Irish History

The history of early Ireland is brought vividly to life here, through reconstructed buildings and re-enactments of the life and work of Irish people in the distant past.

Although there are no original historic structures here, the reconstructions are historically accurate and were made using the methods of the time, so they are a close as it gets.

This is the main museum of the four branches that comprise Ireland’s National Museum and the primary repository for archaeological objects dating back as far as the Bronze age.

The museum is home to over two million artefacts, among them many treasures from the monasteries, including beautiful work in gold and precious stones.

The Ulster American Folk Park tells, in a vivid and entertaining fashion, the parallel stories of emigration from Ireland and the discovery of the American West.

Split into two sections, covering the Old and New World’s, the lives of these pioneers are brought to life, with all their hardships as well as in some cases their eventually creation of new and successful lives for their families.

Kilmainham Gaol (or Kilmainham Jail) has a central role in Irish political and social history and was the place of execution of leaders of many Irish rebellions.

It is still a grim place to-day, with loud echoes of the suffering that took place within its walls, but a visit is well worthwhile and puts a very human face on many of the tragic events in Ireland’s past.