The National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street which is located in Dublin City, 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 Ór - Ireland's Gold. The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery and 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 and Ceramics & Glass from Ancient Cyprus.
Please note, second floor of museum is not wheelchair accessible. Download an activity sheet for the kid's to enjoy on their visit.
- December 'Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland's Archaeology Collection' Tours
Family funDecember 'Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland's Archaeology Collection' Tours Throughout the month of December, 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.
- December 'Prehistoric Ireland' Tours
Family funDecember 'Prehistoric Ireland' Tours Come to the Museum this December and explore what life was like in Prehistoric Ireland on this free family tour.
- December 'Viking Ireland' Tours
Family funDecember 'Viking Ireland' Tours Join a free family tour of the Viking Ireland exhibition at the Museum to learn all about the Vikings in Ireland.
- Drop-In: Knot Again! Manuscript Decorating Workshop
Family funDrop-In: Knot Again! Manuscript Decorating Workshop Uncover the secrets of interlace, knotwork and spirals used to decorate early medieval Irish manuscripts and objects
- Mindfulness & Mandala Making Workshop
Arts and cultureMindfulness & Mandala Making Workshop Create your very own mandala in this creative workshop to support your mindfulness practice in 2026.
- The Saints and Scholars of Ireland Guided Tour
Family funThe Saints and Scholars of Ireland Guided Tour Learn about the Saints and Scholars of Ireland on this guided tour of the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street.
- Drop-In: The Saints, Scholars, and Scribes of Ireland! Early Medieval Handling Workshop
Family funDrop-In: The Saints, Scholars, and Scribes of Ireland! Early Medieval Handling Workshop Drop into the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, to learn about life in early medieval Ireland
