Immerse yourself into a truly authentic experience at the National Print Museum in Dublin City. Its collection is made up largely of letterpress printing equipment. Letterpress is a form of relief printing, which was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1439. The invention is one of the greatest known to mankind, as its impact has shaped our histories and its contemporary relevance is greater than ever before.
The main collection is not behind glass or rope, but is instead an example of a working collection, organised like a fully operational print shop. Visitors are invited to roll up their sleeves and pull their own letterpress keepsake.
Visit their website for details of guided tours, where you can explore Ireland's rich printing history. A highlight is undoubtedly the story of the production of the nation's most historic printed document, the 1916 Proclamation.
The temporary exhibitions explore the impact of print and the powerful role it played in shaping our histories. Printed artefacts capture the spirit of the age in which they were created. Print forms an intrinsic part of our lives, and the development, prosperity, and rich heritage of Irish printing form an important part of our national story of craft and industry.
After your visit enjoy homemade fare using fresh ingredients from Irish suppliers at the Press Café.
- Mokuhanga Japanese Woodblock Printing with Ann Kavanagh
Arts and cultureMokuhanga Japanese Woodblock Printing with Ann Kavanagh In this workshop, you will be introduced to the authentic fundamentals of Japanese woodblock printing. Participants will engage in a process that includes transferring their own design, carving, printing, and editioning their first print.
- Print & Pattern with Susan Leen
Arts and culturePrint & Pattern with Susan Leen Using the museum’s collection of wood type and your own hand-carved blocks, you will print images combining type and pattern.
- Talk with Dr Linda King for Irish Design Week
Arts and cultureTalk with Dr Linda King for Irish Design Week ‘Where To Start and What To Include? Mapping the history/ies of Irish graphic design’ Dr Linda King will present this illustrated talk to coincide with the ongoing exhibition ‘Poster Boys: The Work of Kevin Scally and Brendan Foreman for the Abbey'
- Celebrate Irish Design Week 2025 with Anthony Burrill at the National Print Museum
Arts and cultureCelebrate Irish Design Week 2025 with Anthony Burrill at the National Print Museum Join us for a special evening with internationally acclaimed graphic artist Anthony Burrill. Anthony Burrill is renowned for his ability to distill ideas into simple yet striking forms.
- Bookbinding (Buttonhole Stitch) with Caroline Byrne
Arts and cultureBookbinding (Buttonhole Stitch) with Caroline Byrne In this workshop, participants will make a book using the Button Hole stitch. This softback book has a distinctive exposed spine which enables the book to lie flat when open.
- Letterpress Christmas Cards with Mary Plunkett
Arts and cultureLetterpress Christmas Cards with Mary Plunkett During this workshop, participants will discover the fascinating techniques of traditional letterpress printing while creating and printing a personalised Christmas Card.
- Festive Calligraphy & Illustration with Sarah O’Dea
Arts and cultureFestive Calligraphy & Illustration with Sarah O’Dea If you are a lover of lettering and would like to incorporate calligraphy into your Christmas decorations and gift wrapping, we would love you to join in learning the techniques of modern calligraphy.
- View the collection, organised like a fully operational print shop.
- Pull your own letterpress keepsake as a memento of your visit.
- Hear the story of how the nation's most historic document, the 1916 Proclamation, was produced.
