National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
Free national museum at Collins Barracks with decorative arts, design, military history and the Dead Zoo Lab, plus regular family tours and workshops.
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About
This branch of the National Museum of Ireland is spread through the former Collins Barracks, with long galleries wrapped around a huge central square. Families wander past rooms of furniture, fashion, coins and design, then turn a corner into big military displays like Soldiers & Chiefs and Irish Wars 1919–23. Many spaces have simple interactives, audio or films, and staff are used to children asking questions and moving at their own pace. The new Dead Zoo Lab brings a selection of animals from the Natural History Museum to Collins Barracks, which helps hook kids who love creatures more than history. It works well for primary-school children and teens, with younger kids enjoying shorter visits and time in the courtyard.
- Set in the historic Collins Barracks complex with a large central square where kids can safely potter before or after visiting galleries.
- Soldiers & Chiefs exhibition tracing Ireland’s military history from the 16th century to today, with large objects and immersive displays.
- Decorative arts collections covering furniture, fashion, silver, coins, glass and design from everyday Irish life to one-off showpieces.
- Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks, displaying a rotating selection of animals from the Natural History Museum while Merrion Street is closed.
- Regular free family-friendly tours, talks and creative workshops throughout the year.
- Completely free general admission for all visitors.
Where to find it
Good to know
About
This branch of the National Museum of Ireland is spread through the former Collins Barracks, with long galleries wrapped around a huge central square. Families wander past rooms of furniture, fashion, coins and design, then turn a corner into big military displays like Soldiers & Chiefs and Irish Wars 1919–23. Many spaces have simple interactives, audio or films, and staff are used to children asking questions and moving at their own pace. The new Dead Zoo Lab brings a selection of animals from the Natural History Museum to Collins Barracks, which helps hook kids who love creatures more than history. It works well for primary-school children and teens, with younger kids enjoying shorter visits and time in the courtyard.