National Museum of Ireland

Archaeology

Opened in 1890, the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Kildare Street displays artefacts dating from 7000 BC to the 20th century. The Irish archaeological collections include The Treasury which features outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard.

Within the exhibition the second gallery is devoted to an early medieval Book of Psalms known as the Faddan More Psalter. This manuscript, which dates to approximately AD 800, was discovered by chance in a Co. Tipperary bog in 2006. Ór – Ireland’s Gold features the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe, while Prehistoric Ireland introduces the visitor to the everyday culture of prehistory. Viking Ireland focuses on Irish archaeology from 800-1150 AD.

Medieval Ireland 1150-1550 explores life in later medieval Ireland. Meet the nobles who go to war, the common people who work and the clergy who pray in galleries entitled ‘Power’, ‘Work’ and ‘Prayer’.