2a. The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin

Prehistoric Archaeology & Early History

National Treasures of the Irish Nation

70000 BCE (BC) to 1600 CE (AD)

A wealth of wonderful galleries to explore in Kildare Street!

See also objects in the British Museum London

 Dublin Scenes and Notes Index

Some notes on the National Archaeology Museum, Kildare Street, Dublin

How the age of prehistoric/historic objects are estimated using radiocarbon dating

[Author and photographer © Dr Phil Brown PhD plus notes help from AI these days, page updated June 14th 2026]

Email: chem55555@hotmail.com

* Doc Brown's Science Website biology chemistry physics *

gold cross discs Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

Some of the many National Treasures of the Irish Nation in the National Museum, Dublin

Scenes from DUBLIN CITY and surrounding area *  Dublin Scenes and Notes Index

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

This museum, in Kildare Street, IS A MUST TO VISIT. The bronze age gold objects are worth a visit in themselves!

The National Museum of Ireland in Kildare Street was officially opened in 1890 and was designed by the architects Thomas Newenham Deane and Thomas Many Deane. It has been described as 'an accomplished exercise in Victorian Palladianism' and the domed rotunda the highlight, through which you enter the museum. The classical columns are made of Irish marble. The interior is richly decorated with motifs visible in the civilisations of Greece and Rome.

The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin

The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin

There are many wonderful displays-exhibitions on prehistoric Ireland of archaeological artefacts from the Stone, Bronze and Iron ages. The gold objects from 2000-500BC are quite stunning and other displays show the development of Irish Art from the arrival of Celtic peoples to the beginning of the Medieval period about 1200AD. Christian artwork is exemplified by the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Clonmacnoise Crozier. The Viking finds, the Iron Age 'bodies from the bog' and an Egyptian display of ancient objects from 5000BC to the Roman period in Egypt about 395AD further enhance a wonderful museum.

Rotunda building of the National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 


Some of the internal architecture details

Entrance foyer Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The entrance foyer

 

Dome above the entrance to the National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The dome above the entrance foyer

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The foyer entrance

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

The wonderful mosaic of animals on the floor of the entrance foyer of the Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The wonderful mosaic of animals on the floor of the entrance foyer.

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

The great hall with its fine ironwork supported roof ofthe Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The great hall with its fine ironwork supported roof.

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Looking down on the prehistoric exhibits

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The splendid decorative ironwork of the roof supports

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The whole building is splendidly decorated particularly the doorways

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: One of the many mosaics on the floors of the building.

 


Some examples of the wonderful displays of prehistoric and historic objects (artefacts)

A quick selection from the varied galleries prehistoric and early historic artefacts

I've tried to assemble the pictures, 'roughly' in order of decreasing age

plus some bits and bobs' from ancient Rome, Cyprus and Egypt at the end

The exhibition of objects and artefacts in the National Museum illustrates the prehistoric development of Ireland from the Mesolithic period, Neolithic and bronze age cultures through to the iron age and Celtic tribes and on to the history of the early Christian church, Viking invasions and the coming of the Normans.

The famous 'shell' macehead from a passage tomb at Knowth, Co. Meath, 3300-2800 BCE

The famous 'shell' macehead from a passage tomb at Knowth, Co. Meath, 3300-2800 BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

Two other polished stone maceheads, Dublin archaeology museum

Two other polished stone maceheads, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

Six ground stone axes from 7000-6000 BC, early Neolithic period in Ireland. National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Six ground stone axes from 7000-6000 BC, early Neolithic period in Ireland.

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Neolithic stone axes, so smooth and perfect - perhaps for ceremonial purposes only?

Fragments of copper cake, bronze age 2500-1700 BCE

Fragments of copper cake, bronze age 2500-1700 BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

Mesolithic fish traps dating from ~5300 - 4730 BC (and a model boat from ~5300 - 5050 BC) in the National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Mesolithic fish traps dating from ~5300 - 4730 BC (and a model boat from ~5300 - 5050 BC), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

Was this a mesolithic toy boat? National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

Was this a mesolithic toy boat?, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

A stone spear head and stone pick, Neolithic period 4300-3900 BC National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: A stone spear head and stone pick, Neolithic period 4300-3900 BC

 

Examples of jadeitite from Mont Vico, Italy. Four polished jadeitite axe heads from various locations in Ireland ~4000-3800 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Examples of jadeitite from Mont Vico, Italy. Four polished jadeitite axe heads from various locations in Ireland ~4000-3800 BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

 

A large unfinished oak dugout canoe from ~2500 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: A large unfinished oak dugout canoe from ~2500 BC, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

Spirals on decorated stones (2500 - 1700 BCE, Neolithic or early bronze age) National Museum of Ireland, Archiology sectionNational Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Spirals on decorated stones (2500 - 1700 BCE, Neolithic or early bronze age)

 

Three bronze age axeheads from ~2200-1900 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Three bronze age axeheads from ~2200-1900 BCE

 

Gold lunula ~2000 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Gold lunula ~2000 BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

Gold lunula geometrical engravings in detail National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

Gold lunula geometrical engravings in detail, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: A simple decorated early bronze age bowl and Whitby jet button from a grave dated 2200-1800 BCE

A simple decorated early bronze age bowl and Whitby jet button from a grave dated 2200-1800 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

Encrusted Bronze Age urn from a cist burial 1900-1700 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Encrusted Bronze Age urn from a cist burial 1900-1700 BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: An encrusted urn and a vase urn from pit burials.

 

 

A Bronze Age gold torc, carefully twisted from a thin gold bar (1200 - 1000 BCE) National Museum of Ireland, Archiology section

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland:  A Bronze Age gold torc, carefully twisted from a thin gold bar (1200 - 1000 BCE), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

Bronze Age gold ear rings 1200-1000 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Bronze Age gold ear rings 1200-1000 BCE

 

 

Bronze Age gold armlets from a hoard dated 1200-1000 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Bronze Age gold armlets from a hoard dated 1200-1000 BCE

 

Bronze Age gold bracelets 800-700 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Bronze Age gold bracelets 800-700 BCE

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin detail of above bracelet

 

Bronze age gold dress fasteners from 800-700 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Bronze age gold dress fasteners from 800-700 BCE

Details of some of the decoration on the gold dress fasteners ~800-700 BCE

Details of some of the decoration on the gold dress fasteners ~800-700 BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin detail of above

 

A Bronze-Iron |Age gold dress fastener and an amber bead necklace (800 - 700 BCE) National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland:  A Bronze-Iron |Age gold dress fastener and an amber bead necklace (800 - 700 BCE)

 

 National Museum of Ireland, Archiology section

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland:  Gold dress fasteners (800 - 700 BC)

 

Gold ball ornaments from the later bronze age, they have holes in them and each is made from two sections welded together, maybe strung together like giant beads in a necklace National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland:  Gold ball ornaments from the later bronze age, they have holes in them and each is made from two sections welded together, maybe strung together like giant beads in a necklace

 

Bronze Age gold collars 800-700 BCE from Co. Tipperary Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Bronze Age gold collars 800-700 BCE from Co. Tipperary

Decoration at the ends of the gold collars, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: More gold collars ~800-700 BC

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Gold collar (800-700BC)

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Irish gold collar (800-700BC)

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Gold balls, beads of a necklace?, from the late bronze age, date?

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

Gold ear spools ~800-700 BCE, Dublin archaeology museum

Gold ear spools ~800-700 BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

Finely decorated thin gold crescent shaped ornaments from the Bronze Age Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Finely decorated thin gold crescent shaped ornaments from the Bronze Age

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Decorated gold discs

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Gold ornament

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology:  Objects from a late bronze age hoard, including bracelets, dress fasteners and a gold disc (details above) with almost prefect concentric circles within larger circles of the disc (800-700 BC).

 

Later bronze age metal working and musical instruments (1200 - 500 BC), bronze swords, spears (spear heads), axes (axe heads) and shields and quite sophisticated casting techniques to produce bronze horns National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Later bronze age metal working and musical instruments (1200 - 500 BC), bronze swords, spears (spear heads), axes (axe heads) and shields and quite sophisticated casting techniques to produce bronze horns., National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

Later bronze age shield detail Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Later bronze age shield detail

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Bronze age sword details

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Bronze Age-Iron Age horns

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Left - bronze age spear head and sword. Right: Pottery from the Bronze Age

 

Iron Age wooden block-wheel and oak trackway beams ~400 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Iron Age wooden block-wheel and oak trackway beams ~400 BCE

 

Iron Age Gallagh Man is dated to 400 - 200 BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Iron Age Gallagh Man is dated to 400 - 200 BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

Clonycavan Man, an iron age bogman dated to 392-201 BCE (~25 years old) National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Clonycavan Man, an iron age bogman dated to 392-201 BCE (~25 years old)

 

 

Oldcroghan Man, an iron age bogman dated to 362-175 BCE (~25 years old) National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Oldcroghan Man, an iron age bogman dated to 362-175 BCE (~25 years old)

 

The Altartate Cauldron, 2nd century CE (AD), made of poplar wood and yew handles National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: The Altartate Cauldron, 2nd century CE (AD), made of poplar wood and yew handles, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

Torcs of twisted gold, 3rd century BCE (BC) to 3rd century CE (AD) National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Torcs of twisted gold, 3rd century BCE (BC) to 3rd century CE (AD) ?

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Illustrations of the 'Broighter Hoard' dating from the 1st century BC found at Broighter, Co. Derry. A magnificent array of objects including a tubular collar, miniature model gold boat, cauldron and a pair of twisted collars (torcs). The boat has a mast, rowing benches, oars and other fittings. The 'planks' the oarsmen would sit on are carefully riveted in place!, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

The Broighter Hoard, 1st century BC

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

The Broighter Hoard, 1st century BC

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

The Broighter Hoard, 1st century BC

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

The gold boat in the Broighter Hoard, 1st century BCE National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

The gold boat in the Broighter Hoard, 1st century BCE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Gold band or bronze necklet? later 1st century AD

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Twisted gold ribbon torc, 3rd century BC to 3rd century AD

 

 

The three faces of the carved stone head (1st - 2nd century CE AD) Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The three faces of the carved stone head (1st - 2nd century CE AD), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

Roman silver ingots tableware, late 4th century to early 5th century CE AD from Co. Limerick. National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Roman silver ingots tableware, late 4th century to early 5th century CE AD from Co. Limerick.

Detailed images below

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

EXOFFI ISATIS (from the workshop of Istatis?, 1st S reversed?)

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

corner of a tray?

 

 

Viking swords and axes Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Viking swords and axes, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

The Shrine of the Stowe Missal was made to contain an 8th century Mass-book and was regarded as a relic of St Maelruain, the patron saint of Lorrha, Co. Tipperary. It was redecorated in the 1370s by Philip O'Kennedy, King of Ormond and Gioola Ruadhan Ua Maccain, head of the Augustinian priory at Loorha. Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: The Shrine of the Stowe Missal was made to contain an 8th century Mass-book and was regarded as a relic of St Maelruain, the patron saint of Lorrha, Co. Tipperary. It was redecorated in the 1370s by Philip O'Kennedy, King of Ormond and Gioola Ruadhan Ua Maccain, head of the Augustinian priory at Loorha.

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Above & below: Silver chalice (8th century AD), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Silver chalice, 9th century AD, encrusted with precious stones and intricate details, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

Silver bossed penannular brooch and silver annular brooch (late 9th to early 10th century CE AD and 9th century) National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Silver bossed penannular brooch and silver annular brooch (late 9th to early 10th century CE AD and 9th century), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

Silver annular brooch 9th century AD. Right - late 8th early 9th century CE AD National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Left - Silver annular brooch 9th century AD. Right - late 8th early 9th century CE AD, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

St Patrick's Bell from Co. Armagh 6th-8th century CE AD and AD 1100 CENational Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin St Patrick's Shrine, from Co. Armagh 6th-8th century CE AD and AD 1100 CENational Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: St Patrick's Bell and Shrine, from Co. Armagh 6th-8th century CE AD and AD 1100 CE, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Antler, bone and stone motif pieces, 5th - 11th centuries AD (details below)

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Book shrine (early 11th century), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Above - shrine of copper alloy, gilt and enamelled (early 11th century). Below - leather satchel to hold it (15th century), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

Shrine of the Miosach (late 11th century CE AD) National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Shrine of the Miosach (late 11th century CE AD)

Shrine of St Lachtin's arm (~1120 CE AD National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin he Cross of Cong (early 12th century CE) National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Left - Shrine of St Lachtin's arm (~1120 CE AD). Right - The Cross of Cong (early 12th century CE), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

A 19th century replica of the 12th century St Manchan's Shrine Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: A 19th century replica of the 12th century St Manchan's Shrine. The original shrine was made to house the bones of St Manchan was probably made by the same individual who made the Cross of Cong (further down the page). Its ornament is known as the Hiberno-Urnes style - a blending of a late Viking art style with native Celtic Irish art., National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Virgin and Child (maybe Spanish ~1200 CE AD)

 

A plaque image of crucified Christ flanked by the Virgin and St John made of ivory from the workshops of Paris in the 14th century in the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: A plaque image of crucified Christ flanked by the Virgin and St John made of ivory from the workshops of Paris in the 14th century., National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Shrine of St Patrick's tooth (mid 14th century)

In the museum's 'treasury' The Cross of Cong (early 12th century) Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: In the museum's 'treasury' The Cross of Cong (early 12th century)

 

Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Silver annular brooches. Left: 9th century AD from Killamery, Co. Kilkenny. Right: late 8th-early 9th century, found in Co. Cavan. In early medieval Ireland both sexes wore brooches to fasten their cloaks, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Four tile impressed pattern (14th-15th century, St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin)

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: The Dhomhnach Airgid ('silver church'), \oldest part 8th century AD, substantially remodelled in the mid-14th century., National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Carved stone panel depicting (late 15th - early 16th century)


Some extras!

Pottery from ancient Cyprus. On the right is jug of black-on-red ware, Cypro-Archaic 750-600 BC. Archaeology of the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Pottery from ancient Cyprus. On the right is jug of black-on-red ware, Cypro-Archaic 750-600 BC., National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin A few samples of Roman 'art'

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Marble head of Janus (Rome, 1st century AD)

 

Marble relief panel depicting Pluto (Hades) abducting Persephone into the underworld (Rome, Italy, 1st - 2nd century AD) National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Marble relief panel depicting Pluto (Hades) abducting Persephone into the underworld (Rome, Italy, 1st - 2nd century AD), National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin Egyptology - Limestone statue of Senemiah from ancient Egypt National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: Left - Limestone door jam of ?

Right - Egyptology - Limestone statue of Senemiah from ancient Egypt, National Museum of Archaeology, Dublin

 

A new exhibition for 2015 Battle of Clontarf 1014 Timeline and Brian Boru at the National Museum of Ireland - archaeology

 

The very nice cafe in the National Museum Ireland Archaeology Dublin

National Archaeology Museum, Dublin, Ireland: a nice cafe too!

 

See also objects in the British Museum London

How the age of prehistoric/historic objects are estimated using radiocarbon dating


Some notes on the National Archaeology Museum, Kildare Street, Dublin

The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology on Kildare Street, Dublin holds the primary national collection of ancient Irish artefacts, numbering over two million objects and spanning 7000 BC to the end of the medieval period.

It is the central repository for archaeological finds under Irish law and contains several collections of international importance.


Core Identity of the Museum

The museum houses the collections of the Irish Antiquities Division, whose remit covers:

  • Prehistoric Ireland (Mesolithic → Iron Age)

  • Early Medieval and Viking Ireland

  • Medieval and post‑medieval archaeology

  • Comparative collections from Classical, Egyptian, Roman and European contexts

These collections were originally formed by the Royal Dublin Society and the Royal Irish Academy in the 18th–19th centuries and have expanded dramatically through excavations and chance finds.


Major Collection Areas

1. Prehistoric Ireland

Covers the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age.
Key strengths include:

  • Ór – Ireland’s Gold:
    One of the world’s finest prehistoric gold collections, including torcs, lunulae, dress fasteners and collars.
    The museum highlights the Broighter Hoard, containing the famous Broighter Collar, one of the most sumptuous Iron Age gold objects ever found in Ireland.

  • Stone, bone and flint tools from early hunter‑gatherer and farming communities

  • Bronze Age metalwork: swords, axes, cauldrons, razors, ornaments

  • Ritual and votive deposits from wetlands and lakes

These collections are internationally recognised for their scale and quality.


2. Early Medieval Ireland (c. 400–1100 AD)

A world‑class collection of ecclesiastical metalwork and personal ornament.

Masterpieces include:

  • Ardagh Chalice – a pinnacle of early medieval craftsmanship

  • Tara Brooch – an iconic example of ornate metalwork

  • Derrynaflan Hoard – including a chalice, paten and strainer

  • Faddan More Psalter – an early medieval book of psalms preserved in a bog, displayed with its conservation story

These objects illustrate monastic life, liturgy, literacy, and elite craftsmanship.


3. Viking Ireland

The museum holds the most important assemblage from Viking Dublin, excavated from Wood Quay and other sites.

Includes:

  • Weapons, tools, and trade goods

  • Silver hoards and hack‑silver

  • Clothing, combs, gaming pieces, and everyday objects

  • Evidence of urban life, craft production, and Norse‑Gaelic culture

The permanent exhibition Viking Ireland interprets Dublin as a major Viking town.


4. Medieval Ireland (1100–1600)

Collections include:

  • Pilgrim badges and devotional objects

  • Medieval pottery and imported wares

  • Castle and urban excavation finds

  • Artefacts illustrating trade, warfare, and daily life


5. Bog Bodies

One of the museum’s most famous displays.
The Iron Age bog bodies—found in peat bogs—show ritual killing, elite status, and Iron Age belief systems. They are displayed with forensic, archaeological and environmental analysis.


6. Classical, Egyptian, Roman and European Collections

Although small compared to the Irish material, these collections provide comparative context.

Holdings include:

  • c. 1,000 Roman antiquities from across the empire

  • c. 600 Greek objects

  • A small but representative Egyptian collection

  • A limited selection of European antiquities

These were acquired mainly for scholarly comparison.


Scale and Legal Role

  • The museum holds over two million archaeological objects, making it one of Europe’s largest national archaeology collections.

  • Under the National Monuments Acts (1930–2014), archaeological finds in Ireland are claimable as state property and must be reported to the museum.

  • The museum’s archaeologists conduct excavations to contextualise new discoveries.


Exhibitions at Kildare Street

Permanent exhibitions include:

  • The Treasury – early medieval masterpieces

  • Ór – Ireland’s Gold – prehistoric gold

  • Viking Ireland – Dublin’s Norse world

  • Kingship & Sacrifice – bog bodies

  • Glendalough: Power, Prayer and Pilgrimage – early medieval monastic life (recent exhibition)


Collections Online

The National Museum provides digital access to parts of its 4‑million‑object holdings through Collections Online, covering archaeology, ethnography, natural history, art and industry.


Why the Kildare Street Museum Matters

It is:

  • The central archive of Ireland’s archaeological heritage

  • Home to globally significant treasures

  • A key research centre for Irish prehistory and medieval studies

  • A free, accessible national institution with ongoing exhibitions, workshops and public engagement


Here is a combined period‑by‑period timeline AND a practical visitor’s guide to the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Kildare Street, designed so you can walk through the museum in the same order as Ireland’s archaeological story unfolds.

It’s structured to match your preference for clear timelines, layered context, and practical visitor flow.


A Chronological Visitor’s Guide to the Museum

How to use this guide:
Start at the entrance hall, follow the timeline in order, and you’ll naturally move through the museum’s major galleries from 7000 BC → AD 1600.
Each period includes:

  • What you’ll see

  • Why it matters

  • Star objects not to miss

  • Visitor tips


1. Mesolithic & Neolithic Ireland (7000–2500 BC)

Where: Entrance-level cases & Prehistoric Ireland galleries

What you’ll see

  • Mesolithic flint tools from Ireland’s earliest hunter‑gatherers

  • Neolithic polished stone axes, pottery, and ritual objects

  • Finds from passage tombs (Newgrange, Knowth, Carrowmore)

Why it matters

This is the story of Ireland’s first settlers, the arrival of farming, and the rise of megalithic monuments.

Star objects

  • Polished stone axes from Lough Gur

  • Carrowkeel pottery

  • Knowth macehead (a masterpiece of Neolithic carving)

Visitor tip

Spend a moment with the Knowth macehead — it’s tiny, exquisite, and often overlooked.


2. Bronze Age Ireland (2500–600 BC)

Where: Ór – Ireland’s Gold (ground floor)

What you’ll see

  • One of the world’s greatest prehistoric gold collections

  • Bronze swords, axes, cauldrons, razors, and ornaments

  • Ritual deposits from wetlands and lakes

Why it matters

Ireland’s Bronze Age goldwork is internationally famous — the scale and craftsmanship are unmatched in Atlantic Europe.

Star objects

  • Gold lunulae (crescent neck ornaments)

  • Gold torcs and collars

  • Dowris Hoard (huge ritual deposit of bronze objects)

Visitor tip

The Ór gallery is compact but dazzling — allow at least 20 minutes to take in the detail.


3. Iron Age Ireland (600 BC–AD 400)

Where: Kingship & Sacrifice (bog bodies gallery) + Iron Age cases

What you’ll see

  • Iron Age weapons, ornaments, and ritual objects

  • The famous bog bodies preserved in peat

  • The Broighter Hoard, including the gold collar and miniature boat

Why it matters

This period reveals Ireland’s warrior aristocracy, ritual kingship, and connections to the wider Celtic world.

Star objects

  • Broighter Collar

  • Broighter Boat

  • Old Croghan Man and Clonycavan Man (bog bodies)

Visitor tip

The bog bodies gallery is dimly lit for preservation — give your eyes a moment to adjust.


4. Early Medieval Ireland (AD 400–1100)

Where: The Treasury (ground floor)

What you’ll see

  • Ireland’s greatest masterpieces of Christian metalwork

  • Monastic objects, reliquaries, bells, and manuscripts

  • Evidence of literacy, art, and monastic scholarship

Why it matters

This is the golden age of Irish craftsmanship — the era of saints, scholars, and ornate metalwork.

Star objects

  • Ardagh Chalice

  • Tara Brooch

  • Derrynaflan Hoard

  • Faddan More Psalter (book preserved in a bog)

Visitor tip

The Ardagh Chalice is displayed in a central case — walk around it to appreciate the filigree and inscriptions.


5. Viking Ireland (AD 800–1100)

Where: Viking Ireland gallery (ground floor)

What you’ll see

  • Finds from the Wood Quay excavations

  • Weapons, tools, combs, clothing, gaming pieces

  • Silver hoards and evidence of trade networks

Why it matters

Dublin was one of the most important Viking towns in the western world — this gallery shows daily life in a bustling Norse‑Gaelic city.

Star objects

  • Viking swords and spearheads

  • Wood Quay leather shoes

  • Silver hoards and hack‑silver

  • Bone and antler combs

Visitor tip

Look for the model of Viking Dublin — it helps visualise the density of the settlement.


6. High & Late Medieval Ireland (1100–1600)

Where: Medieval Ireland gallery (upper level)

What you’ll see

  • Pilgrim badges, devotional objects, and reliquaries

  • Imported pottery from England, France, and Iberia

  • Castle finds, urban artefacts, and trade goods

  • Evidence of Anglo‑Norman settlement and Gaelic lordship

Why it matters

This period shows Ireland’s transformation under Norman influence, the growth of towns, and the blending of Gaelic and European cultures.

Star objects

  • Pilgrim badges from St Thomas’s shrine

  • Medieval pottery from Dublin and Kilkenny

  • Armour fragments and weaponry

Visitor tip

This gallery is quieter than the Treasury — a good place to slow down and explore the details.


7. Comparative Collections (Egyptian, Roman, Classical)

Where: Upper galleries and side rooms

What you’ll see

  • Small but high‑quality collections of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artefacts

  • Mummies, funerary objects, ceramics, and sculpture fragments

Why it matters

These collections were assembled for scholarly comparison, helping Irish antiquarians place Ireland in a wider ancient world.

Star objects

  • Egyptian mummy and cartonnage

  • Roman glass vessels

  • Greek ceramics

Visitor tip

These rooms are often missed — they make a refreshing change of atmosphere after the intensity of the Irish material.


Suggested 90‑Minute Route

  1. Entrance → Prehistoric Ireland

  2. Ór – Ireland’s Gold

  3. Kingship & Sacrifice (bog bodies)

  4. The Treasury (Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch)

  5. Viking Ireland

  6. Medieval Ireland

  7. Optional: Classical & Egyptian rooms

This route follows the chronological story and hits all the major highlights.


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