trail is an annual open garden initiative organised by a group of voluntary gardeners in the west Mayo area. It provides a wonderful opportunity each June and July for visitors and locals alike to explore a series of unique gardens, many of which are private gardens not usually open to the public.

Download the brochure, find out more and plan a visit to the participating gardens https://www.clewbaygardentrail.ie/

Dublin by dusk.Join us this Thursday at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks & Kildare Street, for a special...
26/05/2026

Dublin by dusk.
Join us this Thursday at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks & Kildare Street, for a special late-night opening.

✨ Free curator talk: A New Form of Beauty
🕕 18:00-18:45
📍 National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
👉 Explore Dublin’s youth culture through decades of street style

✨ Late evening tours of the Changing Ireland Galleries
🕠 17:30 & 19:00
📍 National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

✨Late Evening Discovery Tours
🕠 17:00 & 18:30
📍 National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street

No booking required – just drop in
Discover history, culture and stories after hours.
https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/News/Dublin-by-Dusk-at-the-National-Museum-of-Ireland

Don’t miss Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution tonight at 9pm on BBC Two.Our Curator of Irish Military Hi...
25/05/2026

Don’t miss Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution tonight at 9pm on BBC Two.

Our Curator of Irish Military History, Brenda Malone, welcomed Lucy to Collins Barracks while she prepared for the series.

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Collins Barracks, Benburb Street
Dublin
D07XKV4

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

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