Discover a diverse programme of new and temporary exhibitions at the National Museum of Ireland, with something to inspire visitors of all ages across our sites.
From fascinating historical objects to contemporary ideas and immersive displays, explore stories that connect Ireland’s past and present in engaging and unexpected ways.
Here are our highlight new and temporary exhibitions to look out for across our Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo.
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Echoes Through the Hallway: The Story of Ellis Court, 140 Years in the Making | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Discover the remarkable story of Ellis Court in this new temporary exhibition at Collins Barracks. Through historic photographs, personal stories and archival materials, Echoes Through the Hallway traces more than 140 years of community life, celebrating the people and memories that have shaped one of Dublin's earliest social housing developments.
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Soapbox dreams in 1950s Ireland | National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Step back into 1950s Ireland with Ready, Steady, Go! – Soap Box Dreams in 1950s Ireland, a new exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park. Marking the 70th anniversary of Ireland’s first National Soap Box Derby, the display features a striking red Soap Box car driven by Westport racer Joseph Moran in 1956 and explores the excitement, creativity and community spirit of the Soap Box racing craze that captivated young people across the country.
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Antique Veterinary Objects | National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
In the early 2000s, the National Museum of Ireland partnered with Mayo County Council’s Veterinary Department to create a collection of veterinary and animal husbandry objects, led by Veterinary Officer Cathal Walsh and colleagues Cathy Waddell and Cathy Gallagher. Donated to the Museum, a selection is now on display, offering visitors an insight into the work of vets in Ireland in the past.
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Boats and Barns | National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Discover Boats and Barns, a new exhibition of paintings by artist Hugh Barr in the Courtyard Gallery at Turlough Park. Drawing on memories of life at sea aboard a Galway hooker and childhood experiences of rural Ireland, Barr's work explores themes of craft, heritage, place and belonging. Through evocative depictions of traditional boats, farm buildings and hay barns, the exhibition reflects on the enduring connections between people, landscape and the built environment.
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Harry Clarke’s-Stained Glass | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Discover the striking stained glass of Harry Clarke, one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists. This display highlights his distinctive style, renowned for its rich colour, intricate detail, and imaginative storytelling.
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The Weight of Words | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
This collaborative project between the National Museum and the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, explores the craft and cultural history of cast weights made by the Akan peoples of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire for measuring gold dust.
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Eva Lynch - Anthropoware | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Anthropoware V is the final in a series of kinetic sculptures exploring the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. The user is invited to spin the sculpture and consider the theme of this work whilst engaging their hands in mindful activity similar to the artist’s hands working methodically and meditatively.
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Changing Ireland Galleries | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Discover the stories that shaped modern Ireland at Collins Barracks. The Changing Ireland galleries showcase powerful objects from the past 150 years, from political milestones to cultural icons — alongside new voices, perspectives, and immersive experiences.
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Dead Zoo Lab | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Discover a new interactive space showcasing highlights from the Natural History collections while the Merrion Street museum undergoes refurbishment. Featuring around 1,300 fascinating specimens — from mammals and birds to marine life — including rare Blaschka glass models, this engaging display invites visitors to explore the wonders of the natural world up close.
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Glendalough: Power, Prayer and Pilgrimage | National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Explore Glendalough: Power, Prayer and Pilgrimage, an exhibition tracing the history of one of Ireland’s most important early medieval монаstic sites, highlighting its religious influence, political power and enduring legacy through remarkable archaeological finds.
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