The National Museum of Ireland invites visitors to explore Dublin’s rich historical and architectural heritage with free tours and workshops for Open House Dublin 2025.
Highlighted events include a hands-on design workshop for families focused on creating a sustainability-themed children's area, a drop-in workshop where you can create your own Viking house to help build a city, and special architectural tours of the iconic buildings at Collins Barracks.
Proudly presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation, Open House Dublin is part of the Open House Worldwide international network of 50 organisations hosting festivals and conversations about architecture, design and cities across the globe from Lagos to Taipei, and New York to Santiago.
Open House Dublin takes place from 11 to 19 October 2025.
Here are three compelling reasons to visit the National Museum of Ireland during Open House Dublin 2025 and delve into the Museum’s fascinating architectural history.
1. Open House Junior Family Workshop - Mini Architects at the Museum! Booked Out!
13:30 - 15:30 | Sunday 12 October | All Ages Welcome
National Museum of Ireland | Collins Barracks | Benburb Street | Dublin 7
Learning from the past and looking to the future, join architect Jacinta Delaney Curley for this children's workshop. Families will work together to design and build their own imaginative model for a children's area within the Museum using craft with a sustainability focus and inspired by the Museum and its collection. Pre-booking required. FIND OUT MORE
2. Architectural Tours of Collins Barracks
14:00 & 15:30 | Sunday 19 October | All Ages Welcome
National Museum of Ireland | Collins Barracks | Benburb Street | Dublin 7
Curious about Collins Barracks? Join us for a special tour delving into the rich history and architecture of this iconic building! Once the largest purpose-built army barracks in Ireland and Britain, Collins Barracks holds over 300 years of history within its towering walls. Uncover the hidden secrets of its stone walls, explore the grand squares, and learn about the fascinating architectural quirks that make this historic site on the banks of the Liffey truly one-of-a-kind. FIND OUT MORE
3. Open House Junior Drop-In Workshop: At Home with the Vikings
10.30 - 12.30 | Saturday 11 October | Families 7+
National Museum of Ireland | Kildare Street | Dublin 2
Celebrate Open House with a Viking adventure at the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. Step back over 1,000 years and discover the homes built by the Vikings who settled in Dublin. Drop into the Learning Resource Room to explore what Viking Dublin looked like—and even create your own Viking house to help build the city! FIND OUT MORE
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland