National Museum of Ireland Collins Barrack Dublin Ireland

For more than 200 years, the Collins Barracks was an Army Base. The imposing granite buildings were completed in 1704 and played a part in both the Rebellion of 1798 and the Easter Uprising of 1916. The barracks are named for the legendary Irish leader Michael Collins. The initial construction of the building was overseen by Thomas Burgh Originally known as the Royal Barracks they were designed to house 1500 men as well as stables for horses. 

#NationalmuseumofIreland

We visited on a rainy November Saturday morning and we were certainly not the only ones who thought this would be a great place to visit. What you will find here today is an extensive collection of decorative arts combined with military history. 

We took a cab to get here, we knew where it was located from our travels on the hop on hop off bus. The Luas has a station right outside the barracks so if you want that would certainly be an easy way to get here. We have not quite figured out the Luas but I full intend to learn all about it next time we visit here. It does not go near the Pembroke Townhouse, at least I have never seen it in the area. 

 There is an excellent collection of coins. Some ancient ones as well as newer ones. 

While not quite a costume museum, there is a nice collection of clothing. This particular dress was designed by the famous Worth of Paris. 

Silver lovers are in for a treat. I particularly like these snuff boxes but the collection is much more extensive than these and includes tea pots, candelabra and a magnificent epergne just to name a few.  

The military aspects of the museum are of particular interest. It covers hundreds of years from ancient Ireland to the current day. 

Entrance is free however, you are encouraged to donate 5 euros. A smallish gift shop is located near the entrance desk but it closes for an hour at lunch time so we had five minutes to look around. I highly recommend a visit to the National Museum of Ireland.