This tour explores the impact of the Normans in medieval Ireland using the archaeological evidence in the National Museum – Kildare Street. The narrative flows through life in Ireland before the Normans, the Norman invasion, and impacts of the Normans, using key objects from the Museum’s collection to inform us about how life changed during this period.
Guided Tour at a glance
Level: 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Class
Format: Facilitated onsite tour
Duration: 45-50 minutes
Capacity: 30 students max
Accessibility: Please note this tour takes place on the first floor of the Museum and is not fully accessible. If your group has any additional access concerns or requirements, please advise the Museum Bookings team at time of booking
Weekly Times: Tuesday 10am, 11am and 12pm, Wednesday 10am, 11am and 12pm, Thursday 10am, 11am and 12pm.
Availability: Guided Tour slots availible to book til end of 2026.
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Curriculum Links - SESE History
Strand - The Island of Ireland
Strand Unit – People and places - Stage 3 History
Investigate the lifestyles of people from a particular period(s) of time in Ireland’s past exploring aspects such as food, clothing, communications, work, education, etc.
Strand Unit – Identity and heritage - Stage 4 History
Investigate and critically reflect on an important event(s) in the history of their county.
Explore significant developments and/or conflicts in different eras of Irish history such as during the Neolithic Period, Bronze and Iron Ages, the Early Christian Period, Medieval Period, Early Modern Period and Modern Ireland.
Strand - Europe and the wider world
Strand Unit – People and places - Stage 3 History
Explore and become familiar with the ways of life in ancient societies.
Strand Unit – People and places - Stage 4 History
Examine evidence and deepen awareness about the lives of people and the ways of life in ancient societies.
Concepts
Historical
- Cause and effect Developing an understanding that events in the past can have multiple causes and effects
- Change and continuity Examining and comparing similarities and differences between the past and present, exploring patterns and trends
- Time and chronology Understanding a sequence of events (past, present and future) and how they relate to each other over time
Skills
Common historical and geographical
- Questioning: Ability to seek information, clarify ideas and explore deeper understanding through inquiry
- Investigating: Ability to systematically explore and gather information to understand a topic or solve a problem
- Using evidence and sources: Ability to select, evaluate and apply reliable information to support ideas or arguments
- Interpreting and analysing: Examining information critically and drawing meaningful conclusions
- Evaluating and decision-making: Assessing information, from a variety of sources, to make informed choices and to justify conclusions
- Communicating: Conveying information, ideas and interpretations related to investigations and inquiries using a variety of media
Historical
- Chronological thinking: Understanding and organising events in the order they happened, recognising how time influences change and continuity in the past
- Historical thinking: Examining and interpreting evidence from the past to understand, question and create historical narratives