This summer, join a late night tour with a Museum guide for a free and engaging tour of the collection of the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology. Please see below for a full list of tours taking place this month at the Museum. 

Tours will take place at 6pm on Thursdays for the months of July, August, and early September. For a full list of tours and dates, please see below. Each tour will take approximately 45 minutes. Please note that there are some Thursdays when a tour will not be taking place. 

No booking required, places allocated on a first come first served basis. Meet in the Reception, on the ground floor. Families with children 8+. All of the tours are wheelchair accessible. 

Dates, Times and Tours 
 

The History of Art in Ireland Tour
Thursday 4th July, 6pm
On this tour, learn about the development of art in Ireland from the Stone Age to Early Medieval Ireland. See megalithic art from the Stone Age on the replica passage tomb, discover the techniques in gold of Bronze Age metalworkers on the lunulae and sun discs, learn about the influence of the Iron Age art style, La Tène, and its impact into Early Medieval Ireland on objects including the Ardagh Chalice and the 'Tara' Brooch.  

The History of Art in Ireland Tour
Thursday 11th July, 6pm
On this tour, learn about the development of art in Ireland from the Stone Age to Early Medieval Ireland. See megalithic art from the Stone Age on the replica passage tomb, discover the techniques in gold of Bronze Age metalworkers on the lunulae and sun discs, learn about the influence of the Iron Age art style, La Tène, and its impact into Early Medieval Ireland on objects including the Ardagh Chalice and the 'Tara' Brooch.

The Saints and Scholars of Ireland Tour
Thursday 18th July, 6pm
Join us to discover the artefacts associated with the patron saints of Ireland, St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Colmcille, and see what archaeological evidence can tell us about the impact of Christianity to Ireland and which objects demonstrate the development of writing techniques. Take a look at other artefacts and relics connected to the many saints from Ireland in the Treasury exhibition, and learn about the incredible preservation of the Fadden More Psalter, and the impact of writing and scholarship in Early Medieval Ireland.

Summer Highlights Tour
Thursday 25th July, 6pm
An evening tour of NMI - Archaeology with Education Officer Siobhán Pierce, exploring the history of some of the most famous archaeological objects in Ireland including the Knowth Macehead, the Mooghaun Hoard and the ‘Tara' Brooch and some of the lesser well known ones! During this 45 minute stroll through the ground floor galleries, you will hear tales of how these intriguing artefacts were discovered, and the skills and time periods in which they were created from the Mesolithic, to Early Medieval Ireland.  

The Saints and Scholars of Ireland Tour
Thursday 1st August, 6pm
Join us to discover the artefacts associated with the patron saints of Ireland, St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Colmcille, and see what archaeological evidence can tell us about the impact of Christianity to Ireland and which objects demonstrate the development of writing techniques. Take a look at other artefacts and relics connected to the many saints from Ireland in the Treasury exhibition, and learn about the incredible preservation of the Fadden More Psalter, and the impact of writing and scholarship in Early Medieval Ireland.

Prehistoric Ireland Tour
Thursday 15th August, 6pm
On this tour, discover Mesolithic fish-traps, food of Neolithic Ireland, wonderful gold objects of the Irish Bronze Age, and artefacts from Iron Age Ireland. This tour, inspired by the SESE Primary History Curriculum, weaves through the changes and continuity of prehistoric Ireland by using key objects from the Museum’s collection to inform us about the people and changes of each period.

Prehistoric Ireland Tour
Thursday 22nd August, 6pm
On this tour, discover Mesolithic fish-traps, food of Neolithic Ireland, wonderful gold objects of the Irish Bronze Age, and artefacts from Iron Age Ireland. This tour, inspired by the SESE Primary History Curriculum, weaves through the changes and continuity of prehistoric Ireland by using key objects from the Museum’s collection to inform us about the people and changes of each period.

Kingship and Sacrifice: The Bog Bodies of Ireland Tour
Thursday 29th August, 6pm 
On this evening tour, find out why the Bog Bodies from Ireland are of international scientific significance by exploring the Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition with a Museum Educator. Explore the role of kingship in ancient Ireland and discover many other finds from the Iron Age and the Irish wetlands including bog butter. 

Director's Tour of the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
Thursday 5th September, 6pm
Director Lynn Scarff will give a special tour of the Museum sharing her personal highlights in the collection. 

Prehistoric Ireland Tour
Thursday 12th September, 6pm
On this tour, discover Mesolithic fish-traps, food of Neolithic Ireland, wonderful gold objects of the Irish Bronze Age, and artefacts from Iron Age Ireland. This tour, inspired by the SESE Primary History Curriculum, weaves through the changes and continuity of prehistoric Ireland by using key objects from the Museum’s collection to inform us about the people and changes of each period.