Families and Children

Collins Barracks is a family-friendly, spacious and creative place and there are lots of things for everyone to see and do.

You have two options: you can explore the Museum with one of our education team or you can explore the Museum in your own time.

Want to explore the Museum with us?

You can join family tours and hands-on workshops at weekends and during school holidays. For example, you could:

• March in Clarke Square or make music at a My Museum workshop
• Try on a bonnet or top hat in a Hands-on History Session

My Museum Workshops

Get creative on a Sunday afternoon:

• Try a new craft
• Create your own piece of art to bring home
• Make music
• Listen to a story

Workshops are free and all materials are provided.

Check Calendar of Events for themes and dates and information about age suitability. Places are limited and usually operate on a first-come basis one hour from start of event. No booking required.

Hands-on History Sessions

This is a drop in session for all ages, no booking required.

Babies on Board Tour

Are you a new parent or carer with a young baby or pre-toddler in tow? Join us for a thought-provoking tour, and relax in the cafe afterwards.  We meet on the last Thursday of every month, exploring a different theme each time.

It's free, buggies are welcome and discounts in the cafe are available after the tour.

See the calendar of events for dates and themes. Booking is required.

Special Events

Celebrate festivals with us at special events for St Patrick's Day and Seachtain na Gaeilge in March and Heritage Week in August. Would you like to know what we have planned for this year? 

Want to explore by yourselves? You can:

Follow a trail with an activity booklet

Follow a trail with free children’s activity books (7 – 12 year olds). They are also available at Reception when you arrive.

Drop into the Family Activity Area

This is a family space just for you. Pick up a pencil and draw, read a book, take a break and learn more about the Museum.  The Activity Area is situated between the Out of Storage and Irish Silver galleries on the first floor of the Museum. 

Explore the Barracks Life Room

What was it like to be a soldier in the Barracks?  There are uniforms to try on and games to play in the Barracks Life Room that will help you find out.  What was different about being a soldier in the 19th-century or during the Emergency in Ireland (1939-1945)?  Experience a soldier's life in the Barracks Life Room and investigate the history of Collins Barracks together.

Plan your visit

You'll find all the practical information you need about visiting the museum like opening times and directions in our visitor information section.