Celebrate St Patrick’s Day through our wide range of events and activities for all ages to enjoy across our four Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo.
Explore the history of Ireland’s saints and scholars; create your own St Patrick’s Day badge; discover the symbols associated with Ireland and learn about the iconic products used to promote and market Ireland on the global economic stage.
We are delighted once again to host the St Patrick's Festival at the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dubin 7.
Our museum sites in Dublin and Mayo are open as normal throughout St Patrick's weekend. All events are free and no booking is required.
FULLY BOOKED - WORKSHOP: Making St. Patrick's Badges
1pm & 2pm, Saturday 16 March, Families
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Castlebar, Mayo
St. Patrick's Badges were traditionally made and worn by children to honour our patron saint, St Patrick, on his feast day on 17 March. Have a go at making your own St Patricks Badge similar to those in our collection, using upcycled and recycled materials. Booking required. FIND OUT MORE
St. Patrick's Festival - Virtual Trail - Harps, Hounds & Hibernia
15 - 18 March. Suitable for All
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
Traditionally the feast day of St. Patrick, observed on 17th March, St. Patrick’s Day is now a globally recognised celebration of Irish history, culture, and heritage. Whether you are at home or in the Museum, you can explore the histories of these artefacts that showcase different symbols used to represent Ireland through time, in honour of St. Patrick's Day. FIND OUT MORE
'The Saints and Scholars of Ireland' Tours
Throughout the month of March. Suitable for All
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
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. No booking is required. FIND OUT MORE
St. Patrick's Festival: Not Just Shamrocks… Symbols of Ireland in the NMI’s collections
16 & 17 March. Suitable for All
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
Why not take a tour of the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History during the St Patrick’s Festival with our Museum guides to explore the fascinating range of Irish symbols, through objects on display, from the unusual to the everyday. Booking not required, however spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. FIND OUT MORE
St. Patrick's Festival - Make Your Mark! Family Print-Making Workshop
2 - 4pm, Sunday, 17 March. Families
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
After exploring the we make our own histories exhibition in the Riding School, join museum educators in the Learning Resource Room for a drop-in, print-making workshop. Inspired by the multicultural symbols on A Dress for Ramlah and A Dress for Akunma, design and print a symbol that represents you on a greeting card using just a few simple materials.No booking is required. FIND OUT MORE
St. Patrick's Festival - Early Years Workshop - Storytelling & Songs with Sarah Sparkles
2 - 4pm, Monday, 18 March. Suitable for 18 months - 5 years.
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
In this bilingual (English + Gaeilge) workshop for under 5s, Sarah Sparkles and her puppet friends will perform an interactive show for little ones, featuring lots of fun stories, music, and singing. Dancing and movement are encouraged! Booking is not required. Please come to Reception at Collins Barracks to get your free ticket before the workshop begins. Suitable for 18 months - 5 years. FIND OUT MORE
Colouring Sheets: St. Patrick and his Relics
Online Activity, Suitable for children 7 - 12 years.
St. Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint and we celebrate him every year on the 17th March. Did you know that there are objects in the Museum’s collection that are believed to have once belonged to St. Patrick? These are called relics and are kept in very special and beautifully decorated containers called shrines. Discover more about St. Patrick and his relics by downloading and printing out these special colouring sheets and design your own shrine for something you hold special at home. FIND OUT MORE
- READ MORE: Bell of St Patrick and its Shrine
- READ MORE: A history of St Patrick's Day traditions
- EVENTS: Seachtain na Gaeilge
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland