Located in the beautifully restored Collins Barracks, the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History houses the National collection of artefacts from the Arts and Crafts throughout the ages.
This imposing military complex is of the early Neo-Classical style and was designed by the architect, Col. Thomas Burgh. Formally known as Dublin Barracks and the Royal Barracks, Collins Barracks is sited in one of Dublin's early historical centres and has a fascinating history of its own.
Wolfe Tone, one of the main leaders of the 1798 rebellion was held prisoner and died in the barracks while many of the prisoners executed in the rebellion were buried in the Croppies Acre in front of the museum.
The entrance to the museum leads to a stunning courtyard called Clarke Square with the reception and cloakroom situated on your left. As you take the stairs you come to the first of three floors of fascinating artefacts.
You can explore a thousand years of Irish coins and currency in Airgead, trace the development of silversmith's craft over three centuries with Irish Silver, get an instant snapshot of the vast range of the Art and Industrial collection with Out of Storage and peruse the favourite objects of the museum's curators in Curator's Choice.
On the second floor, you can follow the development of furniture and design, constructed or used in Ireland since 1690 including the 'Donville Doll's House' with Irish Period Furniture and check out globes, microscopes, barometers and a 19th-century studio camera in Scientific Instruments.
Heading up to the Third Floor you will find Eileen Gray 1987 -1976, an exhibition based on the life and work of one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. The Way We Wore is a wonderful exhibition covering 250 years of Irish clothing, jewellery and accessories, while you can discover the kind of traditional furniture found in Irish homes over the last three centuries with Irish Country Furniture.
Across the courtyard you will find the 16,000 objects in a visible storage display in What's in Store? and you can finish off your excursion with a bun and cup of tea in the museum's café.
The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History is a very worthwhile experience with expert care and consideration given to the selection and presentation of the artefacts in each exhibition.
By bringing the lifestyles of past generations so vividly to life, Collins Barracks gives us a wonderful insight and intimate view of history that take us closer to the fascinating detail and everyday lives of our ancestors.
Time: 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday
2pm-5pm Sunday
Closed Mondays (including Bank Holidays)
Admission is free.
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
Collins Barracks
Benburb Street
Dublin 7.
Tel: + 353 (0) 1 6777444
Website: www.museum.ie
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