The National Museum of Ireland is celebrating International Women’s Day with a series of special events on March 8 and 9 at its Collins Barracks and Turlough Park locations.
Visitors can explore women’s roles in Irish history through guided tours in Dublin, while a special talk in Co Mayo will highlight the contributions of community midwives. All events are free, with some requiring booking.
International Women's Day events takes place across Ireland on Saturday, 8 March #IWD2025EVENTS:
International Women's Day - Midwifery in our Communities This event is BOOKED OUT!
Saturday 08 March, 2pm - 4pm. Adults.
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Clandestine revolutionary activities; an island midwife in the mid-20th century; and a Jubilee Nurse on Queen Mary’s Christmas card list. These are just some of the stories local historians and researchers from across Ireland will share at an upcoming event exploring their work on community midwives in the 19th and 20th centuries. FIND OUT MORE
International Women's Day at Collins Barracks
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 March, 2pm - 3:15pm. All Ages.
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Join us for a weekend of tours in celebration of International Women's Day, and share in the stories of women through a series of remarkable costumes and artefacts on our 'The Way We Wore' and 'Revolutionary Women' tours. FIND OUT MORE
EXHIBITIONS:
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Discover what life was like for a rural midwife in the early 20th century through personal artefacts, family stories, audio recordings and community research. FIND OUT MORE
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
This International Women’s Day, celebrate the power and artistry of women’s fashion through the stunning Ib Jorgensen: A Fashion Retrospective exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland. Explore the evolution of style and the enduring impact of Jorgensen’s work, which continues to inspire generations of designers and fashion lovers alike. FIND OUT MORE
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
The Eileen Gray exhibition celebrates one of the most influential designers and architects of the 20th century. Fulfilling her ambition to have her work brought back to Ireland, this showcase highlights Gray’s groundbreaking contributions, featuring iconic pieces such as the adjustable chrome table and the non-conformist chair. FIND OUT MORE
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Now a permanent exhibition, (A)Dressing Our Hidden Truths by award-winning artist Alison Lowry offers a deeply moving exploration of Ireland’s institutional past. Through the delicate yet powerful medium of glass, this thought-provoking exhibition sheds light on the experiences of those impacted by Magdalene Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes, and Industrial Schools, giving voice to stories that must never be forgotten. FIND OUT MORE
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Celebrate the legacy of Maeve Gilroy, a trailblazer in women's sport, who played a key role in promoting camogie both on and off the field. A star player during Antrim’s golden era, Maeve won the Cú Chulann camogie award in 1956 before becoming a respected coach and referee. Visit the GAA: People, Objects and Stories exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks to see her handwoven tweed camogie dress from the 1960s and explore the history of women in Gaelic games. FIND OUT MORE
PIONEERING WOMEN OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND
Jane Stephens
This International Women’s Day, take a moment to discover the remarkable legacy of Jane Stephens (1879–1959), a pioneering naturalist who made an indelible mark on the Natural History Museum’s collections. As one of Ireland’s leading female scientists, her meticulous research and dedication to marine biology helped shape our understanding of Ireland’s biodiversity. READ MORE
Violet Powell
The first exhibition of rural life was organised by the National Museum of Ireland in 1937. Aran Island dress formed an important part of that display. The Museum is grateful to Violet Powell who obtained the clothing items for the Museum from the women of Aran. This was a time when all the collectors working for the Museum and the Irish Folklore Commission were male. Violet is seen here dressed in traditional clothes. IRISH FOLKLIFE COLLECTIONS