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.
- Monoprinting with Susan Leen
Arts and cultureMonoprinting with Susan Leen This one-day workshop offers an introduction to monoprinting using a printing press. Monoprint is a versatile printmaking technique, combining inked surfaes, a range of textures and mark-making to create one-off prints.
- Modern Calligraphy with Sarah O'Dea
Arts and cultureModern Calligraphy with Sarah O'Dea If you are a lover of lettering or want to learn a new skill, we would love you to join us in learning the basic techniques of modern calligraphy.
- Monthly Live Demonstration
Family funMonthly Live Demonstration Experience the Museum come to life as a volunteer panel of retired printers and compositors demonstrate our collection in action.
- 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.
