Celebrate Ireland’s newest bank holiday weekend from Saturday to Monday, 4 to 6 February 2023, with the National Museum of Ireland.
We have a range of events taking place throughout the weekend from talks on the origins of St Brigid to a hands-on history session about women's activism in revolutionary Ireland.
Here are seven great things to do at the Museum for the February bank holiday so be sure to plan your visit to one of our four public sites in Dublin and Mayo.
1. A celebration of all things St Brigid
Saturday, 28 January | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
St Brigid’s Day falls on February 1 and marked the beginning of spring in the traditional Irish calendar. It was an important festival in folk tradition as it ushered in a new season of hope and growth after a long, dark winter. Join the Museum for this day-long series of events to discover what a Brídeog is; explore the origins of the saint; learn how we celebrated her festival day in the past; and how we do it today. All events are free but spaces are limited and seating will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. FIND OUT MORE
2. Tradfest 2023: Music Makers Tour
Saturday and Sunday, 28 and 29 January, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
This Tradfest, find your rhythm by exploring the instruments on display in the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History. Join our guides on a free public tour of the galleries and learn about the history of Irish music-making throughout the centuries. Tours take place on Saturday and Sunday, 28 and 29 January at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. No booking is required. FIND OUT MORE
3. Guided Tour: The Saints and Scholars of Ireland
Wednesday to Saturday, 1 to 4 February | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Celebrate St. Brigid's Day at the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology with this programme of special tours exporing the artefacts and shrines connected to Irish saints and how Christianity influenced the development of writing techniques. No booking required. Suitable for families with children 8+. FIND OUT MORE
4. Hands-on History: 'Unconvertible Rebels'- The Women of Revolutionary Ireland
Saturday and Sunday, 4 and 5 February | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Join Museum educators for an interactive handling session with objects from the Museum's handling collection that reflect a history of women's activism during the revolutionary era of 1913-1923. This handling session will feature objects such as bullets, pamphlets and badges, representing the many roles women filled during this turbulent period. Also, join Museum tour guides for tours exploring the history of women through the Museum's collections. FIND OUT MORE
5. Bank Holiday Tours at the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
Saturday to Monday, 4 to 6 February | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Decorataive Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Join Museum tour guides at Collins Barracks for a programme of engaging free family tours exploring the role of women throughout Irish history. No booking required, however, spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. FIND OUT MORE
6. Online Activity: Spring into Action Virtual Quiz
Watch back on YouTube, February 2023, Families.
National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2
It’s spring and all of nature is busy – building nests, looking after young or finding food after a long winter’s sleep. Follow this online trail with a National Museum of Ireland - Natural History Educator as we explore the museum together using the 3D Virtual Visit and find out more about the animals you’ll see in action this spring. Along the way we will test your knowledge with a short quiz, so grab a pencil and some paper! FIND OUT MORE
7. Pop Up Chats at the Wonder Cabinet
Selected dates in February | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2
Drop into the Wonder Cabinet and join a pop-up chat this February! Meet an Educator, ask some questions and maybe even get to touch a fossil, fur or skull from the handling collection! CHECK OUT THE LIMITED DATES LISTED TO HELP PLAN YOUR VISIT FIND OUT MORE
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland