This April, the National Museum of Ireland has a great programme of events especially designed for adults across our four Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo.
From thought-provoking exhibitions to immersive tours and drop-in handling sessions, our programme offers to provide a relaxed atmosphere to spark engagement and discussion, intellectual stimulation or personal reflection.
Admission is free and no booking is required.
1. Explore the captivating Murmur of Bees exhibition
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Mayo.
During opening hours throughout the month of April
Did you know there are more than 100 different bee species in Ireland, but only one that makes honey? Or that bees were so important throughout Irish history, they even have their own patron saint? Join us in celebrating the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us. FIND OUT MORE
.png)
2. Examine the 1916 Easter Rising in 16 Objects
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
2pm - 4pm, Saturday 27 April. No booking required
Explore fascinating stories from the Easter Rising through objects that reflect the legacy of this momentous turn in Irish history. This interactive handling session will feature artefacts from the Museum's handling collection and will include uniform items, historical ammunition, and original documents from the time. FIND OUT MORE
3. Learn about the development of art in Ireland
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
11am, Saturday 13 April. No booking required.
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. FIND OUT MORE
4. Get Crafty with the Museum Knitting and Crochet Circle
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Mayo.
11am - 1pm, Friday 5 & Friday 19 April. No booking required.
This is a friendly meeting of talented craft workers with a keen interest in all things woolly! Come along to exchange tips, patterns, ideas and a chat. Beginners are welcome. FIND OUT MORE
5. Join the conversation - we make our own histories
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
During opening hours throughout the month of April
Come join us for an engaging public programme featuring artist talks, guided tours, and a captivating 'In Conversation' series, in conjunction with our newest exhibition, "We Make Our Own Histories." These events promise to enrich your experience until the exhibition closure at the end of June. FIND OUT MORE
6. Learn about the Saints and Scholars of Ireland
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Selected dates throughout the month of April
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. FIND OUT MORE
7. Dust down that fiddle! The Music Circle is back!
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Mayo.
3pm - 5pm on Saturday 6 April & 1pm - 2.30pm on Saturday 20 April. No booking required.
Learn, practice, share and play tunes and songs with other musicians at the Museum's Music Circle on Saturday, 6 and Saturday, 20 April from 1pm to 2.30pm. Beginners welcome! FIND OUT MORE
8. Take a Easter Rising Commemorative Tour
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Selected times, Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 April. No booking required.
Join us for special commemorative public tours, delving into the captivating tales from this remarkable era in Irish history, 108 years after the Easter Rising. FIND OUT MORE
9. Museum, House & Garden Tours
National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Mayo.
2pm and 3pm, Saturdays throughout April
Join a free guided tour on Saturdays throughout the month of April to discover the Irish Folklife Collection. Then discover more about the life of the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectual style of Turlough Park House and Gardens. Tours start at the Museum reception. No booking is required. FIND OUT MORE
10. Game, Set, Match: The History of Sports in Irish Society
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Selected dates throughout April
Discover objects dating from the 15th century to the present day, illustrating the influence of the GAA through the lens of social history, design and popular culture. FIND OUT MORE
11. See iconic treasures of Ireland
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Selected dates throughout April
Discover what life was like from Stone Age to Medieval Ireland. Learn about perfectly preserved fish traps from the Mesolithic, gold objects from the Bronze Age, and iconic Early Medieval treasures of the ‘Tara’ Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. FIND OUT MORE
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland