Natural History Museum Events, Dublin
Opened in 1857 as the museum of the Royal Dublin Society the ‘Natural History Museum’ has developed as a cabinet style zoological museum and is now open again following a major restoration project.
The history of collecting extends over two centuries has resulted in a rich variety of animals, many of which are now endangered or extinct. Exhibitions in this museum have changed little in style for over a century, adding to the charm and rarity of this national treasure.
The ground floor is dedicated to Irish animals, featuring giant deer skeletons and a variety of mammals, birds and fish. The upper floors of the building were laid out in the 19th Century in a scientific arrangement showing animals by taxonomic group. This scheme demonstrated the diversity of animal life in an evolutionary sequence.
The first floor can now be accessed from the original grand stone staircase which has been recently restored. New facilities include the Discovery Zone where visitors can handle taxidermy and open drawers to see what is lurking inside, the Reading Area at first floor level which is a great place to rest and settle down with a good book, and the ground floor is now suitable for wheelchair access
Calendar of Events for details of temporary exhibitions and ongoing programme of events for your family.
Natural History Museum Admission and Opening Hours
Admission to the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History is FREE
Opening hours:-
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Thursdays (during July, August & September) 10am-8pm
Sunday & Monday 1pm – 5pm
Closed Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day and Good Friday
Parenting Facilities
- Baby changing facilities are available in the downstairs toilet facility, next to the Museum entrance.
- It is possible to take pushchairs/strollers around the ground floor of the Museum (Irish Fauna exhibition), however please note there are no lifts to the first floor (Mammals of the World exhibition).
- Pushchairs/strollers can be left at the Museum entrance at the Museum’s discretion, but this is not always possible as there is limited space. Owners are responsible for pushchairs left unattended. Please contact Reception desk when you arrive for more information.
Schools And Groups
The Museum aims to highlight the variety of creatures that share our world, in the hope that we will be inspired to create a better balance between people and the rest of nature.
Explore the museum through a range of learning opportunities for your class…
Take a guided tour or participate in a hands-on workshop.
- Groups must book in advance for any type of visit to the Museum and can do so by emailing the Bookings Office.
- Groups wishing to make their own arrangements should contact us before arriving at the Museum so we can ensure you are accommodated satisfactorily.
My Museum Family Programme
The My Museum programme of events is designed to encourage families to work together, in an alternative and fun way, to learn more about the Museum’s collections. Every four weeks, the Museum’s collections are explored either through an art, drama or storytelling workshop, or through a workshop showing real animal specimens up close. Special family and children’s events will take place looking at a particular aspect of the animal world.
Please note drop-in events are not limited in number but can get busy – you may have to return later to take part in any activities.
Natural History Museum Events
The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History Museum – Events
- See Calendar of Events for details of temporary exhibitions and ongoing programme of events for your family.
Museum Family Tour
Free themed family tours, take place on specific dates and times. Please note that places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Directions To Natural History Museum In Dublin
The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History is centrally located on Merrion Street, Dublin 2, next door to the National Gallery.
- Grafton Street Journey time: about 10 minutes
- St Stephen’s Green Journey time: about 10 minutes
- O’Connell Street Journey time: about 20 minutes
- Dublin Docklands Journey time: about 20 minutes
Luas: The nearest Luas (tram) stop is on the Green Line – St Stephen’s Green station. This is about a 10 minute walk to the Museum
