Autumn Adventures at the National Museum of Ireland

hether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, scenic walks, or a cosy cafe break, the National Museum of Ireland offers a rich tapestry of experiences for everyone to enjoy this Autumn. 

From engaging exhibitions to immersive tours, the Museum brings history to life in inspiring and captivating ways.

Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit to any of our three Museum locations in Dublin and Mayo. Admission is free!

1. Must-See Exhibitions: 

• ​Changing Ireland Galleries | Collins Barracks - Interpreting Irish political, cultural and social history from 1900-2020.

• Harry Clarke’s Stained Glass | Collins Barracks – Admire six stunning panels from one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists at Collins Barracks.

• GAA: People, Objects & Stories | Collins Barracks – Discover the cultural impact of the GAA through centuries of memorabilia.

• The Murmur of Bees | Turlough Park – Celebrate the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us.

• The Dead Zoo Lab | Collins Barracks - This unique space offers visitors an opportunity to observe conservation in action and learn how museum professionals care for delicate specimens from the Natural History collection.

2. Engaging Tours: 

• ​Changing Ireland Guided Tours | Collins Barracks - Encounter the everyday or extraordinary objects that witnessed or contributed to the transformation of Ireland over the last 150 years.

• Science Week - Behind the Scenes: Conservation at the National Museum (ISL Interpreted) | Collins Barracks - Meet the team of people responsible for preserving the Museum's collections for years to come, learn all about the treatments an object goes through before being put on display, and explore the details of its history that emerge under the microscope. 

• LGBTQIA+ Tours | Collins Barracks - View the collections at Collins Barracks through an alternative lens, bringing some hidden histories and perspectives to the fore. 

• November Tours | Collins Barracks - See our full list of general and themed tours at Collins Barracks

• The History of Art in Ireland Tour | Kildare Street - Join this tour to learn about the history of art from the Museum's archaeology collection

• Prehistoric Ireland Tours | Kildare Street - Discover Mesolithic fish-traps, food of Neolithic Ireland, wonderful gold objects of the Irish Bronze Age, and artefacts from Iron Age Ireland. 

• The Saints and Scholars of Ireland Tours | Kildare Street - Discover the artefacts associated with the patron saints of Ireland, St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Colmcille, and see what archaeological evidence can tell us about the impact of Christianity to Ireland and which objects demonstrate the development of writing techniques. 

• Viking Ireland Tours | Kildare Street - Learn what life was like in Viking Dublin, and see the wider impact that the Vikings had on Ireland. 

• Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland’s Archaeology collection | Kildare Street - Find out more about life in Ireland from the Stone Age to Early Medieval Ireland and see some of Ireland's most iconic treasures at the Museum. 

• November Tours | Kildare Street - See our full list of general and themed tours at Kildare Street

3. Interactive Events: 

• Census Talks: Mayo Genealogy Group | Turlough Park - Saturday, 8 November, 11:00 - 13:00, All Ages

• Armistice Day Commemorations - Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association Open Day | Collins Barracks - Saturday, 15 November, 11:00 - 16:00, All Ages

• Science Week Family Drop-in | Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks - Saturday, 15 November, 10:00 - 17.00, Families

• Science Week Drop-In: An Etch in Time! Ogham Craft Workshop | Kildare Street - Saturday, 15 November, 10:30 - 12:30, Families

• QUIET HOUR: Sensory Friendly Time at the Museum | Collins Barracks - Saturday, 29 November, 10:00 - 11:00, Families

• Snowflakes and Songs: A Festive Family Open Day at the Museum | Collins Barracks - Sunday, 30 November, 13:30 - 16:00, Families

• November Family Drop-ins at the Dead Zoo Lab | Collins Barracks

• Meet the Makers: A Christmas Shopping Morning of Irish Design & Creativity | Collins Barracks - Thursday, 4 December, 10:00 - 12:00, Adults

• Christmas Wreath Making Workshops | Kildare Street - Thursday, 4 December, 18:00, Adults & Families, Booking Required

• DEMONSTRATION: Heard it on the Grapevine 'Winter Pruning' | Turlough Park - Saturday, 6 December, 11:00 - 14:00, Adults | Booking Required

• Meet the Author: Peter Donnelly at the Dead Zoo Lab | Collins Barracks - Friday, 10 December, 10:00 - 12:00, Families

• Christmas Wreath Making Workshops | Kildare Street - Thursday, 4 December, 18:00, Adults & Families, Booking Required

• Activity Sheet: My Favourite Animal | Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks - Throughout the month of November

4. Late Night Opening at Collins Barracks: 

• Treasures from Home - Thursday, 6 November, 18:00 - 19:00, Drop-in, Booking requried

5. Explore the Museum Shops: 

Each Museum Shop at the National Museum of Ireland offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts, books, and crafts that reflect Ireland’s rich cultural legacy. Whether you're looking for a meaningful souvenir, a locally made treasure, or a gift that tells a story, these shops are well worth a visit.

• Museum Shop, National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

• Museum Shop, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7

• Museum Shop, National Museum of ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo

6. Cafe Culture: Synge & Byrne

Serving up a delicious menu featuring breakfast, lunch, childrens' meals and tasty signature salads, coupled with amazing sweet treats from their in-house bakery - Synge & Byrne Café is the perfect place to relax and recharge during your Museum visit.

• Synge & Byrne at Turlough Park: Located in the Courtyard, serving breakfast, lunch, and sweet treats. Ideal after a Museum visit, Greenway cycle or garden stroll.

• Synge & Bryne at Collins Barracks:  Nestled in the heart of this historic site, our new café offers a warm and welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy our signature blend of wholesome food, artisan coffee, and friendly service. 

7. Scenic Walks & Greenway Adventures:

• Castlebar to Turlough Greenway: A 10km riverside trail perfect for walking or cycling. Bike hire available in Castlebar, with parking at the museum.

• Museum Grounds at Turlough Park: Explore the Victorian gardens, woodland playground, and historic Turlough Park House.

Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland