National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology & History
- Address: Kildare Street, Dublin
- Hours: Open Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 2pm - 5pm, Closed Mondays
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Must-Do Experience,
Museum
The National Museum of Ireland is dedicated to showcasing items of Irish art, culture, and natural history. Of the three branches the collections are divided amongst, the archaeology section, located on Kildare Street, holds the best known and most impressive of all of the exhibits.
Its collection of medieval metalwork is known as the Treasury and is home to the world's most complete collection of Celtic metal artifacts, dating back from Ireland's Iron and Bronze Ages. Highlights of the collection include the Ardaugh Chalice, considered the finest piece of Celtic art found, and the Tara Brooch, an intricate piece of jewelry crafted in the 8th century. Other artifacts are grouped into "hoards", of which the Mooghaun and Broighter hoards are the most notable.
The museum also displays an extensive collection of prehistoric goldwork as well as artifacts that document the settlement of Ireland from 7,000 BC all the way up to 500 BC. The second floor of the museum is dedicated to relics of the Viking era, dating from their nearly 400 year reign over Dublin.
Latest Reviews
Review by jomally, March 2013
Doing what: The Dublin Pass
The Dublin Pass really pays for itself... you just have to plan your time! We really wanted to go to the zoo, but the weather didn't allow for that. We had the three-day pass and activated it from the airport so we could catch the shuttle to the city center; this was a poor decision since we didn't get settled in our hotel until the late afternoon and didn't really have time to visit any attractions that day. I would advise you be mindful of that - it's only 7 euro to catch the shuttle without the pass. The great part is that you can revisit the same places on each day. We went to Guinness Storehouse and the line was out of this world; with the pass we were able to skip the queue, which paid for itself right there. We didn't take full advantage of our passes, but still feel like we definitely got our money worth. I would recommend this for anybody that is looking to hit up the main tourist attractions.
Review by Karen S, March 2013
Doing what: The Dublin Pass
This is wonderful for the price.
Review by Isobel B, February 2013
Doing what: The Dublin Pass
Excellent idea. Meant all our spending money went on food, drink, and the occasional tram ride. We loved the zoo, thought the gaol tour was well documented. Guide really knew his stuff! Spent a morning at the Guinness Store, enjoying our free pint and the breathtaking panoramic view on the seventh floor. Jameson Distillery was another great tour. Am now a convert loving Jameson's with ginger ale and lime! Spent a lovely evening at the Brazen Head - live entertainment was great and Irish Stew to die for!!! Visited The Quays Bar and enjoyed the entertainment. Found a quirky bar on Dame Street - Bankers Lounge - great crowd. Had a couple of superb meals at the Bank on College Green. All in all superb trip would definitely go again and recommend the Dublin Pass. We even got transported to O'Connell Street by bus from outside the airport. No hassle during our stay. JUST FUN.
Practical Info
Though the Museum of Ireland was established to display items of the nation's history, it also holds permanent exhibits of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, ceramics and glass from Ancient Cyprus, and Ancient Roman relics. It should also be noted that the building itself is a homage to Roman architecture, with its colonnaded entrance that opens into a rotunda modeled after the Pantheon.
