Visiting the National Museum of Ireland During Ireland's EU Presidency 2026

Marking Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 

In 2026, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026. To mark the occasion the National Museum of Ireland welcomes visitors from home and abroad to explore Ireland’s rich cultural heritage during this time. 

Ireland has long been shaped by connections with Europe through trade, migration, artistic exchange, and shared values. As Ireland hosts the EU Presidency in 2026, the National Museum of Ireland offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Irish archaeology, history, art, and natural sciences within this broader European context. 

Events and Activities:

The following information is for general visitors visiting any of the National Museum of Ireland sites while Ireland hosts the EU Presidency. If you have a specific EU Presidency related tour or venue hire request, please see information below under ‘Venue Hire and EU Presidency Group Tour Bookings’.

With free admission to all sites listed below, visitors can continue to enjoy the Museum’s regular programme of events, experiences and activities while Ireland hosts the EU Presidency. For details on our public events and tours across all our sites, click here. 

For group visits which include self-guided visits, please click through to the relevant webpages below:

Bookings Office and Group Visits | Collins Barracks | National Museum of Ireland

Bookings Office and Group Visits | Kildare Street | National Museum of Ireland

Bookings Office and Group Visits | Turlough Park | National Museum of Ireland

Visitors can enjoy the Museum’s regular programme of events, Irish heritage experiences and activities, including: 

• Éire to EU: European Connections through the Museum's Collections Guided Tours
  Selected times & dates | September 2026 | All Ages | Free Admission | Collins Barracks
  This tour examines over a century of social, political, cultural and design history, highlighting how Ireland has contributed to and influenced European culture through craft, design and innovation. Through objects, stories and discussion, visitors will explore themes of identity, democracy, citizenship and cultural exchange, and consider Ireland's place in the European Community.
  
  For all free guided tours across the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin and Mayo, please click here
   

• Family Discovery Days: Interactive workshops designed for families and younger visitors. 

• Cultural Evenings in Dublin: Evening events and guided tours take place on the last Thursday of each month.

Our Locations

The National Museum of Ireland has three locations: 

• The National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 
  Uncover gold treasure, ancient history and Vikings with our Archaeology Collection, in the heart of Dublin city.

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• The National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7 
  Explore Ireland’s evolving culture with our Decorative Arts, Design and Military History Collection, beside Dublin’s River Liffey.

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• The National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo 
  Discover the rich traditions of Ireland in our Folklife Collection, set within 30 acres of lush parkland in Co. Mayo

Admission is free to all sites. We welcome all visitors to explore Ireland’s heritage during this special year.  

Sign up for our newsletter in 2026 for updates about inspiring exhibitions, engaging public programmes, and memorable visitor experiences. 

Venue Hire and EU Presidency Group Tour Bookings  

For groups visiting Ireland during this six-month period, the National Museum of Ireland can provide venue hire facilities and group tours (subject to availability) at our three sites: Collins Barracks, Kildare Street and Turlough Park. For any venue hire or tour enquiries related to the EU Presidency, please contact EUpresidency@museum.ie

FAQs

What can EU Presidency delegates & their families visit or do?

The National Museum of Ireland offers free admission to its Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7 and Turlough Park, Co. Mayo museums with guided tours, exhibitions and cultural evening events throughout the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Are there cultural programmes for international visitors?

Yes. Visitors can attend guided tours, Family Discovery Days, exhibitions and evening cultural events at National Museum of Ireland locations in Dublin and Mayo.