National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, affectionately known as the "Dead Zoo," is a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural world. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's rich biodiversity. Highlights include the impressive Irish giant deer skeletons at the entrance, a vast array of taxidermy specimens from around the world, and the iconic basking shark suspended from the ceiling. The museum's Victorian-era architecture adds to the charm, providing a nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors back in time Admission is free, making it an accessible and educational experience for all ages. best place to learn

It was cool, it's free, it's worth the visit, the museum isn't very big. However, one thing that made me give it 4 stars is that many things in the museum seem very old, they could renew the stuffed animals, and clean the specimens, maybe bring some interactions, some videos. It seems like the museum is kind of abandoned, some objects don't have direct light, making it a little difficult to see them. The visit is cool, but with adjustments I believe it could be much better.

I visited it on the 22nd of July 2023 and it was extremely crowded and dirty. Everything was covered in dust and the staff was extremely rude. There was an extremely long queue and it took us many hours just to get inside.

Loved visiting this museum. They had so many cool creatures from insects to extinct animals. My favourite things were the tapeworms, otters, sunfish and Great Irish Elk which really took centre stage because of the massive size of its skeleton. Very interesting to see the fish that we eat for dinner sitting on the wall.

My visit to the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History was an immersive journey into the captivating realm of the natural world. Nestled in Dublin, this museum, also known as the "Dead Zoo," is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering visitors a glimpse into the wonders of nature through its extensive collection of specimens. As I stepped into the museum, I was greeted by the grandeur of its Victorian-era architecture, which exuded a sense of history and nostalgia. The building itself was a testament to the museum's rich heritage, providing a fitting backdrop for the awe-inspiring exhibits that awaited inside. The museum's collection spans a wide range of natural history disciplines, including zoology, geology, and paleontology, with each gallery offering a unique perspective on the diversity of life on Earth. From towering skeletons of prehistoric giants to delicate taxidermy specimens of exotic birds and mammals, every corner of the museum was filled with wonders to behold. One of the highlights of my visit was the museum's iconic "Balcony of Beasts," where rows of glass cases displayed a menagerie of animals from around the world. From lions and tigers to elephants and giraffes, the lifelike dioramas offered a glimpse into the habitats and behaviors of these magnificent creatures. Moreover, the museum's educational displays and interactive exhibits provided valuable insights into topics such as evolution, ecology, and conservation, making it an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Whether it was learning about the geological history of Ireland or discovering the intricate adaptations of insects, there was always something new and fascinating to explore. Overall, my visit to the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History was a truly memorable and enlightening experience. With its extensive collection, informative exhibits, and historic ambiance, this museum serves as a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world, inspiring wonder and curiosity in all who visit.

Beautiful museum with free entry, but unfortunately it has been under renovation for ages. It was closed for a long time and a big part of the collection is still inaccessible to the public. The objects that are on display are lovely and interesting, but I do miss more interactive elements and also benches for people to sit and draw. Also not a fan of how they have closed off the roof inside as it makes the main room feel more cramped and dark, but hopefully the renovations will be done soon. As it is currently, you can browse the museum in less than 1 hour. It is also just a few minutes walk from the National Gallery of Ireland if you are interested in art.

National museum of Ireland - natural history is one of the finest museums in Ireland. The building consists of more than 3000 species preserved carefully to public. The place contains the smallest and biggest creatures in earth and water . There are different varieties of birds , animals, insects , fishes which are kept for public attraction. The renovation is undergoing inside the building ,so I haven't got a chance to visit the 2nd floor. Expecting it will be open soon . Check for the reports before visiting otherwise you will miss the same as mine. The best place to visit with family and kids. The place will rejuvenate your mind surely. The entry museum is free.

Love it! Even love it more after realizing the animals I saw were all real samples, which means that the “dead zoo” is legit! Fancinatdd by some creatures such as the size of an eagle, some super huge fish, Irish giant deer etc. it was an amazing experience, will definitely visit again 🥰