The National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology, Dublin: Where Gumbo was #78

Seems not even the master Gumbo travel sleuths were able to crack our last puzzle.

Gumbo was visiting the fascinating Museum of Ireland, Archaeology division, situated on Kildare Street in Dublin.  The Archaeology Museum is housed in this elegant building designed by Thomas Newenham Deane and his son, Thomas Manly Deane, and was opened in 1890.  There are thousands of exhibit items housed in the museum (from a collection of more than 2 million artifacts, with more added all the time) outlining the unfolding history and treasures of Ireland, a country so rich in history (less so in treasure).  Despite the extent of the collection, the museum is well organized and easy and fun to explore.  You’ll need most of a half day for an introductory visit to the exhibits — much longer if you want to linger and digest the things you’ll see.

The National Museum: Archaeology is one of the most captivating museums I’ve been to in recently.  As you walk in you’re taken back in time, as far back as 7,000 BC.  The museum has interesting displays of Stone, Bronze and Iron Age artifacts including an assortment of weapons, an ancient canoe, and several recently discovered 2000 year old bog mummies (which out of respect, I didn’t photograph).  There are items from Egypt, Cyprus and the Roman world.  Perhaps the highlight of the museum is an amazing collection of prehistoric gold artifacts, said to be the finest in Europe.

You’re given a glimpse of what Ireland was like at the time the Vikings were pillaging the country.  Displays from medieval Ireland document life in the age of castles, monasteries and cathedrals   But for me the most magnificent items were found in The Treasury which features superb Celtic Medieval craftsmanship, including brooches, chalices and other valuable items.  The Treasury collection includes the famous Tara Broach, Ardagh Chalice, religious symbols, and yields from various hoards discovered hiding in the bogs of Ireland.  

There is no admission charge.  The museum has an excellent cafe and interesting gift shop.  This is the one stop in Dublin I’d say everyone should see.

For legends to any of these photos, hold your mouse over them or click on the thumbnails at the bottom.  All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.   For more posts on my Ireland series, please click on this link.