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Aukland Island merganser specimen displayed in National Museum of Ireland

National Museum Of Ireland – Natural History

Dublin, Republic Of Ireland

National Museum of Ireland – Natural History Dublin: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located on Merrion Street in Dublin, the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, fondly nicknamed the “Dead Zoo,” is an iconic institution preserving Ireland’s scientific heritage and Victorian museological charm. Since its founding in the mid-19th century, this museum has showcased over 10,000 specimens, from the impressive Giant Irish Deer to Spoticus the Giraffe, featuring both native Irish fauna and global biodiversity. Its central location near Dublin’s National Gallery and Leinster House, combined with its historic architecture and accessible programming, makes it a must-visit for families, students, and tourists.

In September 2024, the museum temporarily closed its Merrion Street doors for an extensive refurbishment aimed at modernizing facilities, improving accessibility, and safeguarding its collections. During this period, the innovative “Dead Zoo Lab” at Collins Barracks will host key specimens and educational activities, ensuring the museum remains at the heart of Dublin’s cultural life (National Museum of Ireland – Natural History Visitor Information; Irish Museums Association).

Contents

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Before its closure in September 2024, the museum operated:

  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Closed: Mondays and public holidays

The museum is now closed for refurbishment, with reopening planned for late 2025 or later. For the latest updates, always check the official museum website.

Tickets and Admission

Admission is free for all visitors. While no tickets are required for general entry, special exhibitions or workshops may require pre-booking. Guided tours and educational programs are available—advance inquiries are recommended.

Accessibility

Historic constraints limited accessibility, but prior upgrades added ramps and accessible facilities. The ongoing refurbishment will deliver full step-free access, lifts, and modern amenities, ensuring the museum is welcoming to all.

Location and Travel Tips

Merrion Street places the museum in the heart of Dublin, easily accessible by bus and the LUAS (tram). Parking is limited; public transport is advised. Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the National Gallery of Ireland and St. Stephen’s Green.


Historical Overview

  • 19th Century Origins: Emerging from the Royal Dublin Society’s collections, the museum’s dedicated building opened in 1857, just before Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.”
  • Expansion: Integrated into the Museum of Science & Art (1877), collections grew to include zoological, geological, and botanical specimens.
  • 20th Century: Despite political and social upheavals, the museum’s Victorian displays were preserved, earning it the moniker “museum of a museum.”
  • 21st Century Modernization: After a stairway collapse in 2007, restoration and updates improved safety and accessibility, culminating in the current comprehensive refurbishment (RTÉ Culture).

Exhibits and Collections

The museum holds over two million specimens, with more than 10,000 on public display. Highlights include:

  • Giant Irish Deer: A prehistoric symbol of Ireland
  • Spoticus the Giraffe: Beloved Victorian-era specimen
  • Rare Birds and Marine Creatures
  • Historic Taxidermy and Victorian Cabinets

Interactive spaces like the Discovery Zone engage visitors of all ages. During refurbishment, select highlights will be displayed at the “Dead Zoo Lab” at Collins Barracks (Museum.ie News).


Special Programs and Events

The museum offers workshops, talks, guided tours, and tactile learning experiences through the Wonder Cabinet. It has also served as a filming location for period dramas, reflecting its cultural significance.

During closure, educational programs and conservation demonstrations continue at the Dead Zoo Lab.


Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring Dublin’s cultural and historic sites, including:

  • National Gallery of Ireland
  • Leinster House
  • Merrion Square Park
  • Collins Barracks (Dead Zoo Lab & Decorative Arts & History)
  • National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology (Kildare Street)

FAQs

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Traditionally Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM; Sunday 2–5 PM. The museum is currently closed for refurbishment. Check the official website for reopening news.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Admission is free for all visitors.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: The refurbishment will deliver full accessibility, including step-free access and lifts.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours and workshops are available (inquire in advance).

Q: Where can I see exhibits during the closure?
A: Visit the “Dead Zoo Lab” at Collins Barracks from spring 2025.


Plan Your Visit

Experience Ireland’s natural history at the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History. While the Merrion Street site is closed, you can:

  • Explore the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks
  • Visit other National Museum of Ireland branches (Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, Country Life)
  • Access virtual tours and resources online
  • Use the Audiala app for immersive audio guides

For updates, check the official museum website and follow the museum on social media.


Refurbishment and Future Visitor Experience

Closure Details

  • Closed since: September 2, 2024
  • Refurbishment duration: Several years (timeline to be confirmed)
  • Project goals: Full accessibility, modernized exhibits, improved conservation, and enhanced visitor amenities
  • Leadership: Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media with the Office of Public Works; design by Fitzgerald Kavanagh and Partners

Collection Care

Over 10,000 specimens are being carefully wrapped, catalogued, and temporarily relocated to protect them during construction (Irish Museums Association; RTÉ Culture; IrishCentral; Extra.ie).

Visitor Engagement During Closure

  • Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks: Featuring Spoticus the Giraffe, Giant Irish Deer, Blaschka glass models, and educational activities.
  • Other branches open: Decorative Arts & History, Archaeology, and Country Life—all free to visit (HeyDublin.ie).

Summary and Recommendations

The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History remains a cornerstone of Dublin’s cultural heritage, offering a unique blend of science, history, and education. Despite its current closure, the museum continues to engage the public through innovative programming at the Dead Zoo Lab and digital resources. The upcoming refurbishment will greatly improve accessibility, conservation, and the visitor experience.

Plan ahead by visiting the museum’s other branches, participating in virtual tours, and staying connected through the official website and Audiala app. Your support ensures the preservation and celebration of Ireland’s natural history for future generations (Museum.ie News; RTÉ Culture).


Sources


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