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National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street
Dublin City, Co. Dublin
Family friendly
Free to visit
Rainy days
The National Museum of Ireland on Merrion Street has now closed to the public for a full refurbishment project, you can find further information on their website.

The National Museum of Ireland on Merrion Street in Dublin City, affectionately known as the Dead Zoo, has remained largely unchanged since it opened in 1857, just before Darwin published On the Origin of Species.

The museum features galleries of Irish animals and geological exhibits from a collection of around two million specimens. Famous for its Victorian cabinet style displays, the museum showcases both living and extinct Irish wildlife. It has also served as a filming location for shows like Ripper Street and Penny Dreadful.

Please note: the location is currently closed.

Why we like it
  • The museum has a collection of around two million scientific specimens from around the world.
  • See examples of wildlife from Ireland, some of which are now extinct.
  • The museum is free to visit.
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Contact details
Merrion St Upper, Dublin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland, D02 F627
Visit duration

We recommend 45 minutes to 1 hour here.

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