Tucked inside the historic Collins Barracks in Dublin, the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History is one of the city’s most rewarding family days out. It’s free to visit, easy to explore at your own pace, and full of surprises that go well beyond what you might expect from a “history museum.”
If you’re looking for unexpected treasures at the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts & History Museum, here are ten highlights kids and grown-ups both love to discover.
Jump to a treasure:
[The Asgard](#asgard) · [Vampire Jet](#vampire-jet) · [The Stokes Tapestry](#stokes-tapestry) · [Astrolabe](#astrolabe) · [Samurai Armour](#samurai-armour) · [17th Century Bedroom](#bedroom) · [Thangkas](#thangkas) · [Children’s Clothing](#childrens-clothing) · [The Barracks Life Room](#barracks-life-room) · [Clarke Square](#clarke-square)
<a name=”asgard”></a>1. The Asgard
The Asgard is a 51-foot yacht once owned by writer and Irish nationalist Erskine Childers and his wife Molly Childers. This remarkable vessel played a key role in the 1914 Howth gun-running incident, and served through the First World War. Standing in front of it, kids get a real sense of scale — and a great starting point for a conversation about Irish history.
Where to find it: Gallery 29 – Asgard
<a name=”vampire-jet”></a>2. Vampire Jet
While exploring the Soldiers & Chiefs exhibition, remember to look up. Suspended from the ceiling is a De Havilland Vampire jet, painted in Irish Air Corps colours. It’s a brilliant photo opportunity and a great way into the wider story of how Ireland moved from providing soldiers to the British Army to building its own independent defence forces.
Where to find it: Galleries 22/23 – Defending the Peace, Soldiers & Chiefs
<a name=”stokes-tapestry”></a>3. The Stokes Tapestry
Stephen Stokes was a British soldier stationed in Ireland who spent an astonishing 15 years hand-stitching this tapestry to tell the story of his career. It’s a wonderful example of patience and craft, and a nice moment to talk to kids about how people once recorded their life stories.
Where to find it: Gallery 15 – The British Garrison in Ireland, Soldiers & Chiefs
<a name=”astrolabe”></a>4. Astrolabe
Long before GPS — or even telescopes — existed, sailors and astronomers relied on the astrolabe to read the skies and navigate the seas. The museum’s example, crafted from copper gilt by Jacob Habermel of Prague, is a fascinating look at early scientific instruments.
Where to find it: Gallery 1 – Curator’s Choice
<a name=”samurai-armour”></a>5. Samurai Armour
This striking suit of samurai armour represents the warriors who served and protected Japan’s rulers during the 17th and 18th centuries, living by a strict code known as the Way of the Warrior. The armour on display is a replica made during a period when Japanese and Chinese art and style became hugely fashionable across Europe. See if your kids can spot all 23 separate parts that make up the full suit.
Where to find it: Gallery 2 – Out of Storage
<a name=”bedroom”></a>6. 17th Century Bedroom
Step into this recreated 17th-century bedroom and compare it to your own at home. Back then, beds were among the most valuable — and most symbolic — pieces of furniture a household could own, often surrounded by elaborate curtains or set beneath decorative canopies. In larger households, some servants had their own small bedchambers, while others slept on truckle beds tucked beneath their master’s bed, or up in the attic.
Where to find it: Gallery 6 – Four Centuries of Furniture
<a name=”thangkas”></a>7. Thangkas
On display are several Thangkas, part of a wider collection illustrating the Arhats — the disciples of Buddha — along with the four guardians of the world’s quarters. In Tibetan Buddhism, Thangkas are used as teaching tools and as a focus for prayer and ritual. Encourage kids to look closely and spot the hidden animals woven into the artwork.
Where to find it: Gallery 13a – A Dubliner’s Collection of Asian Art: The Albert Bender Exhibition
<a name=”childrens-clothing”></a>8. Children’s Clothing
Fashion has changed enormously over the centuries, and this gallery is a brilliant way to show kids how differently children once dressed. Alongside the clothing, you’ll also spot toys that are more than a century old — always a hit with younger visitors.
Where to find it: Gallery 12 – The Way We Wore: 250 Years of Irish Clothing & Jewellery
<a name=”barracks-life-room”></a>9. The Barracks Life Room
Ever wondered what daily life was really like for a soldier in the past? The Interactive Barracks Life Room recreates barrack rooms as they would have looked in 1879 and 1943, and lets visitors try on costumes and handle replica military equipment. It’s a genuinely hands-on stop that families and groups always enjoy.
Where to find it: The Barracks Life Room
<a name=”clarke-square”></a>10. Clarke Square
Finish your visit at Clarke Square, the courtyard at the very heart of Collins Barracks and the museum itself. It’s named after Thomas Clarke, one of the seven signatories of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, who was executed later that same year. It’s a peaceful spot to pause and reflect before heading home.
Where to find it: Clarke Square, Central Courtyard
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History free to visit?
Yes, general admission to the museum is free, making it an easy and budget-friendly day out for families.
Is the museum suitable for young children?
Yes. While some exhibits are more text-heavy, highlights like the Vampire Jet, the samurai armour, and the Interactive Barracks Life Room are visual and hands-on, which makes them appealing to younger visitors too.
How long should we plan to spend there?
Most families spend a couple of hours exploring the main galleries, though history enthusiasts could easily spend longer. It’s a relaxed, self-guided visit, so you can move at your own pace.
Where is the museum located?
The museum is based at Collins Barracks in Dublin. For up-to-date directions, opening hours, and details of current exhibitions or events, check the official National Museum of Ireland website before you go.
Are there family events at the museum?
The museum regularly runs family and children’s events, many of which are free. It’s worth checking their events listing ahead of your visit to see what’s on.
Related Articles
- Free Days Out in Dublin for Families
- A Family Guide to Dublin’s Best Museums
- Fun Ways to Explore Irish History with Kids
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
Loved discovering these hidden gems? Bookmark this guide so it’s ready the next time you’re planning a family day out in Dublin — it’s the perfect companion for a visit to Collins Barracks.
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