National Museum of Ireland

Highlights of the Museum

Don't miss seeing the Ardagh Chalice on display in the Treasury. Look for the Cross of Cong, which dates back to 1123, and was made for Tolough O'Conor, King of Connacht. It features decorative animal heads, gold wire, and enamel work. The 8th-century amber and glass Tara Brooch will wow you, as will the Broighter Hoard, which was found in the 1890s and is a collection of 1st century BC gold objects.

These are a small selection of the treasures that await your visit. 

With so much to see while you're in Dublin, it's essential to plan your time carefully, and our guides are on hand to help you. Please note the museum collection is split between Decorative Art and History at Collins Barracks - Dublin, Natural History at Merrion Street - Dublin, Archaeology at Kildare Street - Dublin and Country Life at Turlough Park in County Mayo (2hrs 45 min drive). Staying at Ashford Castle Hotel and visiting the Country Life department on a day trip is more convenient.  

Dublin's highlights
It's important to plan your time carefully with so much to see in Dublin. Travel Designers and guides are on hand to help you.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells
The College was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I 'to civilise Ireland with both learning and the Protestant religion and reform these rude people's barbarism.' - the extremely well educated Queen Elizabeth, although tact was perhaps something of a weakness.Today, in more enlightened times, Trinity welcomes all religions and genders. The Book of Kells at Trinity College described as the most beautiful book in the world. The 680 pages of Latin script and painting are fantastic with the monks who copied out and illustrated the four Gospels at the Monastery of Kells clearly very highly skilled. 

St Patricks Cathedral
St Patricks Cathedral, Ireland's largest Cathedral (300ft long), was founded here in 1190 and was where St Patrick baptised converts to Christianity. It also contains the preacher's pulpit, Jonathan Swift, whose tomb is in the south aisle. 

Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is one of the most important buildings in Irish history. During your visit to the Castle, you will be walking in the footsteps of some of the world's great and good including Benjamin franklin (1771), four state visits by Queen Victoria (between 1849 – 1900), John F Kennedy (1963), and Queen Elizabeth II (2011)to name but a few.

Christchurch Cathedral
Christchurch Cathedral, founded in 1038, stands out among the buildings on the south bank of the Liffey and is a fine example of Gothic architecture. In a glass case, an unusual exhibit is a cat and mouse around 120 years old. The cat was chasing the mouse through the organ's pipes, where both became stuck with the mouse just inches from the cat's paws. 

Kilmainham Gaol
A tour of Kilmainham Gaol is an experience not to be missed. Opened in 1796, it is a national monument. This cold place with its dark corridors and four tiny cold cells was thought to be a model prison. Those held here included sheep stealers, debtors, murders, and prostitutes. Famine victims also ended up here having committed petty crimes to be given regular meals of thin prison gruel. It's an experience that sets you thinking and sheds light on the historical conditions and times that Ireland endured. 

Touring and accommodation
Our Tour Designers will suggest a private guided tour of National Museum of Ireland and Dublin City based on your interests and preferred pace of travel and time available. We have tour guides with specialist knowledge and those with the personality to work well with families - be enlightened and entertained on a private guided tour of Ireland. 

Dublin is blessed with a fair number of beautiful hotels with friendly, welcoming staff. The Westbury Dublin is probably in the most desirable location in the centre of all the action and short stroll to all attractions. The Westin Dublin Hotel is also central and close to the River Liffey. Enjoy the elegance of the stunning Merrion Hotel in the historic Georgian quarter of the city. The Shelbourne Hotel is another favourite for International visitors and should be considered.