From medieval artefacts and bumble bees to hurling helmets and stained-glass, the National Museum of Ireland has an exciting and diverse range of temporary exhibitions and installations for you to enjoy this summer.
Here are our highlight temporary exhibitions to look out for across our Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo.
1. Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe
Experience the magic of metal, stone and manuscript art from Ireland’s Golden Age in this unique exhibition of early medieval treasures. Explore extraordinary journeys of people, books and ideas between medieval Ireland and Europe. Immerse yourself in precious manuscripts from the Abbey of St Gall, Switzerland — some returning to Ireland for the first time in 1000 years — alongside spectacular objects from the Irish world from which they emerged. On display at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
2. Glendalough: Power, Prayer and Pilgrimage
Discover the remarkabel story of Glendalough, one of Ireland's most iconic monastic sites, through rare artefacts, immersive displays, and tales of devotation and resilience This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into a wold shaped by faith and tradition and gives an incredible insight into the lives of both humble and powerful pilgrims who traveled to this holy site. On display at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
3. The Murmur of Bees
Did you know there are more than 100 different bee species in Ireland, but only one that makes honey? Or that bees were so important throughout Irish history, they even have their own patron saint? The Murmur of Bees explores the captivating influence of Irish bees on our culture and environment. On display at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
4. SWARM
SWARM is an exciting and engaging art installation created by 450 primary school children and their teachers from 25 primary schools in counties Mayo, Sligo and Galway. On display in the Courtyard Gallery at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
4. Down Memory Lane - Childhood in the 1950s
Take a nostalgic stroll through the woodland playground at Turlough Park and experience Down Memory Lane – Childhood in the 1950s, a charming outdoor exhibition that brings the joys, games, and everyday adventures of 1950s childhood to life. On display in the woodland playground at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
5. Harry Clarke's Stained Glass
Discover the breathtaking artistry of one of Ireland's most iconic visual storytellers, whose intricate designs and vivid imagination transformed stained glass into timeless masterpieces. This exhibition showcases six stunning stained-glass panels by Harry Clarke, including some of his earlier works. On display at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
6. GAA: People, Objects & Stories
Discover objects dating from the 15th century to the present day, illustrating the influence of the GAA through the lens of social history, design and popular culture. On display at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
7. Beyond the Surface
This exhibition showcases innovative jewellery by students of Jewellery and Objects at the National College of Art and Design. Their designs were inspired by objects from the Museum’s Decorative Arts and Ethnographic collections. On display in the Silver Gallery at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
8. A New Form of Beauty
In celebration of the Bealtaine Festival's 30th anniversary, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of Dublin's youth culture across three pivotal decades, featuring images from the 1960s through to the 1990s. On display at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
9. Ballsbridge Beetle
To mark the 75th anniversary of the first Volkswagen Beetle assembled outside Germany, the iconic 'Ballsbridge Beetle'—originally built in Dublin—will be exhibited at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. Normally housed in Germany's Zeithaus museum, the car remains largely unchanged and will be on display on Saturday, 2 August. On display in Clarke's Square, Collins Barracks, Benburb, Dublin 7