The National Museum of Ireland is the country's national museum institution. It comprises four thematic branches: three in Dublin and one in Turlough, County Mayo. Archaeology, decorative arts, natural history and rural life: each site explores a facet of Irish heritage, from the island's prehistoric settlement to 20th-century farming practices.

Why visit the National Museum of Ireland

The museum preserves the most emblematic pieces of Irish archaeological heritage: Broighter gold, Tara Brooch, Ardagh Chalice, Derrynaflan treasure. To understand the country's Celtic and medieval history, its collections are essential. Entry to all four sites is free, allowing you to plan your visit according to your interests.

• Four complementary museums under one institution
• Collections from Dublin's major learned societies (RDS, RIA)
• Unique pieces from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and early Middle Ages
• A branch dedicated to rural life, rare in Europe

An institution born in the 19th century

The first three departments – archaeology, natural history, decorative arts and history – were established in the second half of the 19th century. Their collections derive largely from the collections of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and the Royal Irish Academy (RIA), two Dublin cultural institutions active in the 18th and 19th centuries. The fourth branch, Country Life, was created in 2001 to document Irish rural daily life.

The four branches of the museum

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

Housed in a Palladian-style building on Kildare Street in Dublin, this department traces Ireland's history from initial settlement to the end of the Middle Ages. The collection covers prehistoric and medieval periods with remarkable depth.

Among the major pieces:

• Broighter gold (Iron Age), jewellery and Bronze Age objects
• Tara Brooch, Ardagh Chalice, Derrynaflan treasure – masterpieces of Celtic metalwork from the early Middle Ages
• Viking objects from Dublin excavations
• Artefacts from Egypt, Cyprus and the Roman world

Temporary exhibitions regularly complement the permanent displays. For a focused visit, see also our dedicated page on the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology.

Decorative Arts and History

This branch is housed at Collins Barracks, a former military barracks north of the Liffey. Collections cover furniture, silverware, ceramics, folk costumes and currency. The most renowned piece is the Fonthill Vase, a porcelain made in China around 1300 AD, considered one of the earliest documented Chinese objects in Europe.

The permanent exhibition Soldiers & Chiefs traces Irish military history from the 16th century to the present day, combining objects, uniforms and testimonies.

Natural History Museum

Affectionately called the Dead Zoo by Dubliners, the Natural History Museum stands on Merrion Street, near Saint Stephen's Green. It holds over 10,000 animal specimens from Ireland and around the world, displayed in preserved Victorian museography. The building itself is part of the experience.

Country Life

The fourth and most recent branch, Country Life is located near the village of Turlough, a few kilometres from Castlebar in County Mayo. The museum documents Irish rural life from the mid-19th to mid-20th century: agriculture, crafts, housing, traditions, festivals and customs. It is the only branch located outside Dublin.

Practical information

• Admission: free entry to all four branches
• Duration of visit: allow 1.5 to 2 hours per site
• Dublin addresses: Kildare Street (Archaeology), Collins Barracks (Decorative Arts), Merrion Street (Natural History)
• Country Life: Turlough Park, County Mayo
• Opening hours: open year-round, closed on certain public holidays – check the official website before visiting

How to get there

The three Dublin sites are within walking distance of the city centre. Kildare Street and Merrion Street are a short distance from Trinity College; Collins Barracks is accessible by the Luas tram (red line, Museum stop) or a fifteen to twenty-minute walk from O'Connell Street.

For Country Life, the easiest option is to reach Castlebar by train from Dublin Heuston (approximately 3.5 hours), then continue by taxi or car to Turlough. A rental car facilitates access and allows you to combine the visit with other sites in Mayo.

Combine with

• Newgrange – the great Neolithic mound, a natural complement after visiting the archaeology section
• The Nore River – to extend your exploration of south-east Ireland
• The Bogside murals – in Derry, to approach recent history
• Rathlin Island – for nature and birdwatching enthusiasts

Frequently asked questions

Include the museum in your trip to Irlande

The National Museum of Ireland fits naturally into a Dublin visit and provides essential context for understanding the archaeological sites you'll explore afterwards – Newgrange, Hill of Tara, medieval monasteries. To plan a tailor-made itinerary, consult our Irlande trip suggestions.