This Valentines weekend, make a date with the past at the National Museum, Collins Barracks and immerse yourself in love stories throughout Irish history.

Discover ways in which people expressed affection in our Love, Then and Now tour with Museum guide Clare, and pick up a Rainbow Trail to uncover hidden histories of LGBTQIA+ figures and love stories through time.

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Tours

Love, Then and Now invites visitors to explore how affection, connection, and creativity have been expressed across generations through objects in the National Museum’s collection. From tiny tokens to bold artworks, you’ll uncover sweet, quirky, and charming stories woven throughout the National Museum’s collection.

Saturday, 14 February 2026
14:00    Love, Then and Now: Stories from the National Museum's Collection

Sunday, 15 February 2026
14:00    Love, Then and Now: Stories from the National Museum's Collection

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.

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Museum Trails

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.

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