The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, on Kildare Street in Dublin, first opened its doors in 1890 and since then it has been a must-see attraction for its extensive archaeological collections.
Take time at The Treasury which features outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch, St Patrick's Bell and the Derrynaflan Hoard.
Gaze in wonder at the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe, which is to be found in Or, Ireland's Gold. The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery but the precise function of some is unknown.
Ramble through Prehistoric Ireland and see a reconstructed Passage Tomb as well as tools, pottery and personal objects of the Neolithic farmers, including a beautifully decorated flint mace head from Knowth.
The Viking Ireland exhibition explores the Viking Age in Ireland through surviving objects – including objects from Viking graves of the 9th and 10th centuries and from settlement sites of the 10th to 12th centuries. At the centre of the exhibition is a display of finds from the Museum’s excavations in Dublin, at Wood Quay, the most important Viking site in Ireland.
Medieval Ireland 1150-1550, documents life in Ireland in the age of cathedrals, monasteries and castles. The exhibition contains three galleries entitled Power, Work and Prayer, reflecting the three-fold division of medieval society - nobles, common people and clergy.
See Clontarf 1014 -This ground-breaking exhibition explodes myths and presents the evidence we have for what actually happened at Clontarf. Viking and Irish weapons, typical of those used in the battle, feature alongside hoards of precious silver objects and religious treasures.
The fascinating Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition centres on a number of bog bodies dating back to the Iron Age. Displayed along with other bog finds from the museum's collections, it offers you an opportunity to come face to face with your ancient ancestors.
Other exhibits include Ancient Egypt, Ceramics & Glass from Ancient Cyprus and Roger Casement - Voice of the Voiceless.
Please note, second floor of museum is not wheelchair accessible. Download an activity sheet for the kid's to enjoy on their visit.
- July Guided Tours: Highlights of the NMI Archaeology
Family funJuly Guided Tours: Highlights of the NMI Archaeology Throughout the month of July, join one of the free public tours to find out more about life in Ireland from the Stone Age to Early Medieval Ireland and see some of Ireland's most iconic treasures at the Museum.
- July Guided Tours: Viking Ireland Family Tour - NMI Archaeology
Family funJuly Guided Tours: Viking Ireland Family Tour - NMI Archaeology Join a free Viking Ireland Family guided tour at the National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology to learn all about the Vikings in Ireland.
- Late Night at the Museum - NMI Archaeology
Family funLate Night at the Museum - NMI Archaeology Join enriching after hours events at the National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology with Late Night at the Museum on Thursdays until 8pm.
- Meet the Flint Stones! Stone Age Drop-in Handling Workshop
Family funMeet the Flint Stones! Stone Age Drop-in Handling Workshop Visit the handling table in the Prehistoric Ireland exhibition and meet with their Museum Educators who will have an array of replica artefacts from Stone Age Ireland for you to pick up and examine.
- Guided Tour: The Saints & Scholars of Ireland - Late Nights at the Museum
Family funGuided Tour: The Saints & Scholars of Ireland - Late Nights at the Museum Join a special late night guided tour about the artefacts and shrines connected to Irish saints and how Christianity influenced the development of writing.
- Drop-in Activity: Rocks of the Stone Age! Megalithic Art
Family funDrop-in Activity: Rocks of the Stone Age! Megalithic Art Come to the National Museum of Ireland- Archaeology and learn all about Megalithic Rock Art from Stone Age Ireland!
- Drop-in Handling Workshop: Back to the Bronze Age!
Family funDrop-in Handling Workshop: Back to the Bronze Age! What was life like in Ireland during the Bronze Age? Visit the Learning Resource Room to see and handle a collection of replica artefacts from Bronze Age Ireland, and discover what objects people were making and using at this time.