culture
The National Museum of Ireland: A Guide to Dublin's Branches
Dublin is home to three branches of the National Museum of Ireland, and all offer free admission. Here is what each one holds.
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The National Museum of Ireland is the country's leading museum of cultural heritage, and three of its four branches are in Dublin. Admission to all of them is free, which makes them one of the best value cultural outings in the city for residents and visitors alike.
Archaeology, Kildare Street
The Archaeology branch on Kildare Street houses collections spanning thousands of years of Irish history, including prehistoric gold, early Christian metalwork and the preserved bog bodies that are among the museum's most talked-about exhibits. It is within easy walking distance of Grafton Street and Trinity College.
Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks
Set in the former Collins Barracks near the River Liffey, this branch covers furniture, silver, ceramics, clothing and Irish military history. The building itself, a vast eighteenth-century barracks arranged around a large parade square, is part of the attraction.
Natural History, Merrion Street
Often nicknamed the Dead Zoo, the Natural History Museum on Merrion Street is a Victorian-era cabinet museum filled with skeletons and taxidermy from Ireland and around the world. Its atmospheric galleries have changed little since the nineteenth century, giving it a distinctive character.
Planning a visit
Because the branches are spread across the city, most visitors pick one or two for a single day rather than trying to see them all. Opening days and times vary by branch and can change on public holidays, so it is worth checking the official website before setting out. Guided tours and family activities are offered at times throughout the year. With free entry and central locations, the National Museum's Dublin branches are an easy addition to any cultural itinerary.