Children love the giant deer and printable quizzes, and Collins Barracks hosts 1,300 specimens, but the closed Merrion Street site means no in-person trails or tactile zones to burn energy.
This place may be temporarily closed. Please check official sources before visiting.
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Covers key exhibits at a comfortable pace for kids with breaks.
Giant Deer Skeleton:
Observe the full-size Megaloceros skeleton that once roamed Ireland.
Tip: Let kids count the antler points as you walk around.
Basking Shark Display:
Look up at the life-size shark model hanging from the ceiling.
Tip: Take a photo underneath to show its scale.
Cabinet-Style Displays:
Explore the 19th-century glass cases filled with thousands of specimens.
Tip: Encourage kids to spot their favourite animal names on the labels.
Wonder Cabinet:
Use the interactive drawers to touch select specimens.
Tip: Help younger children open drawers carefully to reveal fossils.
Weekends in summer can be busy; visit on weekday mornings or during school terms for quieter galleries.
Explore These Activities
Elhgyne A.
Very diverse collection and all very informative and interesting. Well labeled, place was well.maintained, staff were amazing. And free!!! Not to be missed when in Dublin!
Ali
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, affectionately known as the "Dead Zoo," is a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural world. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's rich biodiversity. Highlights include the impressive Irish giant deer skeletons at the entrance, a vast array of taxidermy sp...
Emelli Kauana Rodrigues
It was cool, it's free, it's worth the visit, the museum isn't very big. However, one thing that made me give it 4 stars is that many things in the museum seem very old, they could renew the stuffed animals, and clean the specimens, maybe bring some interactions, some videos. It seems like the museum is kind of abandoned, some objects don't have direct light, making it a little difficult to see th...
Nicole Bosch
Loved visiting this museum. They had so many cool creatures from insects to extinct animals. My favourite things were the tapeworms, otters, sunfish and Great Irish Elk which really took centre stage because of the massive size of its skeleton. Very interesting to see the fish that we eat for dinner sitting on the wall.
Wesley Renes
My visit to the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History was an immersive journey into the captivating realm of the natural world. Nestled in Dublin, this museum, also known as the "Dead Zoo," is a treasure trove of biodiversity, offering visitors a glimpse into the wonders of nature through its extensive collection of specimens. As I stepped into the museum, I was greeted by the grandeur of ...
Item | Cost (Approx.) |
---|---|
Admission | EUR 0 |
Optional donation | EUR 5 |
Snack at café | EUR 20 |
Printed activity sheets | EUR 2 |
Total Estimated | EUR 27 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 F627, Ireland
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