Please be advised that due to Industrial Action, public tours and events may be cancelled. Please check this webpage for more updates on cancellations.

Changing Ireland Tours at Collins Barracks

National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

Free guided tours exploring political, social and cultural objects from the Museum’s 20th and 21st Century collections. No booking required.

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Event Summary

Weekend guided tours at Collins Barracks are free for visitors at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. Visitors will explore the new Changing Ireland Galleries and encounter the everyday or extraordinary objects that witnessed or contributed to the transformation of Ireland over the last 150 years. These tours are suitable for children but children must be supervised at all times.

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What You’ll Experience

• On our 'From Revolution to Repeal: An Introduction to Changing Ireland' tour, explore key moments in Ireland’s political and social history, from early 20th-century rebellion and partition, to the emergence of a more open society in the 21st century.
• In 'Sliotars, Sashes and Symbols: Shaping Irish Identity', gain insight in to how Irish identity has developed since 1900 - through language, culture, sport, and religion, and how it continues to evolve today. 
• 'Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland' explores us 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. 
• 'Six Dresses: Representations of Women in (a) Changing Ireland' explores six garments in our Changing Ireland galleries which explore the changing face of Irish women over nearly 100 years of history. This tour will include discussions of Magdalene Laundries, institutional abuses, resistance, social justice and self-determination.

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Who Is This Event For?

• Adults & families
• Museum visitors wanting to explore 20th & 21st Century Museum collections and connect with history

Children must be fully supervised by a parent or responsible adult.

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Dates & Times

Sunday 8th November 2026
15:30     Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland This Public Tour is cancelled. We apologise for any disappointment.

Saturday, 28th November 2026 - 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence
14:00    Slow-Looking Tour: Six Dresses: Representations of Women in (a) Changing Ireland
For more information about slow looking tours, please see here. 
15:30    Six Dresses: Representations of Women in (a) Changing Ireland

Tours last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Tours are first‑come, first‑served based on capacity 

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Location

Collins Barracks
National Museum of Ireland
Benburb Street, Dublin 7, D07 XKV4

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Accessibility Information

This event is wheelchair accessible.

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Booking Information

• Free admission
• No booking required
• Places allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis

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Related Experiences

• Listen to these tours as audio guides here. 
• For more information about the Changing Ireland galleries, click the following link: Changing Ireland Galleries
• For more information about Museum Slow looking tours, please see here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance? 
No booking is required  

How long does the event last? 
45 minutes - 1 hour 

Is the event suitable for children? 
Yes, but children must be supervised at all times. 

Where do I go when I arrive? 
Reception at Collins Barracks