FREE ADMISSION
Collins Barracks, now home to the National Museum of Ireland’s Decorative Arts & History, is a treasure trove of culture, creativity, and, best of all, absolutely free fun. The galleries are bursting with fascinating exhibits, from military history to fashion, art, and design, making it a perfect stop for curious kids and grown-ups alike. And because admission won’t cost a cent, it’s the ideal place to pop into on a rainy Dublin day.
What makes Collins Barracks extra special, though, is its lineup of brilliant free events. Families can dive into hands-on days like “Game On! A Day of Play”, where little ones get stuck into giant games, crafty challenges, and playful themed tours. The museum also runs Heritage Week activities, including tours that explore everything from vintage fashion in “The Way We Wore” to music, sport, and even LGBTQIA+ history. Add in Culture Night celebrations, quirky workshops like the Dead Zoo Lab, and the ever-popular free lunchtime concerts by The Army No. 1 Band, and you’ve got a spot that’s just as entertaining as it is educational.
Discover a wild side of Dublin at the Dead Zoo Lab, a fascinating new home for the Natural History Museum’s most-loved specimens now on display. The Lab invites families to explore approx. 1,300 objects from entomology to marine life, mammals, birds, reptiles, and more, all free to visit (booking required only for groups). Highlights include delicate 19th-century Blaschka glass marine creatures, uprooted treasures like the dodo skeleton, an eel famously choking on a frog, the grand Spoticus the giraffe, and the iconic giant Irish deer, some of which haven’t been seen in decades. The smaller, hands-on space is perfect for curious kids and adults alike, offering rotating exhibits and innovative interpretations while the main Natural History Museum on Merrion Street undergoes a major refurbishment. It’s a brilliant way to keep the wonder of the Dead Zoo alive, without spending a cent.
BACK TO
Categories:
