This January, the National Museum of Ireland invites you to experience a series of inspiring events celebrating mental health, creativity, and reflection.

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(Re)Writing the Past: Poetry, Objects and Creative Writing

🕐 Thursday 8th January, 18:00 - 20:00

Join renowned poet Paula Meehan on a special tour of the Museum’s new Changing Ireland galleries to explore the exhibition through the poet’s lens. Meehan's specially commissioned poems were inspired by objects on display and on the tour, Paula will discuss her poetry and the creative process. The tour is followed by a creative writing workshop and will be an opportunity to write imaginatively and freely. Tea and coffee are included.

This is a free, ticketed event with limited capacity. Tickets for this event can be reserved via Eventbrite at the following link:  

First Fortnight: (Re)Writing the Past: Poetry, Objects and Creative Writing Tickets, Thu, Jan 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

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Quiet Hour: Sensory Friendly Time at the Museum

🕐 Saturday 10th January, 10:00 - 11:00

Experience a calming, sensory-friendly Quiet Hour at the National Museum, offering a peaceful space to explore Ireland’s history. This inclusive event supports mental health awareness, to create a calmer, more welcoming environment for visitors who may benefit from reduced sensory input. Museum educators will also facilitate a slow-looking handling table with objects from the Museum’s handling collection.

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Joy in the Museum: A Guide’s Guide to the National Museum of Ireland Slow-Looking Tour

🕐 Saturday 10th January, 14:00 and 15:30

Join us for a reflective and slow-looking tour of the National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks, where one of our expert guides shares their personal favourite stories and objects from the collection. Exploring how artefacts can spark memory, emotion, and connection, we invite you to experience history through storytelling that speaks to the heart as well as the mind.

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For more information about the programme of events for First Fortnight Festival 2026, please click here.