Immerse yourself in all things green at Collins Barracks this March! We're celebrating Irish stories and symbols over St. Patrick's Weekend.

Public Tours 

The harp is one of the most common symbols of Ireland, which we see on everyday objects such as coins, and the shamrock is synonymous with St Patrick’s Day, but did you know that there are lots of other symbols that designers and artists have used over the centuries to express Irish culture and history? Why not take a tour with our Museum guides to explore the fascinating range of Irish symbols, through objects on display, from the unusual to the everyday.

Booking is not required, however spaces are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday, 15th March
14:00    Not Just Shamrocks: Irish Symbolism in the Museum's Collections
15:15    Not Just Shamrocks: Irish Symbolism in the Museum's Collections 

Sunday, 16th March
14:00    Not Just Shamrocks: Irish Symbolism in the Museum's Collections
15:15    Not Just Shamrocks: Irish Symbolism in the Museum's Collections 

Hands-on History: Exporting Ireland- Sweaters, Ceramics and Pharmaceuticals 

Sunday, 16th March
14:00 - 15:30

This St. Patrick’s weekend, join Museum educators for an interactive Hands-on History session exploring Ireland’s history on the global stage.
 
From pharmaceuticals to clothing, learn about Ireland’s leading exports in a handling session featuring iconic Irish products and people.

This is a drop-in handling sesion in the Museum Reception area. Handling sesions can be expected to take from 5-15 minutes.

For more information about this event, please see here.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow! Children’s Clay Workshop at Collins Barracks

Sunday, 16th March

As part of St.Patrick’s Festival 2025 celebrations, join potter Emily Chilvers for a children’s clay workshop at Collins Barracks!

Take a self guided journey through the Airgead: A Thousand Years of Irish Coins & Currency exhibition to discover adventurous tales of Viking hoards and the infamous 'gun money' of King James II, then create your own Pot of Gold from clay. Add your personal touch by filling the pot with coins inspired by the collection and a colourful rainbow handle.

Children must be supervised by adults at all times. This workshop is suitable for ages 5-16 years.

We will be running 3 sessions of this workshop to facilitate demand. Spaces for this workshop are limited and can be pre-booked via Eventbrite at the following links:

Session 1: Children’s Clay Workshop at Collins Barracks: Somewhere over the Rainbow! Tickets, Sun 16 Mar 2025 at 14:15 | Eventbrite

Session 2: Children’s Clay Workshop at Collins Barracks: Somewhere over the Rainbow! Tickets, Sun 16 Mar 2025 at 15:00 | Eventbrite

Session 3: Children’s Clay Workshop at Collins Barracks: Somewhere over the Rainbow! Tickets, Sun 16 Mar 2025 at 15:45 | Eventbrite

​For more information about this event, please see here.

Harps, Hounds & Hibernia

Available digitally in the Museum throughout the festival

In celebration of Ireland's national day, explore eight remarkable objects that feature the different guises of Éire throughout its history.

Keep an eye out for QR codes throughout the Museum where you can use your smart phone to access the trail. Simply open your camera app, hover over the code, and then click the link!

For more information on the events listed above, contact bookings@museum.ie or call 01 648 6453.