The National Museum of Ireland โ Decorative Arts & History sits on Benburb Street in Dublin 7, in the historic Collins Barracks, a complex dating from 1704. It is one of the places where the city's past is easiest to see up close, both in its collections and in the buildings that house them.
What you will see
The museum shows Irish decorative arts, costume, furniture and military history. Visitors can browse displays of domestic and craft objects, dress and textiles, and furniture, alongside material that traces the country's military story. The range makes it a good stop for anyone curious about how Irish people lived, dressed and worked over the centuries.
The setting
Much of the appeal lies in the barracks themselves. Collins Barracks is a historic site, and walking through its courtyards and rooms gives a sense of the place beyond the exhibits. Those interested in architecture and in the layered history of Dublin's institutions will find the building as worthwhile as the collections.
Planning your visit
- Location: Benburb Street, Dublin 7, D07 XKV4, Ireland
- Also known as: Collins Barracks
- Phone: +353 1 677 7444
- Good for: history lovers, those interested in costume and furniture, and visitors wanting a museum visit in the west of the city centre
Because the museum is a single site, it suits a relaxed half-day, with time to explore the building as well as the displays. Calling ahead on the number above is sensible if you want current visiting details before you set out.
