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.
- Mini-Tour of 'Poster Boys' Exhibition
Arts and cultureMini-Tour of 'Poster Boys' Exhibition Want to learn more about the beautifully designed Abbey Theatre posters from the 1970s-80s? Join this exhibition mini-tour!
- Calligraphy & Decorative Illustration with Sarah O'Dea
Arts and cultureCalligraphy & Decorative Illustration with Sarah O'Dea Join this workshop to get an introduction to beautifully Calligraphy hand-lettering, and how to embellish it with colourful illustrations!
- Linocut Relief Printing with Caroline Byrne
History and heritageLinocut Relief Printing with Caroline Byrne Enjoyed linocut printing in school? Try out this workshop with expert printmaker Caroline Byrne and create your own designs and prints!
- Opening event of '120 Years of the Abbey Theatre: A Letterpress Celebration Produced by Illustration Students at NCAD'
Family funOpening event of '120 Years of the Abbey Theatre: A Letterpress Celebration Produced by Illustration Students at NCAD' Celebrate Drawing Day with the opening of a new exhibition of printed works made by students at NCAD, and join a mini drop-in illustration workshop.
- Monthly Live Demonstration at the National Print Museum
Family funMonthly Live Demonstration at the National Print Museum Ever wondered how things were printed before the digital age? Come by the National Print Museum on the last Thursday of every month to see old print machines in action and hear stories from the print industry.
- 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.
