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The National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology, Dublin: Where Gumbo was #78

 Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Exterior

Seems not even the master Gumbo travel sleuths were able to crack our last puzzle.

 

Gumbo was visiting the fascinating Museum of Ireland, Archaeology division, situated on Kildare Street in Dublin.  The Archaeology Museum is housed in this elegant building designed by Thomas Newenham Deane and his son, Thomas Manly Deane, and was opened in 1890.  There are thousands of exhibit items housed in the museum (from a collection of more than 2 million artifacts, with more added all the time) outlining the unfolding history and treasures of Ireland, a country so rich in history (less so in treasure).  Despite the extent of the collection, the museum is well organized and easy and fun to explore.  You'll need most of a half day for an introductory visit to the exhibits -- much longer if you want to linger and digest the things you'll see.

 

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Exterior

 

The National Museum: Archaeology is one of the most captivating museums I've been to in recently.  As you walk in you're taken back in time, as far back as 7,000 BC.  The museum has interesting displays of Stone, Bronze and Iron Age artifacts including an assortment of weapons, an ancient canoe, and several recently discovered 2000 year old bog mummies (which out of respect, I didn't photograph).  There are items from Egypt, Cyprus and the Roman world.  Perhaps the highlight of the museum is an amazing collection of prehistoric gold artifacts, said to be the finest in Europe.

 

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Door knocker

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- domeDublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Dome

 

You're given a glimpse of what Ireland was like at the time the Vikings were pillaging the country.  Displays from medieval Ireland document life in the age of castles, monasteries and cathedrals   But for me the most magnificent items were found in The Treasury which features superb Celtic Medieval craftsmanship, including brooches, chalices and other valuable items.  The Treasury collection includes the famous Tara Broach, Ardagh Chalice, religious symbols, and yields from various hoards discovered hiding in the bogs of Ireland.  

 

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Interior

 

There is no admission charge.  The museum has an excellent cafe and interesting gift shop.  This is the one stop in Dublin I'd say everyone should see.

 

For legends to any of these photos, hold your mouse over them or click on the thumbnails at the bottom.  All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.   For more posts on my Ireland series, please click on this link.

 

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Tomb demo

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Ancient axes

Dublin. National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Interior

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Interior

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Amber, Gold and bronzeDublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Amber and Gold

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold, 800 BC. CorkDublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold necklacesDublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold bracelets

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- NecklacesDublin, National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology -- Minature Gold Boat from the Broighter Hoard, 100 BC

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology -- Gold from the Broighter Hoard, 100 BC

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Silver chalice, 9th century, Tipperary

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland Archaeology -- Silver chalice, 9th century, Tipperary

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- The Tara Brooch, 8th century, Meath Co

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- The Tara Brooch, 8th century, Meath Co

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Silver Annular Brooches, 9th century

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Crozier, 11th century

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Crozier, 11th century

Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- The Cross of Cong, early 12th century, County Mayo

Attachments

Images (34)
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Exterior
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Exterior
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Door knocker
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- dome
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Dome
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Tomb demo
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Tomb demo
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Ancient axes
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Interior
  • Dublin. National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Interior
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Interior
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Amber and Gold
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Amber, Gold and bronze
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold, 800 BC. Cork
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold necklaces
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold bracelets
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Prehistoric Gold
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Necklaces
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Gold Clasps
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology -- Minature Gold Boat from the Broighter Hoard, 100 BC
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology --  Gold  from the Broighter Hoard, 100 BC
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Silver chalice, 9th century, Tipperary
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland Archaeology -- Silver chalice, 9th century, Tipperary
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Decorated bronze mounts
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- The Tara Brooch, 8th century, Meath Co
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- The Tara Brooch, 8th century, Meath Co
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Silver Annular Brooches, 9th century
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Crozier, 11th century
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Crozier, 11th century
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Crozier, 11th century
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- The Cross of Cong, early 12th century, County Mayo
  • Dublin, National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology -- Crozier, 11th century

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

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Comments (2)

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It really is a terrific country to visit, HistoryDigger!  Wonderful people, great history, great scenery.  We enjoyed every day of our visit and I hope to get back to Ireland sometime soon.

 

Just as an FYI to our audience in general, I've published around 15 posts on my visit which you can find at this link.

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

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