Training Example: National Museum of Ireland – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H1] Changing Ireland Galleries

Interpreting Irish political, cultural and social history from 1900-2020

Find out more

Watch Video

[H1] Discover the 'Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks'

Explore an exciting new space for natural history at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7

Find out more

[H1] Search our Collections

Explore archaeology, culture, history, and science and discover some of the treasures from our collections

Search

[H1] Harry Clarke's-Stained Glass

A new exhibition showcasing six of Harry Clarke’s stained-glass panels, including some of his earliest known works

Visit this exhibition

Watch Video

[H2] Our locations

[H3] Everyone is welcome and admission is free

[H3] Collins Barracks

[H4] Decorative Arts & Military History

Benburb Street, Dublin 7

Plan your visit

[H3] Merrion Street

[H4] Natural History

Closed for renovations

Explore online

[H3] Kildare Street

[H4] Archaeology

Dublin 2

Plan your visit

[H3] Turlough Park

[H4] Folklife

Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Plan your visit

[H3] What's On

View all

Changing Ireland Galleries

Exhibition / Collins Barracks / Dublin 7
Changing Ireland Galleries

The 'Dead Zoo Lab' at Collins Barracks

Exhibition / Collins Barracks / Dublin 7
The 'Dead Zoo Lab' at Collins Barracks

Summer programme of guided tours at the National Museum of Ireland

Events / National Museum of Ireland / Dublin & Mayo
Summer programme of guided tours at the National Museum of Ireland

Celebrate International Museum Day 2026 at the National Museum of Ireland

Events / National Museum of Ireland / Dublin & Mayo
Celebrate International Museum Day 2026 at the National Museum of Ireland

Explore the rich variety of life for National Biodiversity Week 2026

Events / National Museum of Ireland / Dublin & Mayo
Explore the rich variety of life for National Biodiversity Week 2026

Cruinniú na nÓg - A day of free creativity for young people

Events / National Museum of Ireland / Dublin & Mayo
Cruinniú na nÓg - A day of free creativity for young people

Dublin by Dusk at the National Museum of Ireland

Events / Collins Barracks & Kildare Street
Dublin by Dusk at the National Museum of Ireland

Orienteering Adventures at Turlough Park

Events / Turlough Park / Co Mayo
Orienteering Adventures at Turlough Park

Brass Fusion - Live performance at Collins Barracks

Events / Collins Barracks / Dublin 7
Brass Fusion - Live performance at Collins Barracks

Turas: Éire na Lochlannach

Events / Kildare Street / Dublin 2
Turas: Éire na Lochlannach

[H3] Explore

[H2] Icons of the Dead Zoo: The Giant Irish Deer

Explore why the Giant Irish Deer still captivates us today, from its antlers to its extinction, in the Dead Zoo Lab.

[H2] Search our Collections

Explore archaeology, culture, history, and science and discover some of the treasures from our collections

[H2] Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN)

Learn about iCAN - the leading organisation championing and supporting digital community archives in Ireland

[H2] Irish Sign Language Interpreted Tours

The National Museum of Ireland now offers regular ISL tours to enhance accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors

[H2] Quiet Hour at the National Museum of Ireland

Enjoy a calmer visit with reduced sensory input at Collins Barracks and Turlough Park

[H2] Schools and teachers

Discover a new programme of free guided tours, workshops and resources for primary and post primary schools for 2026

[H3] Featured videos

Changing Ireland Galleries

Changing Ireland Galleries

Harry Clarke’s-Stained Glass

Harry Clarke’s-Stained Glass

[H3] Announcements

National Museum of Ireland to work with the Dept of Culture, Communication & Sport on new Cultural Facility in Limerick
The National Museum of Ireland is committed to amplifying women’s stories and will work with the Department to assess the feasibility and funding needs of a potential new facility in Limerick.
Read more

New 'Dead Zoo Lab' opens at Collins Barracks
Our Merrion Street location is closed for works but learn more about an exciting new space called the 'Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks'
Read more

Updated Closure Notice: 15.04.25
Gallery 4 (the Irish in British Regiments) of the Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition is temporarily closed to the public.
Read more

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Announcements 3

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Decorative Arts & History
Exhibitions

Current: Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks

Open now
[H1] Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks

Admission free | Booking required for groups only

[H2] Discover an exciting new space - the Dead Zoo Lab - this summer at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7.

The Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks offers members of the public an opportunity to explore, engage with and enjoy some of the most popular specimens from the natural history collection, as well as some specimens that haven’t been on display for many years, while the Natural History Museum on Merrion Street is closed for much needed conservation and refurbishment works.

​At any one time approximately 1,300 objects will be on public display spanning entomology, geology, mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, and a wide variety of marine life.

The National Museum of Ireland has the world’s largest collection of Blaschka glass models of marine life. These beautiful, delicate glass models were created in the 19th century by world renowned glass artisan father and son team Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka using intricate techniques.

A selection of these treasures, some of which have not been on display for generations, are also on display now at the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks.

[H3] Our Irish Natural History at the Dead Zoo Lab

See a fascinating body of research by voluntary history and heritage groups in the Our Irish Natural History display in the Dead Zoo Lab.

The research on Irish plants, animals and geological features was carried out by members of the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN), an initiative of the National Museum delivered in partnership with The Heritage Council and Heritage Officers in participating local authorities.

The aim of the Our Irish Natural History project is to highlight the role of communities as valuable stewards of Ireland’s natural heritage and to celebrate the important cultural meanings that native species embody for many Irish communities. FIND OUT MORE

Admission to the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks is free. Booking required for groups only. For information on upcoming public and schools programming please visit the Engage & Learn pages. Groups are welcome to visit the Dead Zoo Lab as part of their visit to Collins Barracks, but booking is essential.

[H2] Location:

Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks is located at:
Collins Barracks ,
Benburb St,
Dublin 7
D07 XKV4

Discover the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks this summer! This exciting new space opened in August 2025

[H3] Events Related to this Exhibition

[H3] National Biodiversity Week Family Drop ins

[H4] Family Drop ins in the Dead Zoo Lab

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[H2] Keep up to date

Receive updates on the latest exhibitions

[H3] Collins Barracks

Collins Barracks , Benburb St, Dublin 7, D07 XKV4 +353 1 677 7444

Visitor Information
Exhibitions
Upcoming Events
Engage & Learn
Projects

[H3] Announcements

National Museum of Ireland to work with the Dept of Culture, Communication & Sport on new Cultural Facility in Limerick
The National Museum of Ireland is committed to amplifying women’s stories and will work with the Department to assess the feasibility and funding needs of a potential new facility in Limerick.
Read more

New 'Dead Zoo Lab' opens at Collins Barracks
Our Merrion Street location is closed for works but learn more about an exciting new space called the 'Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks'
Read more

Updated Closure Notice: 15.04.25
Gallery 4 (the Irish in British Regiments) of the Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition is temporarily closed to the public.
Read more

×

Announcements 3

[H2] Our Collections
[H3] Art & Industry
[H3] Irish Folklife
[H3] Natural History
[H3] Irish Antiquities
[IMG: blue block of colour featuring museum objects: moccasins, shield, hat and ornament]
[H3] Ethnographic
[H3] Using the Collections

[H2] In Focus

[IMG: Iron sword from County Westmeath with silver mounted handle]

[IMG: Badge with]

[IMG: Wooden cross depicting figure of Christ.]

[IMG: Bentwood visor with a carving of a walrus.]

[IMG: bird-of-paradise on a wooden perch]

[IMG: Polished stone axehead]

[IMG: Block screen designed by Eileen Gray in the 1920s]

[IMG: Large circular breast ornament made of whale ivory and shell.]

[IMG: Picture of an ant]

[IMG: Two rope rings made of rye straw, joined together by a short length of rope.]

[H2] Museum Research
Research helps us understand the significance of our cultural and natural heritage. It deepens our grasp of human civilization and the natural world. The knowledge gained through museum research is vital for interpreting collections and highlighting their importance.

[H2] More information

Licensing & Law

Registration Department

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Decorative Arts & History
Exhibitions

Current: Changing Ireland Galleries

Permanent Exhibition
[H1] Changing Ireland Galleries

Free Admission | No booking required

Changing Ireland at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.

Situated in our over 300-year-old Military Barracks, the new Changing Ireland Galleries provide unprecedented public access to our 20th and 21st century history collections. Here you will encounter the everyday or extraordinary objects that witnessed or contributed to the transformation of Ireland over the last 150 years.

See Hannah Sheehy Skeffington’s suffrage banner, James Connolly’s hat from the Easter Rising, and new acquisitions including world-renowned guitarist Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster and Former President of Ireland and Human Rights Trailblazer Mary Robinson’s inauguration suit designed by Louise Kennedy.

Our new galleries welcome different voices and alternative perspectives into the Museum through co-curated projects, audiovisual experiences, and artistic interventions including newly commissioned poems by the celebrated Irish poet Paula Meehan.

By welcoming conversations and sparking the imagination, we invite everyone to explore the collections, to connect with history, and to question their place in the world.

Explore some objects from the Changing Ireland galleries.

Search our collections online - discover collections connected to histories and peoples of Ireland.

Take a free audio tour to discover some of the people, stories, and themes explored in the Changing Ireland galleries. Listen to the audio tour here.

[H2] Location:

Changing Ireland Galleries is located at:
Collins Barracks ,
Benburb St,
Dublin 7
D07 XKV4

Interpreting Irish political, cultural and social history from 1900-2020.

Plaque from travelling lectern, used by the Irish Women’s Franchise League, c.1908

Slippers used by Michael Collins at the O’Connor’s safe house while on the run, 1920-1922

Black and white television smuggled from the North of Ireland into the Republic, c. 1981

Pocket Guide to Northern Ireland, issued to American servicemen, WWII

Crolly Doll made in Co. Donegal by Gaeltarra Eireann, early 1960s

Tea towel designed by Jenni Green at Kilkenny Design Workshops, 1970s

Shackles used to protest discrimination against Mincéirí / Irish Travellers, 1984.

Poster for a concert supporting the anti-nuclear movement in Ireland, 1980

Irish Hospitals Sweepstakes ashtray made by Arklow Pottery. 1950s-1960s

An Lá Dearg poster for the language rights advocacy march in Belfast, 2022

[H3] Events Related to this Exhibition

Various Upcoming Dates
[H4] Changing Ireland Guided Tours

View event details

[H3] Related Content

[H4] Highlights from the Changing Ireland galleries

More information here

[H4] Changing Ireland, Changing Stories

Find out more

Share

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[H2] Keep up to date

Receive updates on the latest exhibitions

[H3] Collins Barracks

Collins Barracks , Benburb St, Dublin 7, D07 XKV4 +353 1 677 7444

Visitor Information
Exhibitions
Upcoming Events
Engage & Learn
Projects

[H3] Announcements

National Museum of Ireland to work with the Dept of Culture, Communication & Sport on new Cultural Facility in Limerick
The National Museum of Ireland is committed to amplifying women’s stories and will work with the Department to assess the feasibility and funding needs of a potential new facility in Limerick.
Read more

New 'Dead Zoo Lab' opens at Collins Barracks
Our Merrion Street location is closed for works but learn more about an exciting new space called the 'Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks'
Read more

Updated Closure Notice: 15.04.25
Gallery 4 (the Irish in British Regiments) of the Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition is temporarily closed to the public.
Read more

×

Announcements 3

Home

Current: Collections & Research

[H1] Collections & Research

Free Admission

[H2] About Collections & Research at the NMI

[H2] Irish Antiquities Collections

[H2] Art and Industry Collections

[H2] Irish Folklife Collections

[H2] Natural History Collections

[H2] Online Galleries

[H2] Historical Collections Online

[H2] Licensing and Services for Professional Archaeologists

[H2] Conservation

[H2] Registration Department

[H2] Publications

[H2] Research Services

[H2] The Law on Metal Detecting in Ireland

[H2] Donate an Artefact

Sign up to our newsletter

[H2] Keep up to date

Receive updates on the latest exhibitions

[H3] National Museumof Ireland

Search Collections
Event Calendar
Donate
News
Collections & Research
Accessibility

Collins Barracks

Merrion Street

Kildare Street

Turlough Park

[H3] Announcements

National Museum of Ireland to work with the Dept of Culture, Communication & Sport on new Cultural Facility in Limerick
The National Museum of Ireland is committed to amplifying women’s stories and will work with the Department to assess the feasibility and funding needs of a potential new facility in Limerick.
Read more

New 'Dead Zoo Lab' opens at Collins Barracks
Our Merrion Street location is closed for works but learn more about an exciting new space called the 'Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks'
Read more

Updated Closure Notice: 15.04.25
Gallery 4 (the Irish in British Regiments) of the Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition is temporarily closed to the public.
Read more

×

Announcements 3

Home

Learning

Current: iCAN - the Irish Community Archive Network

[H2] iCAN - the Irish Community Archive Network

Members of the Roundabout Shannon Group, Co Clare

[H2] The Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN) is the leading organisation championing and supporting digital community archives in Ireland.

Its main aim is to encourage and support communities to collect and share their local history and heritage online.

iCAN was established by the National Museum of Ireland in 2009 and has been developed in partnership with participating local authority Heritage Officers and with support from Creative Ireland.

In 2023, the Heritage Council joined iCAN as a new funding partner, to facilitate an expansion of the initiative.

To date, iCAN has supported the creation and development of 50 online archives in counties Clare, Cork, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Tipperary and Wicklow, and is currently working with new groups in counties Carlow and Limerick. The programme aims to support the development of up to 80 digital archives across Ireland by 2028.

--- Coming soon to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown! ---

For further details, email ican@museum.ie.

With much of Ireland’s material and intangible cultural heritage in the care and ownership of its citizens and diaspora, iCAN is empowering local communities to document their own history, heritage and culture on digital platforms and make it accessible to people all over the world.

Learn more about iCAN below. We invite you to explore the iCAN member archives, contribute your photos and information, or get involved with your local group.

[H2] Explore the iCAN network of archives

[H2] Discover the Our Irish Heritage digital archive

[H2] EXHIBITION: Our Irish Natural History

[H2] NEW RESOURCE: Succession Planning Guide

[H2] EXHIBITION: Mary Anne Fanning - Remembering our Community Midwives

[H2] iCAN wins prestigious award for best 'Network of Archives'

[H2] KnowYour5k - sharing discoveries about our hidden heritage

[H2] Our Irish Women - an iCAN exhibition

[H2] Share

Share this page

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Sign up to our newsletter

[H2] Keep up to date

Receive updates on the latest exhibitions

[H3] National Museumof Ireland

Search Collections
Event Calendar
Donate
News
Collections & Research
Accessibility

Collins Barracks

Merrion Street

Kildare Street

Turlough Park

[H3] Announcements

National Museum of Ireland to work with the Dept of Culture, Communication & Sport on new Cultural Facility in Limerick
The National Museum of Ireland is committed to amplifying women’s stories and will work with the Department to assess the feasibility and funding needs of a potential new facility in Limerick.
Read more

New 'Dead Zoo Lab' opens at Collins Barracks
Our Merrion Street location is closed for works but learn more about an exciting new space called the 'Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks'
Read more

Updated Closure Notice: 15.04.25
Gallery 4 (the Irish in British Regiments) of the Soldiers and Chiefs exhibition is temporarily closed to the public.
Read more

×

Announcements 3