The National Museum of Ireland in Dublin • Go-to-Ireland.com

Fans of great national museums are in for a treat: the Dublin-based National Museum of Ireland boasts one of the most prestigious collections of prehistoric, Viking and medieval artefacts in Europe. Not forgetting objects from the decorative arts, Irish political history and naturalized animal species… There’s something for everyone! And every time: access is free!

Visit the National Museum of Dublin

National Museum of Ireland – © Anton Ivanov Photo

Dublin’s National Museum is so imposing that its collection is spread across 3 centers in Dublin.) Each one presents Ireland in its own way, through different themes such as History, Art and Culture…

The national museum is divided into 3 distinct establishments (you’ll have to walk a bit to connect them):

Dublin’s National Museum of Archaeology: a gigantic collection of archaeological artefacts dating from Ireland’s First Men to the present day.
Dublin’s Natural History Museum: the country’s natural history museum. It boasts hundreds of naturalized animal species, as well as some magnificent skeletons, including that of a 20-metre whale!
The Decorative Arts & History Museum: this former barracks was converted into a museum in 1997, and houses countless objects relating to Irish history and decorative arts. Don’t miss the “Great Seal of the Irish Free State” and the 1,300-year-old Chinese porcelain vase… The museum will also introduce you to Ireland’s troubled past, right up to the declaration of an autonomous Republic of Ireland, and the partitioning of Northern Ireland… A very good exhibition!