Six Dresses: Representations of Women in (a) Changing Ireland - 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence

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

National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

Free guided tours
No booking required, first-come first-serve

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Event Summary

As part of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence, join a Museum guide for a special edition tour, spotlighting six garments from the Museum's Changing Ireland galleries. Visiotrs will explore the experiences of ordinary Irish women through decades of Irish history in the realms of marriage, work, social class and religious subjugation. This tour will include discussions of Magdalene Laundries, institutional abuses, resistance, social justice and self-determination.

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What You’ll Experience

• Learn about the lives and experiences of ordinary Irish women in the 20th century
• Disover unknown histories and social justice movements with an expert guide
• Explore six garments on display in the Changing Ireland galleries

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Who Is This Event For?

• Adults
• Those with an interest in social, political and fashion history
• Parental discretion is advised as this tour will include discussions of Magdalene Laundries, institutional abuses, resistance, social justice and self-determination.

Children must be supervised at all times by a parent or an adult who is in loco parentis.

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Dates & Times

• Saturday, 28th November 2026 - 14:00* & 15:30. First‑come, first‑served

​* The 14:00 tour is a slow-looking tour. For more information about slow-looking tours, please see the following link: Slow Looking Tours of Collins Barracks

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Location

Changing Ireland galleries
National Museum of Ireland – Collins Barracks
Benburb St, Dublin 7, D07 XKV4

Meeting Point: Museum Reception

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Accessibility Information

• Wheelchair accessible
• Please contact bookings@museum.ie for specific access queries

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Booking Information

• Free, No booking required
• Spaces allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis

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Related Experiences

• Changing Ireland Galleries
• Virtual Tour: Bonnets, Bandoliers and Ballot Papers
• Changing Ireland Guided Tours

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance?
No booking required, Spaces allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis

How long does the event last?
45 - 60 minutes

Is the event suitable for children?
This tour will include discussions of Magdalene Laundries, institutional abuses, resistance, social justice and self-determination. Parental discretion is advised

Where do I go when I arrive?
Museum Reception