National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street

National museum · Ballsbridge

National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street

National museum · Ballsbridge

3

Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627, Ireland

Photos

National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by Courtesy National Museum of Ireland
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street by null

Highlights

Victorian-era museum with taxidermied animals, skeletons, free entry  

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Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627, Ireland Get directions

museum.ie
@nationalmuseumofireland

Information

Static Map

Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627, Ireland Get directions

+353 1 677 7444
museum.ie
@nationalmuseumofireland
𝕏
@NMIreland

Features

restroom
crowd family friendly
crowd lgbtq friendly
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Oct 8, 2025

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@cntraveler

Aer Lingus’s Fare Sale Has $375 Cheap Flights to Dublin from the U.S. | Condé Nast Traveler

"Prioritize being indoors: ogle row after row of taxidermied animals at the Natural History Museum."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/flight-deal-us-to-dublin-from-dollar375-round-trip
View Postcard for National Museum of Ireland - Natural History
@cntraveler

10 Best Museums in Dublin | Condé Nast Traveler

"Also known as the Dead Zoo, the Natural History museum has a firm place in the hearts of Dubliners. The building itself is a beautiful structure that dates back to 1856 and is filled with displays of skeletons and taxidermied animals. Little has changed in the years since it opened, which is why it’s often described as a "museum of a museum." Exhibitions are spread over four floors, although only the first two are currently open to the public due to a lack of emergency exits on the balcony levels." - Nicola Brady

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-dublin
View Postcard for National Museum of Ireland - Natural History
@nomadicmatt

Where to Stay in Dublin When You Visit in 2025

"Also located around Merrion Square, the National History Museum adds to the concentration of museums nearby and provides another family-friendly diversion in the area." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/where-to-stay-dublin/
View Postcard for National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street

Ali

Google
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (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

Elhgyne A.

Google
Very diverse collection and all very informative and interesting. Well labeled, place was well.maintained, staff were amazing. And free!!! Not to be missed when in Dublin!

Emelli Kauana Rodrigues

Google
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.

Nicole Bosch

Google
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.

Vy N.

Google
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.

Rijo Thomas

Google
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.

Adriano

Google
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.

Koffee Des

Google
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 🥰