As the weather warms, get your weekly dose of history at Collins Barracks this May! Discover something new on our diverse range of free public tours. 

Delve in to the Changing Ireland galleries in our new tour, 'Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland.' Explore how objects can tell us about ourselves and our history, and how movement – both in and out of Ireland – has shaped the country’s identity and everyday life.

On International Museum Day, Monday 18th May, join Museum guide Clare Doyle for a special Guides' Guide tour, highlighting her favourite objects from our collections.

On Saturday 23rd May, join us for a rich and informative historical tour of Collins Barracks through an LGBTQIA+ lens. Learn about the diverse experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities through history on this tour, in celebration of the 11th Anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum. 

Finally, on Saturday 30th May, join us for a reflective and slow-looking tour exploring social change for women in Ireland in 'The Way We Wore: Representations of Social Change through Clothing'.

Tours will begin in Reception at Collins Barracks. Admission is free and booking for the weekend tours is not required. However, places are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Saturday, 2nd May 2026
14:00    LGBTQIA+ Tour of Collins Barracks
15:30    LGBTQIA+ Tour of Collins Barracks

Sunday, 3rd May 2026 
14:00    From Revolution to Repeal: An Introduction to Changing Ireland
15:30    Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland

Saturday, 9th May 2026 
14:00   Recovered Voices: Stories and Experiences of the Irish during World War One
15:30   1913 - 1923: A Decade of Military Conflict

Sunday, 10th May 2026
14:00   Sliotars, Sashes and Symbols: Shaping Irish Identity
15:30   Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland

Saturday, 16th May 2026
14:00    Eileen Gray: The Making of Modernism
15:30    Symbols of Ireland in the National Museum's Collection

Sunday, 17th May 2026
14:00    An Introduction to Collins Barracks featuring Harry Clarke
15:30    Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland

Monday, 18th May 2026 - International Museum Day
13:30    A Guides' Guide to Collins Barracks with Clare Doyle
For more information about this tour, please see here.

Thursday 21st May 2026
14:00    Behind the Scenes: Conservation at the Museum 
Pre-booking for this tour is required. For more information, see here.

Saturday, 23rd May 2026 - Marriage Equality Referendum Anniversary
14:00    LGBTQIA+ Tour of Collins Barracks
15:30    LGBTQIA+ Tour of Collins Barracks

Sunday, 24th May 2026
14:00    An Introduction to Collins Barracks featuring Harry Clarke
15:30    Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland

Thursday, 28th May 2026 - Dublin by Dusk Late Night Opening Programme
17:30    From Revolution to Repeal: An Introduction to Changing Ireland
19:00    Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland
For more information about late night at the Museum, please see here.

Saturday, 30th May 2026
14:00    Revolutionary Women: Exploring Women's Roles in Conflict in Ireland
15:30    Slow Looking Tour - The Way We Wore: Representations of Social Change through Clothing
For more information about this slow looking tour, please see here.

Sunday, 31st May 2026
14:00    From Revolution to Repeal: An Introduction to Changing Ireland
15:30    Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland

For more information on our tour offerings, contact bookings@museum.ie or call 01 648 6453.