National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology
The treasures of ancient Ireland - dazzling Celtic gold, the Ardagh Chalice and the eerily preserved bog bodies, in a grand Dublin hall.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The archaeology branch of the National Museum of Ireland holds the greatest treasures of the country's ancient past, and it is free. Bronze and Iron Age gold, the exquisite Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch of the early Christian golden age, Viking Dublin, and the remarkably preserved Iron Age bog bodies fill its grand domed hall.
What you actually see
- The gold - the hoards of Bronze Age Celtic gold ornaments.
- The Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch - the masterpieces of early Christian metalwork.
- The bog bodies - the eerily preserved Iron Age human remains.
- Viking Dublin - the finds from the Norse city.
When to go
Year-round; a fully indoor museum, free and central, ideal for any weather. Allow a couple of hours for the highlights.
Honest expectations
It is a history museum rather than a spectacle, so it rewards curiosity. The bog bodies are genuinely haunting and may unsettle some. Free entry makes it excellent value and an easy rainy-day option.
Nearby
Trinity College and the Book of Kells are a short walk; Grafton Street is nearby. The Natural History Museum branch sits around the corner on Merrion Street.
What to pack for National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
