The festive season is well underway at the National Museum of Ireland, with Christmas celebrations continuing throughout December across our museum sites in Dublin and Mayo.
See our key dates and Christmas events at each museum site below and plan your visit to make the most of this special time of year.
Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir!
What's on at Collins Barracks
The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks is offering a range of engaging events this holiday season, including a monthly Quiet Hour from 10:00 – 11:00 on Saturday, 27 December for visitors seeking a sensory-friendly experience. Throughout December, visitors can join a series of free guided tours exploring highlights from the museum’s collections. To round out the month, an ISL-friendly drop‑in session will take place at the Dead Zoo Lab from 11:00 – 13:00 on Thursday, 30 December, providing an inclusive opportunity for Irish Sign Language users and learners. These events are free and no booking is required.
Check out our full programme of events – What’s on at Collins Barracks
What's on at Kildare Street
The National Museum of Ireland at Kildare Street has a variety of engaging tours, activity trails, and drop‑in workshops to enjoy throughout the festive season. Discover the artistry behind interlace, knotwork, and spirals used in early medieval Irish manuscripts at our Medieval Decorating Drop‑in Workshop on Friday, 2 January. You can also join a guided tour to explore the museum’s archaeology collections or follow our winter‑themed activity trail to learn how people lived during the colder months in the past. All events are free and no booking is required.
Check out our full programme of events – What’s on at Kildare Street
What's on at Turlough Park
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Our programme of events continues throughout the holiday season in Mayo. Highlights include guided tours of the Museum, Turlough Park House and Gardens, a family-friendly festive Christmas Decoration Hunt Trail, and regular community gatherings such as the Mayo Genealogy Group and Museum Knitting and Crochet Circle drop-in sessions. All events are free and no booking is required.
If you are looking for a nice activity to enjoy with children over the festive season, be sure to visit our brown bear which is on temporary display as part of an ongoing exhibition, The Murmur of Bees
Check out our full programme of events – What’s on at Turlough Park
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Find the prefect gift in our Museum gift shops
Celebrate the magic of the season with the perfect gift from the National Museum of Ireland gift shops. Explore an inspiring collection of Irish-made crafts, distinctive keepsakes, and beautifully illustrated books—all thoughtfully curated and inspired by our national treasures. Give a gift that tells a story this festive season. Our gift shops are located at Turlough Park, Collins Barracks and Kildare Street. Discover two exquisite new Harry-Clarke–influenced Glass Bauble Christmas Decorations, now available exclusively to buy in our Kildare Street and Collins Barracks stores - FIND OUT MORE
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Celebrate Christmas with Synge & Byrne at Turlough Park & Collins Barracks
After a visit to the museum galleries, take time to unwind with friends and family at Synge and Byrne, where festive treats and hot drinks are served in a welcoming setting at Turlough Park and Collins Barracks.
Check out the festive menu at Synge & Byrne - Synge & Byrne Festive Adventures
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Plan your visit to the National Museum over the festive season
We are closed to visitors at 12pm on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, 24 December); Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December); St Stephen's Day (Friday, 26 December).
Normal opening hours resume from 10am on Saturday, 27 December.
Online resources to enjoy throughout the festive season
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Plan your visit to the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
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Plan your visit to the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
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Plan your visit to the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2