Looking for ways to bring the whole family together this Easter? The National Museum of Ireland has just launched an exciting programme of events to keep all ages engaged and entertained this Easter break.
Highlight events include storytelling with Nuala Hayes; Easter egg decorating with artist Cas McCarthy; or egg hunting at Collins Barracks on Easter Saturday!
There is also a highlight event for adult audiences with an online lecture by Professor Aidan O’Sullivan on the material possessions of early Irish households.
Our Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo are open to visitors for much of the Easter break from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and 1pm to 5pm on Sundays and Mondays with the exception of Good Friday (closed).
Admission is free.
Online Lecture: Things of the Early Medieval Teaglach - Exploring the material possessions of early Irish households
Wednesday, 5 April, 1pm. Adults
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Early Medieval Ireland is known for some of the finest metalworking objects of Irish archaeology, including the Ardagh Chalice, and the ‘Tara’ Brooch, but what do we know about the everyday objects made and used by people at this time? Join Professer Aidan O'Sullivan, Head of the UCD School of Archaeology on Wednesday, 5 April as he discusses the things that people would have used inside and around their houses in early medieval Ireland, with a focus on rural Ireland in the 7th/8th centuries AD. BOOKING REQUIRED
ART WORKSHOP: Decorating Easter eggs BOOKED OUT!
Saturday, 8 April, 11.30pm & 2pm. Families
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Castlebar, Mayo
Join artist Cas McCarthy to explore the traditions around Easter. Have a go at designing and decorating your own egg similar to those used in Easters' past, examples of which are now part of the Irish Folklife Collection. This is a free family workshop taking place at 11.30am (children under 7) and 2pm (children 7+). Places are limited so booking is required. FIND OUT MORE
Big Barracks Egg Hunt
Easter Weekend at Collins Barracks, All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
Hop on down to Collins Barracks this Easter Saturday for the Big Barracks Egg Hunt. Solve our riddles and find the artefacts to win a prize. Follow the trail around the Museum, hunt out the artefacts, then join us back in reception for an eggs-cellent surprise. This trail will be available all Easter weekend, however the Big Barracks Egg Hunt event is a drop-in session on Saturday 8th April from 2pm until 4pm. FIND OUT MORE
Guided Tour: The Saints and Scholars of Ireland
Saturday 8th April and Saturday 15th April, All Ages
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Celebrate Easter by joining our experienced guides for a freel tour about the artefacts and shrines connected to Irish saints and how Christianity influenced the development of writing. FIND OUT MORE
Storytelling: The Myths and Legends of Ireland with Nuala Hayes
Thursday 13th April, 11:30am & 2pm, Families 6+
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
This Easter Midterm, come to the Museum and hear some of the many Myths and Legends of Ireland, retold by storyteller Nuala Hayes. Nuala will bring us on a journey of the imagination with the legend of the Children of Lir, the search for the Salmon of Knowledge, and some of the many stories of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna. Afterwards, make sure to have a look around the Museum and see if you can spot any objects that appear in these stories! No booking required, spaces allocated on a first come first served basis. Families 6+ FIND OUT MORE
Drop-In Workshop: The Saints, Scholars, and Scribes of Ireland
Friday 14th April, 10:30am-12:30pm, Families
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Drop into the Learning Resource Room and find out more about the lives of people in Early Medieval Ireland. During this handling workshop, discover replicas of jet crosses from Yorkshire, early medieval leather shoes, and brooches for cloaks and clothes. Learn about the coming of Christianity to Ireland, and the impact it had on the valley at Glendalough by exploring our Glendalough timeline banner. Take part in some relaxing colouring activities by colouring in beautiful illustrations of medieval shrine that you can bring home. No booking required. Suitable for families. FIND OUT MORE
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