The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology is delighted to present an exciting programme of drop-in handling and activity workshops specially designed for families to enjoy this summer.
Dive into history as you uncover Mesolithic fish traps, explore the vibrant world of Viking Dublin, or discover impressive brooches of Medieval Ireland, there is something to keep everyone entertained on a family day out to the Museum throughout the summer months.
All events are free and no booking is required. These events will take place in the Learning Resource Room, first floor, at the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology on Kildare Street, and are not wheelchair accessible.
Drop-In: Meet the Flint Stones! Stone Age Handling Workshop
Selected dates throughout July and August
Visit our handling table in the Prehistoric Ireland exhibition and meet with our Museum Educators who will have an array of replica artefacts from Stone Age Ireland for you to pick up and examine. Discover our mesolithic fishtrap, flint scrapers and arrowheads, and prehistoric clay pots. EVENT CALENDAR
Drop-In: Rocks of the Stone Age! Megalithic Art
Selected dates throughout July and August
Come to the Learning Resource Room and learn all about Megalithic Rock Art from Stone Age Ireland! Discover all the patters, shapes and decorations that were used to decorate passage tombs in Ireland, including Newgrange and Knowth, and decorate your own ‘megalithic stone’ to bring home with you. You can also have a go at creating your own cave art handprint! EVENT CALENDAR
Drop-In: Back to the Bronze Age! Bronze Age Handling Workshop
Selected dates throughout July and August
What was life like in Ireland during the Bronze Age? Visit the Learning Resource Room to see and handle a collection of replica artefacts from Bronze Age Ireland, and discover what objects people were making and using at this time. See an Early Bronze Age axehead, a bronze spearhead, amber beads, and clay pots. EVENT CALENDAR
Drop-In Workshop: Summer Sun Discs
Selected dates throughout July and August
Visit the Learning Resouce Room and join in this craft activity and discover all about Sun Discs of Bronze Age Ireland. In the Early Bronze Age Ireland, people made beautiful gold discs that looked like the sun. Drop in to find out more about these precious objects and make your own shining sun disc to bring home with you. A relaxed drop-in workshop for this event will take place on Thursday 8th August from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. EVENT CALENDAR
Drop-In: Raiders, Traders and Settlers! Viking Ireland Handling Workshop
Selected dates throughout July and August
Find out about life in Viking Dublin by visiting the Learning Resource Room at the Museum to see some replica Viking Artefacts! Take a look at Viking swords and axes used for raiding, a Viking brass scales for trading, and clothes worn by men and women who lived and settle in Viking Dublin. Take part in some relaxing colouring activities, read through our many books about archaeology, and make sure to explore the Museum's galleries afterwards. EVENT CALENDAR
Drop-In Workshop: At Home with the Vikings
Selected dates throughout July and August
Join in this drop-in workshop at the Learning Resource Room and learn all about Viking Dublin. Discover the homes made and lived in by the Vikings who travelled and settled in Dublin over 1000 years ago! Make your own Viking house and help build up the city of Dublin. A relaxed drop-in will be taking place on Thursday 18th July from 2pm-4pm. EVENTS CALENDAR
Drop-In: The Saints, Scholars, and Scribes of Ireland! Early Medieval Handling Workshop
Selected dates throughout July and August
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, read through our many books about archaeology, and make sure to explore the Museum's galleries afterwards. EVENT CALENDAR
Drop-In Workshop: Brilliant Brooches of Medieval Ireland
Selected dates throughout July and August
Come to the Museum and discover some of the most impressive brooches from Medieval Ireland. From the famous 'Tara’ brooch from Early Medieval Ireland, to brooches worn by Viking women, and even brooches given as love tokens in Medieval Ireland. Learn all about the people who made and wore these brooches, and then make your own brooch to take home! EVENT CALENDAR
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