Dublin by Dusk at the National Museum of Ireland
About Dublin by Dusk
Dublin by Dusk is a monthly evening programme at the National Museum of Ireland. Events take place at:
- National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
- National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Join us for late opening until 20:00 on the last Thursday of every month at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks and Kildare Street.
Enjoy a special evening experience with something for everyone, whether you're passionate about history, art, or simply looking for a unique night out in the city.
Explore the museum after hours and discover fascinating exhibitions in a relaxed and atmospheric setting.
Thursday 24 September 2026 Events
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Dublin by Dusk: A Fair Exchange Creative Writing Workshop at Collins Barracks
Thursday 24 September 2026 | Start time: 17:00 | Drop-in, No booking required| Free admission
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7
'A Fair Exchange' offers a series of free, drop-in writing workshops at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. On the last Thursday of each month from September 2026 to March 2027, participants are invited to engage with different exhibition spaces, themes and collections. Facilitated by poet and writer Hazel Hogan. You are invited to engage with the workshop in the following ways. Read, Write, Exchange.
Prehistoric Ireland: In-Gallery Talk
Thursday 24 September| Start time 17:00| Drop-in, No booking required| Free admission
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
During this event archaeologist and museum curator Dr Bernard Gilhooly, will explore some of the artefacts on display in the museum’s Prehistoric Ireland exhibition. Consisting of a short tour and then a sit-down discussion, during the evening Bernard will consider the place objects play in understanding the past. We will look beyond the object and ask questions which will enhance our understanding of the people and societies behind the objects.
Dublin by Dusk - Houses of the Barracks Talk with Angela Monks McDonagh and Orla Fitzpatrick
Thursday 24 September 2026 | Start time: 17:30 | Drop-in, No booking required| Free admission
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7
Join librarian, curator, and writer Orla Fitzpatrick and artist Angela Monks McDonagh as they re-visit their research into the houses on Arbour Hill and the impact of the First World War on local families. The talk will be of interest to anyone researching their own home and local history.
About Orla Fitzpatrick and Angela Monks McDonagh
Orla Fitzpatrick is a librarian, curator and writer from Stoneybatter. She is currently the librarian at Poetry Ireland where she is cataloguing the personal library of Seamus Heaney.
Angela Monks McDonagh is an interdisciplinary artist based in Dublin.Angela’s work explores the phenomenological experience of space and place, with focus on the solid spaces within buildings set against the ephemeral nature of our human existence.This work has developed through sculpture, installation and live performance, recording micro histories and temporal traces of human activity.
Dublin by Dusk - 100 Breaths with Clodagh Emoe
Thursday 24 September 2026 | Start time: 18:15 | Drop-in, No booking required| Free admission
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7
100 Breaths is a site-specific temporary artwork developed for Clarke Square by artist Clodagh Emoe. For almost 300 years, the central parade ground at Collins Barracks, (previously Royal Barracks) was used to perform rigorous military drills, training soldiers to move, think, and act as a single cohesive unit. By coming together at dusk for 100 Breaths can we reclaim this space of authority and invite a time of connection to unfold.
About Clodagh Emoe
Dr Clodagh Emoe is a lecturer and artist, known for collaborative art projects exploring connections between the natural world and contemporary arts. Clodagh’s teaching approach is inclusive, encouraging active and work integrated learning. She has negotiated and facilitated student led projects with IMMA, (Irish Museum of Modern Art) CREATE, Project Arts Centre and NGI (National Gallery of Ireland).
Late Evening Archaeology Discovery Tour at the National Museum of Ireland
Thursday 24 September 2026 | Start time: 18:30 | Drop-in, No booking required| Free admission
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
In late evening, come and experience a tour at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street with a professional guide.
Explore the exhibitions of glittering gold and silver artefacts, and the archaeological mysteries of Ireland’s national archaeological collection.Tours will discuss the stories of discovery of some of Ireland’s most famous objects, such as the Coggalbeg Lunula, Broighter Hoard and the ‘Tara' Brooch and some of the less well-known gems, such as the mysterious Corleck Head.
The Tour is at 18:30 and is 45 minutes duration. No booking is required and are on a free and first come, first served basis. Meet in the Reception, on the ground floor. Wheelchair accessible. Children must be fully supervised by a parent, guardian or carers at all times.
Crafted Encounters: Japanese Water-Based Woodblock Printing (Mokuhanga)
BOOKED OUT - Waiting List Available
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7
Following in the tradition of Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaking -Mokuhanga (木版画) is the traditional Japanese art of water-based woodblock printing. Literally translating to wood(moku)and print(hanga), it is a non-toxic relief printing technique using water-based inks, brushes, and rice starch paste applied to handmade washi paper, all hand-printed without a press - only a hand-held baren. It is ideal printing process for anyone interested in an environmentally friendly and meditative approach to printmaking.
Thursday 29 October 2026 Events
Dublin by Dusk: Mythology in Fiction
Thursday 29 October 2026 | Start time: 18:00 | Drop-in, Booking required| Free admission
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
What happens when ancient myths are reborn for the modern world? As part of Dublin Book Festival join us for an evening as we explore how the powerful and thrilling stories from mythology continue to inspire contemporary writers.
Kim Curran’s Brigid (Penguin) is a radical reimagining of Ireland’s beloved saint, a woman who could never be caged. Eilish Fisher’s The Waters and the Wild (Penguin) is a moving verse novel about grief, family, the power of hope, and the world beyond what we know. Dave Rudden’s Sister Wake (Hodder & Stoughton) is an action-packed epic fantasy of rebellion, intrigue, horror, dangerous gods, and Celtic mythology. The authors join Jo Kerrigan, author of Irish Fairy Forts (O’Brien Press), in conversation.
Thursday 29 October 2026 | 18:00 - 19:30 | Booking Required | €30| BOOKED OUT - Waiting List Available
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7
Join textile artist BeAlice for a hands-on embroidery workshop and create your own Celtic bat design while learning traditional and contemporary stitching techniques. Inspired by the ancient Irish festival of Samhain, this beginner-friendly workshop is a fun way to celebrate the Halloween season. All materials are provided, and you'll leave with the skills and confidence to continue and complete your project at home.
NOVEMBER 2026 Events
Thursday 26 November 2026 | 18:00 | Booking Required | €45
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7
Discover bojagi, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth reimagined for modern, sustainable living as part of the Dublin by Dusk initiative. Rooted in centuries of cultural practice, bojagi was historically used to wrap and protect objects, symbolising care and good fortune. Today, it offers a reusable and environmentally conscious alternative to disposable packaging. This hands-on workshop introduces both the cultural heritage and contemporary applications of bojagi, guiding participants through a series of practical wrapping techniques using a variety of textiles. You will learn how to adapt these methods for everyday use—from gift presentation to functional carrying.
Experience more:
The Museum Shop located at Collins Barracks and Kildare Street - Discover a range of products inspired by the Museum’s collection, a selection of artisan and unique gifts from Irish craftspeople and a trove of books, guidebooks and catalogues, offering an in-depth insight into our exhibitions.
Synge & Byrne Café at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barrack - Nestled in the heart of this historic site, the café offers a warm and welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy the signature blend of wholesome food, artisan coffee, and friendly service. Whether you're exploring the museum's fascinating exhibits or simply looking for a cosy corner to unwind, Synge & Byrne is the perfect spot to pause and savour the moment.
More than shopping and dining—immerse yourself in a space where history, art, and taste converge. A 10% discount is available in our retail space and café during Dawn to Dusk hours.
All information is correct at time of publication and is subject to change without notice.
Why Visit Dublin by Dusk?
Dublin by Dusk offers visitors the opportunity to experience the National Museum of Ireland after normal opening hours, with special access to exhibitions, guided tours, artist-led workshops, cultural events and family-friendly activities.
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