This summer, the National Museum of Ireland at Kildare Street invites you to celebrate the opening of the extraordinary new exhibition, Words on the Wave: Ireland and St Gallen in Early Medieval Europe, with an exciting programme of events for all ages.
- Dive into the world of early medieval manuscripts and artistry through engaging drop-in handling sessions, where you can explore replica artefacts and materials once used by ancient scribes.
- Join our expert-led tours to uncover how Christianity arrived in Ireland in the 5th century AD, its profound impact on the island, and the development of early church sites across the country.
- Celebrate the magic of manuscript art with Mellor & Rose in a hands-on calligraphy workshop, where you’ll learn the ancient skills of script and decoration that once brought sacred texts to life.
Keep an eye on this page - more events will be added throughout July and August.
SUMMER PROGRAMME OF EVENTS: Words on the Wave: Ireland and St Gallen in Early Medieval Europe:
July
Tours: Early Medieval Ireland; Ireland to St. Gallen
Selected dates & times throughout July | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Discover how Christianity came to Ireland in the 5th century AD, its impact on the country, and the development of church sites across Ireland. Explore some of the key artefacts from the Museum’s main collection, dating to Early Medieval period, that show the importance of pilgrimage and travel, both within Ireland and abroad.
Please Note: Due to the high volume of visitors to the Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe exhibition, this tour will not take place in this exhibition, but in the permanent exhibitions of the Museums. FIND OUT MORE
Drop-In: Manuscript Makers! Early Medieval Handling Workshop
2pm - 4pm | Wednesday 30 July | Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
During this hands-on workshop, discover the raw materials once used to create inks and pigments that were then used to write and decorate manuscripts over 1,200 years ago. FIND OUT MORE
Drop-In: The Secrets of the Scribes! Calligraphy Workshop
10.30am - 12.30pm | Thursday 31 July | Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Join this drop-in workshop on calligraphy and begin your journey to learn how to write the script of early medieval Irish manuscripts! FIND OUT MORE
AUGUST
Tours: Early Medieval Ireland; Ireland to St. Gallen
Selected dates & times throughout August | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Discover how Christianity came to Ireland in the 5th century AD, its impact on the country, and the development of church sites across Ireland. Explore some of the key artefacts from the Museum’s main collection, dating to Early Medieval period, that show the importance of pilgrimage and travel, both within Ireland and abroad.
Please Note: Due to the high volume of visitors to the Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe exhibition, this tour will not take place in this exhibition, but in the permanent exhibitions of the Museums. FIND OUT MORE
Pop-Up Handling Table: The Saints, Scholars, and Scribes of Ireland! Early Medieval Handling Workshop
2pm - 4pm | Wednesday 6 August | Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Discover replicas of jet crosses from Yorkshire, early medieval leather shoes, and brooches for cloaks and clothes. Learn about the coming of Christianity to Ireland, and the impact it had on Ireland. FIND OUT MORE
Drop-In: Knot Again! Manuscript Decorating Workshop
10.30am - 12.30pm | Thursday 7 August | Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Have you ever wondered how craftspeople created intricate interlace and knotwork designs used to decorate early medieval manuscripts and treasures like the Ardagh Chalice? Using workshops inspired by Timothy O’Neill’s book The Irish Art of Calligraphy, published by the Royal Irish Academy, learn the ‘secret method’ of creating interlace, knotwork and spirals. FIND OUT MORE
Drop-In: Manuscript Makers! Early Medieval Handling Workshop
2pm - 4pm | Wednesday 13 August | Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
During this hands-on workshop, discover the raw materials once used to create inks and pigments that were then used to write and decorate manuscripts over 1,200 years ago. FIND OUT MORE
Drop-In: An Etch in Time! Ogham Craft Workshop
10.30am - 12.30pm | Thursday 14 August | Families
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
During this craft drop-in workshop, use vellum, a quill, and oak gall ink, to write your secret message in ogham on a mini bookmark, just like the scribes of early medieval Ireland. FIND OUT MORE
Activity Sheet: Words on the Wing
Throughout the opening of Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe exhibition, Children Age 7+
Follow Sammy the swallow on their migration from Ireland to St. Gallen in Swizterland. Help Sammy along the way by answering the questions in the activity booklet, and discover what life was like for people the in early medieval period. FIND OUT MORE
EXHIBITION: Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe
READ: Evidence for the earliest relic of St Brigid?
READ: The Banagher Cross Shaft
READ: The 9th Century Latin to Irish Translation App
READ: An Irish Crucifixion in a St. Gallen manuscript
READ: Lost in the lake: the Lough Kinale Shrine
READ & WATCH: Scientific secrets of the Irish-related manuscripts at St. Gallen
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland