Scientists shape our understanding of natural history specimens, but communities can also contribute valuable knowledge about the creatures we see on display in museums. 

The new exhibition 'Our Irish Natural History' elevates Irish communities as valuable stewards of Ireland’s natural heritage and reunites some of the Dead Zoo’s specimens with their original cultural contexts. 
The exhibition pairs specimens from the collections with the knowledge and traditions of eight groups in the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN), an organisation which supports Irish communities in researching and documenting their local heritage. Adriana Ballinger, the project lead for ‘Our Irish Natural History,’ will give a guided tour of the exhibition and discuss the importance of collaborations between museums and communities.

This event is now booked out, however you can keep an eye out for tickets that might become available at the following link: Exploring ‘Our Irish Natural History' at the Dead Zoo Lab 

Culture Club is a series of hosted talks, tours and activities that introduce and encourage people to connect with the cultural spaces of the city. This event is part of a series of Culture Club tours and talk held throughout 2025, as a collaboration between the National Museum of Ireland and the Dublin City Council Cultural Company.

The tour is accessible via lift and stools can be provided if required. If you have any accessibility requests or any other questions please contact  cultureclub@dublincitycouncilculturecompany.ie.

iCAN is an initiative of the National Museum of Ireland delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council, participating Heritage Officers, and community volunteers at home and abroad. Learn more about iCAN here.

The iCAN community curators are:

• Clarecastle & Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Group, Co. Clare

• Woodlawn Heritage Group / Galway Community Archaeology, Co. Galway

• Moycullen Heritage Group, Co. Galway

• Blessington History Society, Co. Wicklow

• Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage Group, Co. Mayo

• Kilkeedy Heritage Group, Co. Clare

• Glendalough Heritage Forum, Co. Wicklow

• Milltown Heritage Group, Co. Galway