Sink your teeth into Dublin’s dark past on this special tour of Collins Barracks, home to the National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts & Military History.
A favourite at previous festivals, this free tour plunges you deep into the 300-year history of one of Europe’s oldest military barracks, uncovering chilling tales of life, (ill) health and death behind its walls.
Led by Museum guides, you’ll get up close and personal with facts and artefacts from the National Museum’s collection and explore the realities of barracks life from the 1700s to the 1900s. From battlefield wounds to the hard daily conditions endured by soldiers, you’ll learn how this formidable military barracks transformed into a national museum and how echoes of its past haunt the site today.
| Duration | 45 minutes |
|---|---|
| Doors | Tours will begin in Reception at Collins Barracks. Please arrive 5 minutes before the tour commences. |
| Age Suitability | 12+. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. |
| Warnings | In the event of dry weather, elements of the tour will be outdoors, please dress appropriately. |
| Accessibility | Venue is wheelchair accessible. More info |
The National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History Collins Barracks , Benburb St, Dublin 7, D07 XKV4
The closest step-free Luas stop is Museum on the Red Line.
The closest Dublin Bus stop are:
Stop 1476, Sarsfield Quay, Eastbound – Bus numbers 26, 51D, 52, 60, 69, 145, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, P29, S2, N2, 4, 860
Pick up and drop off is possible via the Benburb Street entrance.
Accessibility Information
Ticketing
This is a free but ticketed tour that lasts for approximately 45 minutes.
Arrival
Collins Barracks is located on an incline, in an area that is partially cobbled. Please note that guests will cross Luas tracks at some of the pedestrian crossings leading to the Museum, and the route from the Luas is uphill.
The closest step-free Luas stop is Museum (240m away) on the Red Line.
The closest Dublin Bus stop are:
Stop 1476, Sarsfield Quay, Eastbound – Bus numbers 26, 51D, 52, 60, 69, 145, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, P29, S2, N2, 4, 860
The Museum’s car park has seven designated disabled parking spaces during regular operating days.
Pick up and drop off is possible via the Benburb Street entrance.
Entry
There are three entrance points into Collins Barracks:
The main gate from Benburb Street is used by cars and pedestrians. There is a steep incline from this gate to the venue.
The second entrance is located at the rear of the site from the Arbour Hill area and it is used by cars and pedestrians. There is a steep decline from the gate to the venue.
The third entrance is a pedestrian gate from the Museum Luas stop on Benburb Street, but this is not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users are advised to use the main gate nearby on Benburb Street instead.
Space
The Museum has four floors, all accessible via a lift.
Ground floor: Toilets, accessible toilet, cloak room, information desk, gift shop, café, exhibition spaces
First floor: Exhibition spaces, Engage and Learn room
Second floor: Exhibition spaces
Third floor: Exhibition spaces
Accessible Bathroom / WC
Accessible toilets are located in the main reception, the ground floor of the Soldiers and Chiefs Exhibition and in the Riding School. They are fitted with handrails and lowered wash hand basins.
Bar
There is no bar at this event.
The Synge & Byrne café will be open. It is located in Clarke Square, opposite the reception to the Museum. Allergen information is available on the Café’s website.
Performance Space
These tours will start in the Main Reception area of the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks, and will take place both outside on the grounds of Collins Barracks as well as in the Museum galleries. This session will be led by Museum guides.
Seating
There are seating areas available in the majority of galleries, and mobile stools are available upon request from the Reception Desk. Wheelchairs are also available from the Reception Desk on request. Please call ahead to reserve one on +353 1 6777444.
Sound
There is no Loop induction system in the Museum.
Lighting
Lighting in some exhibitions is low to protect certain artefacts.
Quieter Room
There is no designated quiet room at the Museum.