08 Feb National Museum of Ireland
When in Dublin on tours of Ireland consider visiting the various sites. All are must see attractions if you want to see the history of Ireland.
Ireland’s national museum consists of collections of archeology , history , decorative arts , and natural history.
Established in 1877 , the National Museum acquired the scientific collections of Royal Dublin Society , which now from the basis of the Natural History Museum.
In the 1890s, the museum also received the Royal Irish Academy’s collection of antiques and it continues to preserve the natural and cultural material heritage of Ireland.
Archaeological and historical collections are displayed at the National Museum , on Kildare Street.
They include a collection of weapons , tools , and artifacts from the Viking burial grounds at Kilmainham and Islandbridge , the largest such collection outside Scandinavia.
The archaeological collection also contains the National Treasury , with outstanding examples of Celtic and medieval art such as the Tara Brooch , the Ardagh Chalice , and the Cross of Cong. The Broighter Hoard is a treasure of gold objects (La Tene-style torc or neckband , a miniature sailing boat with oars , a bowl, and two necklaces) dating from around the last century B.C., which were found at Broighter , County Derry , in 1896. Also , displayed here is the Derrynaflan Hoard , which consists of liturgical church metalwork , comprising a chalice , a paten with support , and a strainer , all covered by a large bronze basin. The hoard was discovered in 1980 , on the bog-island of Derrynaflan , County Tipperary. The high quality die-stamped ornament and enameled studs of the paten and stand would argue for an eighth-century date for both of them , whereas the stylized filigree of the chalice would suggest a date for it in the following century.
The museum’s collection of croziers (wooden staffs , often enshrined in metal , used by Irish abbots from the eighth to the twelfth century) and reliquaries is unique in Europe , and includes decorative examples from Clonmacnoise , County Offaly , and Lismore, County Waterford.
The Natural History Museum on Merrion Street holds and extensive collection of zoology and the National Museum in Collins Barracks exhibits decorative arts , history, and folklore.
National Museum of Ireland, Archeology and History, Kildare Street, Dublin
National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin
National Museum of Ireland, Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin
Worth a visit on any Ireland tours as there are some real hidden gems.