DK Travel : Dublin : National Museum of Ireland

National Museum of Ireland

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There are three different parts to this huge and outstanding museum. The Kildare Street branch offers archaeology and history, ranging from prehistoric Ireland’s early culture to the fierce conflict of 1916–22 (see Edmund Burke) portrayed in the Road to Independence exhibition. The Merrion Street branch comprises the Museum of Natural History, colloquially known as “The Dead Zoo” – every sort of animal and environmental artifact is displayed over three floors. The third branch of the museum is in Benburb Street, at the west end of the city in the recently converted Collins Barracks. This is a very different experience, with the most up-to-date display techniques and interesting and varied collections portraying the country’s decorative arts and social, military, economic and political history.

Top 10 Exhibits

1. Façade

1. Façade

The exterior of the museum in Kildare Street is an example of Neo-Palladian style, recently enhanced by renovation. Enter the grand portals into the foyer with its 19-m (62-ft) domed ceiling and exquisite floor mosaics.
2. Or – Ireland’s Gold

2. Or – Ireland’s Gold

This outstanding collection of ancient gold (below) was found in various counties as far apart as County Clare and County Derry. The pieces show the extraordinary level of skill and invention of 7th-and 8th-century artisans. (Kildare Street)
3. Treasury

Part of a hoard found in County Limerick in 1868, the Ardagh Chalice is probably the museum’s most famous object. The superbly crafted mid-8th- century ministerial chalice is a beautiful example of the Irish Early Christian metalworker’s craft. Another beauty from this great collection is the Tara Brooch. (Kildare Street)
4. Viking Collection

4. Viking Collection

Ireland’s Viking Age spanned from AD 800– 1200 and part of this exhibition concentrates on the warlike aspect of this period. The skeleton of a warrior complete with sword was excavated from burial grounds around Kilmainham (see Kilmainham Gaol and Hospital). (Kildare Street)
5. The Road to Independence

5. The Road to Independence

An important section of the museum for anyone trying to get a grasp of Ireland’s history at the time of independence. The events, casualties and repercussions of the 1916–22 struggle are starkly presented, and the uniforms of the participants give a sobering touch. (Kildare Street)
6. Prehistoric Ireland

6. Prehistoric Ireland

The Lurgan Long-boat, dating from around 2500 BC, is an extraordinary exhibit, made out of hollowed-out oak trunks and 15 m (50 ft) long. Other interesting pieces include the cast bronze horns, probably played like the Australian didgeridoo, and a range of prehistoric pots. (Kildare Street)
7. Curator’s Choice

In this wonderful gallery 25 objects have been selected by respective curators from various collections, each piece displayed to reflect its character and context. The 13th-century carved oak statue of St Molaise from County Sligo and the 19th-century Flora tapestry are just two of the eclectic gathering. (Collins Barracks)
8. Fonthill Vase

8. Fonthill Vase

This vase is of immense significance as the only surviving example of porcelain to have left China in the 14th century and whose history can be traced from that moment on. (Collins Barracks)
9. Irish Silver

The silver collection ranges from the 17th to 20th centuries and shows a huge variety of styles. The arrival of French Huguenot silversmiths in Dublin had a strong influence on local design. (Collins Barracks)
10. What’s In Store

10. What’s In Store

This wonderful exhibit is one of the highlights of the recently converted Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks branch of the museum. A visible storage display, it makes more than 16,000 objects from the decorative arts collection accessible to the public in one space.

Practical Information

The café at Collins Barracks is an excellent place to find refreshments. It is run by ‘Brambles’ and is located in East Block, Clarke Square. Archaeology and History Museum: Kildare Street, Dublin 2 National History Museum: Merrion Street, Dublin 2 Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks: Benburb Street, Dublin 7 01-677 7444 www.museum.ie Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sat, 2–5pm Sun Free Dis. access ground floor only (Natural History Museum); full access (Collins Barracks)