National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Dublin

The National Museum of Ireland (Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann - Seandálaíocht" in Irish) is housed over 4 sites.

• Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks,Benburb Street, Dublin 7


• Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2


• Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2


• Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

The Decorative and Arts exhibition is located in The Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, a former military barracks named after Michael Collins in 1922. Housing both British armed forces, and Irish army garrisons through three centuries, the barracks were the oldest continuously occupied example in the world. This site, opened in 1997 and also holds the Museum's the administrative offices, a shop and a cafe.

The Decorative Arts and History exhibition, including the Great Seal of the Irish Free State (used to seal official documents of the Irish Free State (Saorstát Éireann) by the Governor-General), is the part of the collection kept at this site.

This section has displays of furniture, silver, ceramics and glassware, as well as examples of folk life and costume, and money and weapons. A Chinese porcelain vase from about 1300 AD, the Fonthill vase (the earliest documented Chinese porcelain object to have reached Europe), is one of the features. Special exhibitions are mounted regularly.

Opening Times

Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 14:00 - 17:00

Closed Mondays (including Bank Holidays), Christmas Day and Good Friday

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Ticket Prices

Admission to the Museum is free.

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Disabled Facilities

There is wheelchair access to all levels and galleries via ramps and lifts. Disabled car spaces are available adjacent to the main reception.

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More Information

Telephone: 00 353 (0) 1 6777444
Email: marketing@museum.ie

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