National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

The National Museum of Ireland is a fascinating and enriching place to visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and heritage. Located in the heart of Dublin, the museum offers free entry, making it accessible to everyone, including families, students, and tourists. The museum’s exhibitions are well organized and engaging. The Archaeology section is especially impressive, featuring famous artefacts such as ancient gold jewellery, Viking relics, and remarkably preserved bog bodies. These displays provide a deep insight into Ireland’s past, from prehistoric times to the medieval period. Clear explanations, informative panels, and interactive elements help visitors of all ages understand the significance of the exhibits.

Always good to brush back up on the history of Ireland, there was a whole wing dedicated to coins which i thought was fun. And the natural history museum being put in here while the building is being renovated was a lot of fun, loved seeing all the animals

One of if not the best museums I’ve ever been to. Came here as a present for my birthday and it was the best present I’ve revived. I spent hours learning not just about the revolutionary history of Ireland but history of the Emerald Isle. From rocks dating back to the arrival of Saint Patrick to captured samurai swords in the Second Word War from the Empire of Japan, the more I explored this museum the more I fell in love with it. The size of the museum also took me away with hall after hall dedicated to thousands of stories. Stories that don’t just tell the story of Ireland but of its people. I would recommend spending as much time as you can here as some of the displays will take your breath away. My personal favourites was Micheal Collins coat and the full set of Samurai armour. I would recommend any history lover to come and see the amazing displays

Great museum with lots of history. No ticket needed we just turned up and walked in for free. Our favourite area was the military. Also the dead zoo exhibition was on. Don’t miss that!

Interesting place. Free entrance for all local or not. Love the culture the history and Irish legacy

The National Museum of Ireland is very well organized and beautifully presented. It’s quite large, so it’s worth taking plenty of time if you want to see everything carefully. Definitely a great plan for a rainy day in Dublin.

Amazing museum, tons of history and historical artifacts. The place is ginormous, but it's set up extremely well. About half of the barracks are dedicated to the museum - not quite sure what's in the rest. We spent about two hours wandering around and soaking up the exhibits. Definitely worth a detour - it's free entry, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The museum really surprised me – it's so much bigger than it looks from the outside. The exhibits are really diverse, from military history to fashion, furniture, and even 1916 Rising artifacts. Everything is beautifully displayed and easy to follow. I especially enjoyed the sections on Irish independence and the evolution of design in Ireland. The building itself is historic and adds so much to the experience – walking through old army barracks turned museum feels unique. The staff were helpfull .

We were overwhelmed with the quality of the exhibits and the depth and breadth of the collection here at the barracks. We passed on the Guinness tour, which is across the street, in favor of this museum. We are glad that we spent our time in this museum. The collection on the history of the Irish rebellion is just a part of this excellent museum collection. There are coins, military uniforms, more history than you can absorb in a brief visit. This museum is free, and, worth everything for an entertaining, informative visit.

This was walking distance from Temple Bar where we were staying. It's also easily accessible by transport. The barracks themselves are an artefact on their own, and you might wish to look up their history. The place is huge- and I came for the Irish silver, a decorative ware and furniture. My husband enjoyed the military side. There's just so much here- it's truly amazing. What's in Store- gives you even more of the 16 thousand pieces they have here, and show you the "working" museum. Some of the exhibits- Irish Silver, The Way We Wore, Soldiers and Chiefs, the Asgard (a ship used in the struggle against English rule) and Proclaiming a Republic:the 1916 Rising. It is a free museum. It's got a lovely cafe and a great gift shop. It's handicapped accessible- and so are the toilets. I really recommend this place.

Frustrating would be our experience. Unfortunately they were given a bad building to put the collection into. The building is disjointed and it was a barracks not necessarily equipped to hold a museum collection. However, that is not the worst of it. The staff is more interested in talking to each other than assisting visitors. While we were there the person at the front desk was talking on the phone more often than not. When there were two people at the desk, they spent their time visiting even if there were people awaiting to learn something And we could not figure out the cafe, was the cafe staff feeding their husbands or boyfriends for free - it sure appeared so. Not sure this is a great way to run a railroad - let alone a museum.

I love this place... Yes the exhibitions are fantastic and the grounds are out of this world but the main reason why I adore it? Free parking... Take that wicked clampers and exorbitant parking meters. 10am - 5pm Mon- Sat.

Not the most popular museum, the Decorative Arts and History Museum still merits your attention. The building, called the Collins Barracks, that contains the museum is worth visiting alone. It was named after Michael Collins. Collins Barracks is steeped in history. Important historical figures like the executed leaders of the 1916 Uprising are buried in the cemetery behind the building. Inside the building, the museum offers a variety of interesting exhibitions. Kids will like the Dead Zoo At Large. They can gawk at stuffed otters, birds, rabbits and even a wolf. Two big skeletons can also be found in that room: the remains of a giant prehistoric deer and those of a carnivorous dinosaur. Like its name indicates, the museum is really known for its decorative arts. It has a wonderful collection of old Irish cottage furniture with an adorable wooden bed. The permanent collection of Japanese pottery is also notable. This outing is not only educational but free. Sundays are prefect for perusing the hallways.

It's for sure nice place to visit. We specially enjoyed Military history Galleries. A bit a hard to navigate through the museum. Didn't like the fact that employees started way to early, 20 min), to close the exhibition. In the second wing of Museum we liked Eileen Gray exhibition and Albert Bender collection. Not the top attraction during your Dublin visit, but is worthy to visit and is free admission.

There's something for everyone behind the high walls of the National Decorative Arts & History Museum of Ireland. From Asian prints to Victorian gowns, pottery shards or life-sized replicas of Viking ships -this massive former military barracks has been painstakingly filled to the rafters with the sort of strange and fun historical artifacts that keep visitors coming back for more. While the rotating menu of temporary exhibits range from wild to fashion-forward (the permanent exhibit on Ireland's own Eilleen Gray is always worth a look), no stop is complete without a goggle at the high-celiinged "Out Of Storage" gallery - the only place to see Samurai suits sharing space with hand-tatted lace. (Don't worry, there's a computer catalogue to guide you through it.) For the foot-sore sightseer, the NMI's ground-floor (not inexpensive) Brambles Cafe offers expansive views of an impressive parade ground. Easily accessed from the Museum stop on Dublin's LUAS tram system, the NM of I is the perfect antidote to the brand-name tourists stops (such as Guinness or Jameson) in the same neighbourhood.

Collins Barracks is an oft forgotten about museum in Dublin, but it has some of the greatest collections (OK this is coming from an Irish historian, but still). The Easter Rising: Understanding 1916 has tons of memorabilia on display from the people who participated in what would eventually lead to the Ireland's independence. Some of the more notable items are James Connolly's (he was one of the leaders executed) bloodied shirt he wore during the rising and Constance Markiewicz's gun (which might I say is much larger than all the mens' guns!). The Soldiers and Chiefs exhibit is now permit at the museum and it's an interesting time line of the idea of a soldier in Ireland from ancient times to the present day. If you're into military history you'll enjoy the progression of the uniforms and weapons as the years pass. There are also lots of events held at the Barracks and if you're a bit of a history buff or you're interesting in learning more they're definitely worth having a look.

Probably the best museum in the country, in my opinion. The museum at Collins Barracks looks at two distinctive parts of Ireland- its history, including the various wars and rebellions against Britain, and its art. The facility is huge, and one could easily spend an entire day here, but the rooms are set up in such a way, that there is a natural flow from room to room and you can be confident you've not missed anything due to the route you decided to take. As with all of Ireland's national museums, entry is free, but a donation is really deserved because of the excellent and informative exhibitions they have here. Also take a look around the large courtyard. Even this empty expanse is an important part of Irish history, and you will learn about this whilst visiting the museum as well. Access is easy using the Luas to stop "Museum", and I heartily recommend anyone visiting the city to take a look at this museum.

Nothing especially against the Museum, except that the parking lot (APCOA / privately-owned) does not accept cards on their machine nor does their APCOA Connect app seem to work with a non-Irish phone. We had to turn away and go elsewhere for this reason alone. There are no ATMs within a 10 minute + walk one way from the location. Bring your Euro coins!

The Collins Barracks is listed in the Guinness World Record Book as the oldest inhabited army barracks in Europe until being turned into a national museum. Built in 1702 under the reign of England's Queen Anne.The site was intended to be an town manor for the Duke of Ormande, but an army barracks seemed more necessary for the crown. This museum is dedicated to Irish Decorative Arts & History, which covers a wide area. They have different sections dedicated to a large variety of subjects: Coins/Currency, silver, scientific instruments, military history,furniture, etc. I would recommend just wandering around looking at whatever takes your fancy. ADMISSION IS FREE!

This is a twenty minute walk from where I live so I pop in in days off and have a look at the exhibits. There is a lot of stuff on the English occupation and military history which is very interesting. The top floor has exhibits on Eileen Grey and Irish clothing through the ages. One thing you notice with the clothing is how much smaller people were back in previous centuries- it's amazing what improved health care and nutrition will do for human growth. There is a great exhibit on 1916 which is very interesting. I thought I knew a lot about Irish history/ I studied this in college- but it's amazing to see what I didn't know. I think this museum isn't as visited as the ones in the city centre but it's worth the trip. You could easily combine this with a visit to Christchurch cathedral, Guinness factory, kilmainham gaol, the Royal hospital and it's grounds. There are coffee shops in all of these places if you want to stop for lunch or just a snack. I like the Lime Tree cafe across from Kilmainham Gaol- you can sit outside if the weather permits.

Currently the home of 'The Dead Zoo At Large' due to the sad closure of the of the Natural History museum (due to re-open in 2010). The above exhibit just adds to an already packed museum which will keep you busy for a healthy few hours. Go see how we Irish used to live and dress - the clothes are fascinating!

I had a great afternoon here wandering around. There was a great exhibit on Eileen Gray, including some of her fabulous chairs that you can sit in. There are also amazing dresses, and furniture. It's my understanding that there are military artifacts as well, but in the limited time I had, I skipped them. The museum itself is in an old barracks, which is interesting as well. Also, the museum is free!

*review is for Soldiers and Chiefs* As a youngster, I did a weeks work experience at Collins Barracks. For a 16 year old to hold an Irish Citizen Army uniform hat in your hands is a pretty powerful experience, and it gave me a new appreciation for museums and their importance. Soldiers and Chiefs tells the story of the Irish people and military history. It includes wars at home and further afield. From Mexico to France, America to Bolivia the Irish have been there. The Fighting 69th, the men of the Royal Irish Regiment and the women of Cumann na mBan all feature. No doubt the most interesting aspects of the exhibition are the sections dealing with the 'revolutionary years'. There is a seperate exhibition within the complex covering the 1913-16 exhibition, but it was only intended as a short-term fix to the problem that was our lack of anything fitting for the 90th anniversary in 2006. Today, one finds an incredible collection of 1916 artefacts, ranging from the bloodstained shirt of James Connolly, to the Fianna hat of young Sean Healy, the 15 year old shot dead in Phibsborough during the rebellion. The exhibition concludes with a look at the Irish army today. My favourite artefact within the exhibition is no doubt a large banner commemorating the men of the International Brigades who fought in Spain in 1936-39. To them, young Sean Healy and the other men and women remembered here- Soldiers and Chiefs is a fitting tribute.

It's vast. I wish I had more time to see everything here, but arriving on Sunday cut the hours short. We focused primarily on the military history of this old barracks and the Irish at war. Very interesting with a very large number of actual artifacts from swords and guns to drums and tanks and some profoundly personal items such as James Connolly's bloodied undershirt from the Easter Rising. The Soldiers & Chiefs exhibit is where we spent most of our visit. I would say that this museum is going to eat most of your day if you wish to see the breadth and depth of the items on display. A compelling experience that will require us to make another visit if we return to Dublin. It did appear that this was the location of several school trips, and the activity level of youngsters was very high and pervasive throughout the complex.

After all my years in Dublin, I finally broke down and visited. I don't know what took me so long. This place is awesome. Not only is the actual building the museum is in former barracks, but it's free! Yes, the museum is free....all days....even bank holidays. Ancient artifacts going back to 500 BC, coin collections from centuries ago, authentic Irish clothing featured from the last 100 years, collections of silver and so much more. There is so much history in the building as well as what's inside. It's definitely worth a visit.

Make sure to carve out time while in Dublin to see this magnificent museum. Located at the Collins Barracks, it makes the visit that much more impressive. Once on the ground of the former Collins Barracks, you can't help but get overwhelmed with the sensation of 300 years of actual military use on these grounds. Quite impressive. I only had time for the Soldiers and Chiefs area as the place closes promptly at 5pm. The area and exhibits that I did see were inspiring and told an entire story of the Irish Army from long ago to present day. I wish I had more time to spend there. Give yourself plenty of time (2-3 hours to fully explore the entire museum). Don't miss this slice of Irish history. Best part is it is free, suggested donation of course.

This former barracks housed troops for over three centuries so it is full of history so what a great place to have a history museum! Score! When this barracks was handed over to the Free State of Ireland in 1922 they were renamed Collins Barracks after Michael Collins, the army's first commander - in - chief. The uniform that Michael Collins was wearing when he was shot is on display here alongside exhibitions on the Irish military and civilians during the war time. There is also great documentation on the Irish Civil War and the Easter Rising here too. On the decorative arts side there is on show some of Ireland's finest designs including, clothing, furniture, glass, jewellery, ceramics and silverware.

You could spend a day here. There is something for everyone, kids, girls, boys. I enjoyed the history of the Irish in wars and armies around the world. The girls liked the silver display and costumes. There was even a nice spot to rest the kids and have them draw pictures of what they saw. The cafe was good too. This would be a good place to split a day with the nearby Guinness Storehouse.

The National Museum's northside outpost is the poor, slightly eccentric, relation of the Kildare Street mothership. There's a motley collection of exhibits, often arranged almost at random. Much of the museum contains clothes, pottery, jewellery and furniture from every time and place, laid out in no particular order - more like a Victorian museum of curiosities than a modern educational facility. Collins Barracks has 'Decorative Arts and History' as its unenviable brief. 'Decorative arts' is not exactly an area in which the Irish have ever excelled. Or taken any interest in, for that matter. Within a few years of Collins Barracks opening, the curators caved and set up an exhibition on the struggle for independence between 1916 and 1921 which is very good.

This is probably my second or third favorite museum in Dublin (depending on whether or not you consider Kilmainham Gaol a museum). It is definitely not what I expected after seeing it was a decorative arts museum. There is a very large amount devoted to Irish history. Honestly, I don't really recall anything related to decorative arts... maybe I missed that part. I really enjoyed the section on the Irish War of Independence. There is quite a bit about this, and I think this museum has the best collection of information and exhibits which covers this period of time. While I thought the museum was a bit out of the way to get to, I find it worth the trip. This is definitely one of Dublin' better museums.

I love a good stroll around a museum and I don't do it often enough. There's something fulfilling, calming and enriching about wandering around a good exhibition. This place is steeped in history (as mentioned below in Melanie's review) and always has something good to show. Be prepared to spend a few hours just taking it all in!

Thank you for the memories and the incredible hospitality! It was an honor serving "the clover." Love and miss you all.

Took a walk here today from where I am staying. I was very impressed with the structure itself. The location itself is beautiful. The grounds are clean and well kept and all exhibits were truly impressive! And admission was free!! Well worth checking it out.

Hi All, we went to the Museum yesterday Sunday 09/06/2013, we had a great day, the Exhibitions are fantastic, great place to bring children and they can try some of the uniforms on and see a little of what a soldiers life was like and is like today, the staff that work their are very friendly and will help if you have any questions about the Exhibits, the cafe was lovely the food was really good and staff were really nice but it was a little expensive,The gift shop was not open and it would appear it only opens when it suits them, this has nothing to do with the Barracks itself but we were a little disappointed as we would have loved to get a souvenir of our day out, however i would still recommend it as a place to visit for all the family and of course nothing for entry to the exhibition How to get there buses 90 ( Ashton Quay) 25,25a,66,67 ( Pearse Street & Westmoreland Street ) Red line Luas

A few months ago, I went to this museum and was so impressed by the vast collection of military artefacts. There is an extensive amount of information available and would highly recommend a day here for anyone interested in Irish military history.