National Museum of Ireland (Archeology & History)

National Museum, by infomatique

This is Ireland’s largest museum and the national repository for all archaeological objects found in Ireland. Its collection runs to over two million artefacts ranging in date from 7000BC and the late medieval period.

It is a real treasure trove, with particularly strong collections from Pre-Historic, Viking and Medieval Ireland and Ancient Egypt to name just a few.

The mueum houses one of the most important collections of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe, ranging in date between 2200BC and 500BC and comprised mostly of jewellry, some of it so beautifully crafted and perfectly preserved that it is difficult to believe its age.

There is still more gold, along with silver and other precious metals and stones, in the Treasury exhibition, where religious and secular items from the early Christian period are on display.

Declaration of Independence, by matempo

The original proclamation of independence is here, oddly written in English rather than Irish.

A fascinating and unusual exhibition is Clothes from the Bogs, woolen clothes hundreds of years old preserved in the unique anaerobic and acidic conditions found in Ireland’s bogs.

The museum holds regular lectures are always worth attending, with expert speakers who are almost invariably entertaining as well as erudite.

Special children’s events are organised from time to time, but even in the absence of these there is much to interest children over the age of about 5-6 years.

The Museum Building

This is a purpose built museum, built in the palladian style, which opened to the public in 1890.

The imposing entrance, with its marble pillars, opens into a large central gallery from which the main exhibition areas of the museum open. It is located right beside the Irish Parliament buildings and actually a little overshadowed by them.

Visiting the Museum

The museum is open all year from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. It is within easy walking distance of all parts of Dublin city centre. Entrance is free of charge.

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