Autumn Adventures at the National Museum of Ireland

Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, scenic walks, or a cosy cafe break, the National Museum of Ireland offers a rich tapestry of experiences for everyone to enjoy this Autumn. 

From engaging exhibitions to immersive tours, the Museum brings history to life in inspiring and captivating ways.

Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit to any of our three Museum locations in Dublin and Mayo. Admission is free!

1. Must-See Exhibitions: 

• ​Changing Ireland Galleries | Collins Barracks - Interpreting Irish political, cultural and social history from 1900-2020.

• Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen | Kildare Street – Explore Ireland’s influence on Early Medieval Europe through manuscripts and artefacts at Kildare Street.

• Harry Clarke’s Stained Glass | Collins Barracks – Admire six stunning panels from one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists at Collins Barracks.

• GAA: People, Objects & Stories | Collins Barracks – Discover the cultural impact of the GAA through centuries of memorabilia.

• The Murmur of Bees | Turlough Park – Celebrate the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us.

• The Dead Zoo Lab | Collins Barracks - This unique space offers visitors an opportunity to observe conservation in action and learn how museum professionals care for delicate specimens from the Natural History collection.

2. Engaging Tours: 

• Museum, House & Gardens Tour | Turlough Park - Journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of our rural ancestors through the Irish Folklife Collection.

• ​Changing Ireland Guided Tours | Collins Barracks - Encounter the everyday or extraordinary objects that witnessed or contributed to the transformation of Ireland over the last 150 years.

• LGBTQIA+ Tours | Collins Barracks - View the collections at Collins Barracks through an alternative lens, bringing some hidden histories and perspectives to the fore. 

• Early Medieval Ireland; Ireland to St. Gallen | Kildare Street - This tour will introduce you to Early Medieval Ireland, the development of writing in Ireland, and the pilgrimage of Irish clergy to places around Europe, including St. Gallen in Switzerland.

• Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland’s Archaeology collection | Kildare Street - Find out more about life in Ireland from the Stone Age to Early Medieval Ireland and see some of Ireland's most iconic treasures at the Museum. 

3. Interactive Events: 

• Drop-In: Raiders, Traders and Settlers! Viking Ireland Handling Workshop | Kildare Street - Wednesday, 29 October, 14:00 - 16:00, Families

• Drop-In: Forge and Rune! Viking Sword Craft Workshop | Kildare Street - Thursday, 20 October, 10:30 - 12:30, Families

• October Family Drop-ins at the Dead Zoo Lab | Collins Barracks - Throughout the month of October

• Midterm Family Drop-ins in the Dead Zoo Lab | Collins Barracks - Monday, October 27 - Friday, October 31, Families 

• November Family Drop-ins at the Dead Zoo Lab | Collins Barracks - Throughout the month of October

4. Late Night Opening at Collins Barracks: 

• Treasures from Home - Thursday, 6 November, 18:00 - 19:00, Drop-in, Booking requried

​5. Halloween Midterm Events at the National Museum of Ireland

From creating your own spooky Halloween masks and exploring what life was like in Viking Dublin to interactive storytelling and outdoor adventure trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across our Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo. 
 

• Tales, tours and creative workshops for family fun at the National Museum of Ireland this Halloween Midterm

6. Halloween Midterm Events at Turlough Park

The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo, is hosting a thrilling lineup of free family-friendly events this midterm break. Discover eerie artefacts on the Scary Objects Trail, explore the woodland on the Scarecrow Jack Trail, and get creative with Halloween-themed crafts from 29–31 October. Don’t miss ‘A Scare in the Museum’ – storytelling tours filled with spine-tingling tales and folklore that will delight children and adults alike. No booking required – just come along and enjoy the frightful festivities!

• Top things to do for Halloween at the National Museum of Ireland in Co. Mayo

7. Explore the Museum Shops: 

Each Museum Shop at the National Museum of Ireland offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts, books, and crafts that reflect Ireland’s rich cultural legacy. Whether you're looking for a meaningful souvenir, a locally made treasure, or a gift that tells a story, these shops are well worth a visit.

• Museum Shop, National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

• Museum Shop, National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7

• Museum Shop, National Museum of ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo

8. Cafe Culture: Synge & Byrne

Serving up a delicious menu featuring breakfast, lunch, childrens' meals and tasty signature salads, coupled with amazing sweet treats from their in-house bakery - Synge & Byrne Café is the perfect place to relax and recharge during your Museum visit.

• Synge & Byrne at Turlough Park: Located in the Courtyard, serving breakfast, lunch, and sweet treats. Ideal after a Museum visit, Greenway cycle or garden stroll.

• Synge & Bryne at Collins Barracks:  Nestled in the heart of this historic site, our new café offers a warm and welcoming space where visitors can relax, recharge, and enjoy our signature blend of wholesome food, artisan coffee, and friendly service. 

9. Scenic Walks & Greenway Adventures:

• Castlebar to Turlough Greenway: A 10km riverside trail perfect for walking or cycling. Bike hire available in Castlebar, with parking at the museum.

• Museum Grounds at Turlough Park: Explore the Victorian gardens, woodland playground, and historic Turlough Park House.

Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland