National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Leinster
The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, located on Kildare Street in Dublin, is a premier institution dedicated to Irish and other antiquities spanning from the Stone Age through to the Late Middle Ages. Established under the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act of 1877, it consolidated collections previously held by the Royal Dublin Society and the Natural History Museum. The museum building, designed by Thomas Newenham Deane and his son Thomas Manly Deane, features striking Victorian Palladian architecture with a domed rotunda and Irish marble columns inspired by neoclassical and Roman Pantheon designs. The museum's extensive collection includes prehistoric artifacts such as bog bodies, Bronze and Iron Age weapons and tools, and the world's most significant assemblage of post-Roman Irish medieval art, known as Insular art. Visitors can also discover Viking swords and coins, medieval metalwork, and classical objects from Ancient Egypt, Cyprus, and the Roman world. The interior boasts mosaic floors depicting classical mythology, restored in 2011, and ornate wooden doors and fireplaces that reflect international craftsmanship. The museum's exhibits provide a unique insight into Ireland's ancient past and its connections to broader Mediterranean civilizations, making it a must-visit for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
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Tip: The best time to visit is during weekdays in the morning to avoid crowds. Advance booking is recommended for special exhibitions. The museum offers free entry, with occasional discounts or guided tours available. Check the official website for current opening hours and any temporary closures.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses the world's most substantial collection of Irish medieval Insular art.
- •Its domed rotunda mirrors that of the National Library of Ireland, facing each other across Leinster House.
- •Mosaic floors depicting classical mythology were covered for decades and restored only in 2011.
- •Some wooden doors were carved by Italian artist Carlo Cambi, highlighting international artistic contributions.
- •The museum's collection includes rare bog bodies, preserved human remains dating back thousands of years.
History
The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology originated from the 1877 Dublin Science and Art Museum Act, which unified collections from the Royal Irish Academy and Royal Dublin Society to create a state-funded institution.
This allowed collaboration with major institutions like the British Museum.
The museum's current building opened in 1890, designed by Thomas Newenham Deane and his son.
Key acquisitions include the Cross of Cong and Domnach Airgid, with many artifacts discovered during 19th-century agricultural expansions.
The museum was renamed the National Museum of Ireland in 1921 following Irish independence, reflecting its national significance.
Place Guide
Rotunda and Entrance1890
The grand entrance features a domed rotunda with Irish marble columns inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, creating a majestic welcome to visitors.
Goldwork Exhibition Hall
This hall showcases exquisite Bronze and Iron Age gold artifacts including swords, shields, and jewelry, representing Ireland's rich metalwork heritage.
Medieval Metalwork Gallery
Displays a wide range of medieval metal artifacts, including crosiers, bells, and bell shrines, highlighting religious and cultural craftsmanship.
Ancient Mediterranean Galleries
Exhibits artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Cyprus, and the Roman world, illustrating Ireland's connections with wider ancient civilizations.
Central Court Balcony and Interior1890
The central court is surrounded by a balcony supported by ornate cast-iron columns with cherub capitals, overlooking the museum's main exhibition spaces.
Contact
Phone: (01) 677 7444
