Experts' Choice Award National Museum Of Ireland, Merrion Street
What the experts agree on
Nicknamed the "Dead Zoo," this Victorian-era museum charms with taxidermy, skeletons (including Irish deer), and prehistoric gold—a beautifully preserved, unchanged window into 1890s scientific wonder.
“The Natural History museum, which is filled with skeletons and taxidermied animals, has a firm place in the hearts of Dubliners.”
– Condé Nast Traveler
Fodor's "One of four branches of the National Museum of Ireland, this museum is little changed from Victorian times and remains a fascinating repository." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Compared to the multimedia this and interactive that of virtually every modern museum, this is a beautifully preserved example of Victorian charm and scientific wonderment." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Housed in a graceful building that is itself a sort of exhibit... this archaeological museum explores Ireland’s ancient Celtic heritage." Full review
Afar Magazine "The section on Ireland's prehistoric gold, including exquisitely-wrought jewellery from the bronze and iron ages, is particularly interesting." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Purpose-built in 1890, the museum houses the country's archaeological collections."
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"On entering the colonnaded hall and galleries, the visitor immediately notices the three skeletons of the Great Irish Deer, now extinct." Full review
Atlas Obscura "Dublin's "Dead Zoo" serves as a window to Victorian museum design. " Full review
Travel + Leisure "The museum hosts a number of events, and showcases a range of 10,000 unique exhibits."
Dublin Travel Guide
October 11, 2021
Frommer's "This unusual museum is not just a museum of science and animals, it's also a museum of museums." Full review
