National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

About the museum

The museum was created by the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act of 1877, which brought together the collections of the Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Dublin Society. Its purpose-built home on Kildare Street, designed by Thomas Newenham Deane and his son Thomas Manly Deane in a Victorian Palladian style, opened in August 1890. The building was known as the National Museum of Science and Art from 1908 and has carried the name National Museum of Ireland since 1921.

The entrance is a domed rotunda of Irish marble and granite with a mosaic floor showing scenes from classical mythology. The floor was restored in the 2010s and is one of the first things visitors see. The galleries around it hold the national collection of Irish archaeology, from the first settlers in about 7000 BC through the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the early Christian period, the Viking Age and the later Middle Ages.

The museum is best known for objects such as the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch, the Cross of Cong and the Derrynaflan Hoard, together with a large group of prehistoric gold. It also shows Iron Age bog bodies, the Faddan More Psalter and a small Ancient Egypt gallery. Together with Collins Barracks, Turlough Park in County Mayo and the Natural History museum on Merrion Street, it forms the National Museum of Ireland, and admission to all sites is free.

Highlights

• The Treasury with the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Cross of Cong
• Ór – Ireland's Gold, a large display of prehistoric goldwork
• Kingship and Sacrifice with Iron Age bog bodies
• Viking Ireland with finds from excavations in Dublin
• Faddan More Psalter, an early medieval book of psalms
• Ancient Egypt gallery with a mummy case and Roman-period mummy portraits

Permanent exhibitions

• The Treasury – Three galleries on Irish art and metalwork from the Iron Age to the 12th century, including the Ardagh Chalice and the Faddan More Psalter.
• Ór – Ireland's Gold – Prehistoric gold jewellery made between 2200 BC and 500 BC, including sun discs, lunulae, torcs and collars.
• Viking Ireland – Objects from Viking graves and settlements, with a large display of finds from excavations in Dublin.

Founded

1877

Operated by

National Museum of Ireland

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to all four sites of the National Museum of Ireland is free. Groups of eight or more must book in advance through the Bookings Office.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance has three stone steps and a wheelchair ramp. All ground floor galleries are accessible, but there is no lift to the first floor. Wheelchairs can be borrowed from reception (please call ahead to reserve one). Seats and mobile stools are available on request. Some touchable exhibits are available; ask a member of staff. Lighting is low in some displays for conservation reasons. Induction loops are not installed. A visual guide and a sensory map can be downloaded. Public blue badge parking bays are on Dawson Street, St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square West. Access officer: accessofficer@museum.ie.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Family events such as storytelling and mythology sessions take place regularly. Baby changing facilities are in all toilets. Children under 18 must be supervised by an adult.

Getting there & parking

The only entrance is on Kildare Street, next to Government Buildings, in the centre of Dublin.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available

The museum shop is open during opening hours. The cloakroom is currently unavailable, so large bags, suitcases and motorcycle helmets should not be brought into the galleries. Baby changing facilities are in all toilets.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Two spaces for corporate events and receptions: the Rotunda entrance hall and the Kildare Room. Enquiries: hire@museum.ie.

Plan your visit