View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Home
Destinations
Dublin
Dublin City
National Museum of Irelan ...
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street
A museum display of Irish Elk skeletons with intact antlers on a chequered floor with additional animal displays behind
National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street
Dublin City, Co. Dublin
  • Free things to do
  • History and heritage
  • Arts and culture
Family friendly
Rainy days
Free to visit
The National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street in Dublin City is currently closed to the public for a full refurbishment project. However, some of the collections are now on display in the Dead Zoo Lab at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.

The National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street in Dublin City, affectionately known as the Dead Zoo, has remained largely unchanged since it opened in 1857, just before Darwin published On the Origin of Species.

The museum features galleries of Irish animals and geological exhibits from a collection of around two million specimens. Famous for its Victorian cabinet style displays, the museum showcases both living and extinct Irish wildlife. It has also served as a filming location for shows like Ripper Street and Penny Dreadful.

Visit website
map
Why we like it
  • The museum has a collection of around two million scientific specimens from around the world.
  • See examples of wildlife from Ireland, some of which are now extinct.
  • The museum is free to visit.
For all the best things to see and do in Dublin
Visit Dublin logo
Go to visitdublin.com
map
Visit Website
Contact details
+35316777444
Merrion St Upper, Dublin City, Dublin, Republic of Ireland, D02 F627
Visit duration

We recommend 45 minutes to 1 hour here.

Experience as part of
Visit Dublin LogoVisit Dublin
For all the best things to see and do in Dublin
Visit Dublin logo
Go to visitdublin.com
More to discover at National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Street
An exterior view of National Museum of Ireland-Decorative Arts and History
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
Free things to doNational Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

The National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin City, is home to a wide range of objects which include weaponry, furniture, silver, ceramics and glassware, as well as examples of folk life and costume.

Travel inspiration to your inbox?

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.

Sign me up
Award IconMobile Excellence Award Winner
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Visit Dublin
  • Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Getting around
  • Terms of use
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy statement
Find accommodation
Failte IrelandFailte Ireland Logo© Fáilte Ireland. All rights reserved
Find and follow Discover Ireland
  • Home
  • Popular destinations
    • Donegal
    • Cork
    • Sligo
    • Kilkenny
    • Mayo
    • Waterford
    • Galway
    • Kerry
    • Limerick
    • Dublin
    • See all destinations
    Regions
    • The Ring of Kerry
    • The Burren
    • The Boyne Valley
    • Wild Atlantic Way
    • Ireland's Ancient East
    • Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
    Trip type
    • City breaks
    • Coastal escapes
    • Lakes & rivers
    • Islands
    See all destinations
    • Attractions
      • Arts & culture
      • Houses & gardens
      • History & heritage
      • Health & wellbeing
      • Food & drink experiences
      • Nature & wildlife
      • See all things to do
    • Activities
      • Adventure & sports
      • Horse riding
      • Golf
      • Tours
      • Cycling
      • Water activities
      • Greenways
    • Inspiration
      • Romantic breaks
      • Free things to do
      • Rainy days
      • Family fun
      • Car-free travel
      • Sustainable travel
    See all things to do
  • Guides
  • Festivals & events
  • Walking & hiking
  • Accommodation
View Map
Newsletter
Popular destinations
  • Donegal
  • Cork
  • Sligo
  • Kilkenny
  • Mayo
  • Waterford
  • Galway
  • Kerry
  • Limerick
  • Dublin
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
See all results