Mark the 10 year anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum

On Saturday, 24 May 2025, the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks will mark the 10 year anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum with a vibrant celebration of community, history, and progress.

To honour this milestone, the Museum will host a special one-day community festival, What A Difference A Day Made, featuring events, music, and family-friendly activities from 11am to 7pm. Booking is required for festival events. 

If you're visiting the Museum, a new guided LGBTQIA+ tour will also launch on the day, which views the exhibitions through alternative lenses, bringing some hidden histories and perspectives to the fore. Visitors can also explore the self guided Rainbow Trail, and learn about artefacts on display in the Museum galleries which have a connection with LGBTQIA+ histories, including LGBTQIA+ men and women who were involved in the 1916 Easter Rising and more recently, activists involved in the campaigns for equality in law. No booking is required to visit the Museum.

See the full programme of events to mark the 10th anniversary of the Marraige Equality Referendum at Collins Barracks: 

Community Festival: What A What A Difference A Day Made

11.00am - 7.00pm | Saturday 24 May | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Whether you voted Yes, shared a post, had a conversation that mattered, or simply felt the change the 2015 Equal Marriage Referendum brought — this celebration is for you. If you got married because of that vote, bring your partner, your friends, your family — everyone who was part of your journey. If you’re younger, new to Ireland, or weren’t here at the time, come see what it meant, and be part of what comes next. This is a celebration of love, progress, and community — and everyone is welcome. Celebrate the difference the YES vote made​.

This is a free full-day community festival with events and activities throughout the day for all ages. Community organisations. Food vendors. Entertainment. Sunshine? Here's hoping.
 

Main Stage:

Support or Donate to this Event.

If you would like to support this event, you can make a donation or purchase a commemorative silicone wristband which you can collect at the event by selecting the appropriate ticket option via the following link: What A Difference A Day Made Tickets, Sat, May 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Explore the National Museum through an LGBTQIA+ lens

LGBTQIA+ Tours of Collins Barracks

Saturday 24 & Saturday 25 May | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
This new guided LGBTQIA+ tour views the exhibitions through alternative lenses, bringing some hidden histories and perspectives to the fore. Focusing on objects and individuals from the 17th to the 21st century, the tour reveals a wide variety of identities, genders and sexualities along the way. FIND OUT MORE

Saturday 24 May 2025:

• 11am - 4pm   LGBTQIA+ Tour- 
  These tours will take place hourly from 11:00 - 16:00, during Museum opening hours. 

• 1pm    ISL interpreted - LGBTQIA+ Tour. For more information about this tour, please see here.
  These tours will take place hourly from 11:00 - 16:00, during Museum opening hours.

Sunday  25 May 2025:

• 2pm   LGBTQIA+ Tour

• 3.30pm    LGBTQIA+ Tour

Children's Drop-In Rainbow Stained Glass Inspired Workshop: Reflections of Love and Light

Saturday 24 May | 1.30pm - 3.30pm | Children, aged 5-15
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Join Museum Educators for a relaxed, drop-in workshop inspired by the stained glass creations of Harry Clarke. Explore light & colour and create a cheerful sun catcher out of cellophane and card to take home with you. Booking not required, however spaces are limited. FIND OUT MORE

Rainbow Trail

During Museum opening hours
National Museum of Ireland,  Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Engage with a self-guided trail highlighting 8 artefacts associated with LGBTQIA+ history in the National Museum's collection. Explore artefacts on display in the Museum galleries which have a connection with LGBTQIA+ histories, including LGBTQIA+ men and women who were involved in the 1916 Easter Rising and more recently, activists involved in the campaigns for equality in law. You can find this trail in our Museum Reception area, or access it virtually here.

•   READ MORE: LGBTQIA+ Engagement & Programmes at the National Museum of Ireland 

•   WATCH: Overcoat worn by Roger Casement by Brian Crowley, Collections Curator of Kilmainham Gaol