The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks brings decorative arts and Irish history together in a former military barracks on Benburb Street, Dublin. Its galleries cover Irish military history, the 1916 Easter Rising, clothing, furniture, ceramics and jewellery. Look for the exhibition on Irish designer Eileen Gray and the restored yacht Asgard, which carried guns for Irish revolutionaries in 1914. The barracks’ arcaded walkways and bridges are part of the visit, and admission is free.
A former military barracks
Collins Barracks was completed in 1704 to a design by Thomas Burgh. It was once the world’s largest military barracks. Today, the National Museum of Ireland’s Decorative Arts and History collection occupies the site on Benburb Street, on Dublin’s north side.
The building is part of the experience. Arcaded colonnades and bridges connect its blocks, and the former barracks setting gives the historical displays a clear context. The Luas Museum stop is beside the entrance.
Irish history, design and the Asgard
The galleries bring together decorative arts and accounts of Ireland’s past. Exhibits include clothing, furniture, ceramics, jewellery and Irish silver, alongside displays on military history from 1550 to the present and the 1916 Easter Rising. The Irish Silver Gallery is one place to focus your visit.
Look for the exhibition on designer Eileen Gray and the restored Asgard, a yacht used to carry guns for Irish revolutionaries in 1914. A hall displaying tanks and weaponry adds another perspective on the military collection. With many rooms to explore, you can choose a few subjects that interest you or leave time to see more of the museum.
FAQ
Is admission to Collins Barracks free?
Yes. Admission is free.
How do you get to Collins Barracks?
The Luas Museum stop is beside the entrance on Benburb Street.
What can you see at Collins Barracks?
The collection includes Irish decorative arts, military history, an exhibition on the 1916 Easter Rising, work by Eileen Gray and the restored Asgard.
Can you take photographs inside the museum?
Photography is not allowed in the galleries.
