Discover a diverse programme of new and temporary exhibitions at the National Museum of Ireland this summer, with something to inspire visitors of all ages across our sites.
From fascinating historical objects to contemporary ideas and immersive displays, explore stories that connect Ireland’s past and present in engaging and unexpected ways.
This is also your last chance to experience two thought-provoking exhibitions before they close GAA: People, Objects and Stories (closing Wednesday, 1 July 2026) at Collins Barracks, and The Murmur of Bees at Turlough Park. Don’t miss these compelling displays, which explore cultural, social and environmental themes through powerful objects and storytelling.
Here are our highlight new and temporary exhibitions to look out for across our Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo.
-
The Murmur of Bees | National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Step into the fascinating world of Irish bees. Discover the remarkable diversity of more than 100 native bee species. And explore why bees have held such importance throughout Irish history - including the story of Saint Gobnait, Ireland’s patron saint of bees.
-
Antique Veterinary Objects | National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
In the early 2000s, the National Museum of Ireland partnered with Mayo County Council’s Veterinary Department to create a collection of veterinary and animal husbandry objects, led by Veterinary Officer Cathal Walsh and colleagues Cathy Waddell and Cathy Gallagher. Donated to the Museum, a selection is now on display, offering visitors an insight into the work of vets in Ireland in the past.
-
'Róidín' in the Courtyard Gallery | National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
A new photographic exhibition exploring rural Ireland from a skateboard has gone on display at the Courtyard Gallery in Turlough Park, Castlebar. It explores aspects of the lived, social and economic history of rural Ireland through a series of spaces, reflecting on a range of themes from loss and dereliction to endurance, resilience, and renewal.
-
Harry Clarke’s-Stained Glass | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Discover the striking stained glass of Harry Clarke, one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists. This display highlights his distinctive style, renowned for its rich colour, intricate detail, and imaginative storytelling.
.JPG)
-
A New Form of Beauty | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Explore A New Form of Beauty, a vibrant photographic exhibition capturing Dublin’s youth culture, street style and subcultures from the 1960s to the 1990s, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s changing identity and creative scene.
-
The Weight of Words | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
This collaborative project between the National Museum and the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, explores the craft and cultural history of cast weights made by the Akan peoples of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire for measuring gold dust.
.jpg)
-
Eva Lynch - Anthropoware | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Anthropoware V is the final in a series of kinetic sculptures exploring the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. The user is invited to spin the sculpture and consider the theme of this work whilst engaging their hands in mindful activity similar to the artist’s hands working methodically and meditatively.
-
GAA: People, Objects & Stories | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 Closing on Wednesday, 1 July
Discover objects dating from the 15th century to the present day, illustrating the influence of the GAA through the lens of social history, design and popular culture.
-
Changing Ireland Galleries | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Discover the stories that shaped modern Ireland at Collins Barracks. The Changing Ireland galleries showcase powerful objects from the past 150 years, from political milestones to cultural icons — alongside new voices, perspectives, and immersive experiences.
-
Dead Zoo Lab | National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Discover a new interactive space showcasing highlights from the Natural History collections while the Merrion Street museum undergoes refurbishment. Featuring around 1,300 fascinating specimens — from mammals and birds to marine life — including rare Blaschka glass models, this engaging display invites visitors to explore the wonders of the natural world up close.
-
Glendalough: Power, Prayer and Pilgrimage | National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Explore Glendalough: Power, Prayer and Pilgrimage, an exhibition tracing the history of one of Ireland’s most important early medieval монаstic sites, highlighting its religious influence, political power and enduring legacy through remarkable archaeological finds.
You might also be interested in: