Throughout January, join Museum Guides at Collins Barracks on a variety of engaging free tours exploring the Museum and its collection.

Join us for a reflective and slow-looking tour of the Museum as part of First Fortnight Festival 2026, where one of our expert guides shares their personal favourite stories and objects from the collection. In commemoration of the meeting of the First Dáil on 21st January 1919, join us to learn about the men and women at the centre of Ireland's revolutionary history. Celebrate the harmonious history of music through the National Museum's collection in our Music Makers tours. 

Tours will begin in Reception at Collins Barracks. Booking is not required. However, places are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be supervised at all times while on the premises of the Museum.

Thursday, 1st January 2026 - New Year's Day
14:00    1913 - 1923: A Decade of Conflict
15:30    Revolutionary Women: Exploring Women's Roles in Conflict in Ireland

Saturday, 3rd January 2026
14:00    LGBTQIA+ Tour of Collins Barracks
15:30    LGBTQIA+ Tour of Collins Barracks

Sunday, 4th January 2026
14:00    From Revolution to Repeal: An Introduction to Changing Ireland 
15:30    Sliotars, Sashes and Symbols: Shaping Irish Identity

Saturday, 10th January 2026 - First Fortnight Festival
14:00    Joy in the Museum: A Guide’s Guide to the National Museum of Ireland Slow-Looking Tour
15:30    Joy in the Museum: A Guide’s Guide to the National Museum of Ireland Slow-Looking Tour
For more information about these tours, please see here. 

Sunday, 11th January 2026
14:00    Game, Set, Match: The History of Sports in Irish Society
15:30    Recovered Voices: Stories and Experiences of the Irish during World War One

Saturday, 17th January 2026
14:00    An Introduction to Collins Barracks, featuring Harry Clarke
15:30    Eat, Drink and Be Merry! A History of Food and Drink Tour

Sunday, 18th January 2026 - Commemoration of the First Dáil
14:00    1913 - 1923: A Decade of Conflict
15:30    Revolutionary Women: Exploring Women's Roles in Conflict in Ireland
For more information about these tours, please see here. 

Saturday, 24th January 2026
2pm    Music Makers in the National Museum's Collection
3pm    Music Makers in the National Museum's Collection

Sunday, 25th January 2026
2pm    Music Makers in the National Museum's Collection
3pm    Music Makers in the National Museum's Collection

For more information on our tour offerings, contact bookings@museum.ie or call 01 648 6453.