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In the mid-9th century, amidst fierce Viking raids, scribes in northeast Ireland copied a Latin textbook written in 6th-century Constantinople, this manuscript, is key to understanding the Irish language of the time. #NMIBlog #MuseumBlog #CuratorBlog #Archaeology
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
An Incipit (opening letter) with two birds from the St. Gallen manuscript Priscian Institutiones Grammaticae, Cod. Sang 904, p. 25. © Stiftsbibliothek St Gallen.
March 21, 2025 at 10:40 AM
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Ancient Manuscripts, Modern Science!
What links medieval monks, secret ink recipes & ancient cow DNA?
Learn how Scientists used X-ray technology and genetic sequencing to uncover the secrets of 1,200-year-old Irish manuscripts in Switzerland
Read more: museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#NMIBlog #MuseumBlog
The mid-8th-century ‘Irish Gospels of St Gall’; the Evangelist Mark and the incipit/beginning of his Gospel. St. Gallen, Stiftsbibliothek, Cod. Sang. 51, pp 78–9. Photo: Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen
June 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
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Explore the fascinating early medieval Irish depictions of Christ on the Cross. Discover the beautifully illustrated Gospel-book (Cod. Sang. 51) & the Crucifixion plaque from Rinnagan, Co. Roscommon. #NMIBlog #CuratorBlog #Archaeology
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
Detail of a Crucifixion scene in St. Gallen, Stiftsbibliothek, Cod. Sang 51, p. 266. © Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen
April 18, 2025 at 12:34 PM
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Is this evidence of the earliest relic of St. Brigid?
Follow the journey of her name from a Swiss abbey to a must-see exhibition in Dublin!
Don’t miss this rare chance to see history up close. #CuratorBlog #MuseumBlog #NMIBlog Read more: 🔗
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
Vellum fragment from Saint Maurice d’Agaune CHN 64/2/88 with kind permission of l’abbaye de Saint-Maurice d’Agaune.
February 1, 2025 at 10:19 AM
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Over 9,000 specimens safely tracked & stored as the National Museum of Ireland refurbishes the Dead Zoo. Faith Nolan shares how location control supports conservation, research & exhibitions. #Museumology #RegistrationCorner #NMIBlog #NaturalHistory www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
NH:1892.49.1 being photographed as part of the Natural History Decant Project. Research image by Anna Massignan © National Museum of Ireland
October 3, 2025 at 9:24 AM
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🎁 Ever heard someone say, “It’s a shame to tear the packaging”?
We agree! At the National Museum of Ireland, boxes and containers tell stories as fascinating as what’s inside.
Discover more in our latest blog: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec... #NMIBlog #RegistrationCorner #Museumology #MuseumBlog
Collage of vintage boxes and tins containing old items like matches, cigarettes, medicines, and documents.
December 22, 2025 at 10:25 AM
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🌈 Transgender Day of Visibility 2026 🌈
Honouring trans joy, resilience, and visibility today and every day. 💛🤍💜🖤
Go behind the scenes the creation of the National Museum of Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ Tour:
🔗 www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museum... 🌟 #MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #Museumology #CulturalHeritage #LightingSparks
Creating the LGBTQIA+ tour for the National Museum | Decorative Arts & History | National Museum of Ireland
Welcome to the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin & Castlebar covering Archaeology, Decorative Arts, Folk & Country Life, & Natural History.FREE Exhibitions
www.museum.ie
March 31, 2026 at 2:13 PM
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Discover how treasures from the National Museum of Ireland are taking center stage in Celtic Art Across the Ages at Harvard Art Museums, the first major exhibition in the United States dedicated to Celtic art.
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #Archaeology
The Somerset Hoard from County Galway (Reg 1958:156-164, 1959:702; 1992:63-64)
August 21, 2026 at 10:33 AM
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Art History researcher Foivi Nomikou explores Spanish Lustreware ceramics at the National Museum of Ireland – Collins Barracks. Her photo essay shows the power of object-focused learning. Read more: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec... #MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #CulturalHeritage #Museumology #Ceramics
Hispano-Moresque lustreware, 19th century (DC:1896.28), National Museum of Ireland
January 12, 2026 at 12:17 PM
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In the latest Traditional Boats of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way blog, curator Noel Campbell explores sea fishing devices in the archive, highlighting Irish language records.
🔗 Read more: www.ouririshheritage.org/content/arch...
#MaritimeHistory #CuratorBlog #MuseumBlog #NMIBlog
June 20, 2025 at 9:12 AM
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Caught in a trap? This deer can’t walk out… Celebrating the re-mounting, conservation, and scanning of the beautiful Banagher Cross shaft. Soon, it will be on display at the Words on the Wave exhibition, National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street. #NMI2025 #NMIBlog www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
the famous high cross shaft from Banagher, Co. Offaly (1929:1497) Detail from the shaft of the Banagher cross: A stag with its leg caught in a rectangular trap Detail from Cod. Sang. 1395 p.422, Stiftsbibliothek, St. Gallen.
February 18, 2025 at 10:07 AM
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It's nearly May Day, let's celebrate the Irish way!
Do you decorate a May Bush for Good luck? Or light a bonfire & dance?
Keeper of the Folklife collections, Clodagh Doyle, discusses the traditions associated with welcoming the summer on May Day #NMIBlog
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
Butter print in shape of evil eye, Irish Folklife Division May flowers at Kiltullagh, Co Galway May Queens, Irish Folklife Division
April 25, 2025 at 9:54 AM
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Joanne Hamilton, Documentation Officer at the National Museum of Ireland, shares the story of an ornate fire flint purse—known as a Mechang. This fascinating object reveals the artistry and cultural significance of personal accessories: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#NMIBlog #RegistrationCorner
Flint purse. Image by Kyle Tunney. © National Museum of Ireland
November 7, 2025 at 10:56 AM
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What risks lie in our geological collections?

Aodhán Ó Gogáin reveals hidden hazards—from environmental threats to handling issues—that could jeopardize these irreplaceable specimens.

🔗 www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...

#MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #RegistrationCorner #GeologyRocks #NaturalHistory
A collection of minerals from left to right: labradorite, calcite, chalcedony, chalcopyrite, tourmaline, lepidolite and quartz geode. Research image by Aodhán Ó Gogáin © National Museum of Ireland
September 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM
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How do you protect museum collections from pests? 🐜
🧊 “Is there room in the freezer for the hippo?”
A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at pest management with Tim Heanue at the National Museum of Ireland:
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #RegistrationCorner #Museumology
Collage of Specimen undergoing Integrated Pest Management © National Museum of Ireland
July 3, 2026 at 2:21 PM
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Q: How do you get a 🦛 hippo out of a museum?
A: Very, very carefully. 👀
Go behind the scenes with Anna Massignan to see how thousands of specimens were safely moved during the Dead Zoo decant.
👉: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#NaturalHistory #MuseumLife #Museumology #NaturalHistory #NMIBlog
A life‑sized taxidermied hippopotamus, fully wrapped in protective plastic, is suspended by straps and chains as it is lifted through a wide, newly opened section of a brick wall.
February 13, 2026 at 11:54 AM
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Discover how we recently took a major step in the development of our new traditional boat gallery at Turlough Park.
‪https://www.ouririshheritage.org/content/archive/topics/traditional-boats-of-irelands-wild-atlantic-way-topics/traditional-boat-gallery-progress
#MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #MaritimeHistory
The 23.5 feet long Béal Deirg (Belderg) currach being loaded for transport. © National Museum of Ireland.
September 26, 2025 at 9:16 AM
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Are you fascinated by the macabre?
Would you drink from a cup covered in skeletons?
Faith Nolan from the NMI reveals the story behind a goblet adorned with skeletons and Memento Mori
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #RegistrationCorner
Fig 1 (A&I)1897:84 Electrotype reproduction of Boscoreale Treasure goblet. Research image by Faith Nolan © National Museum of Ireland
April 11, 2025 at 8:44 AM
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From rare shells and “unicorn horns” to modern museums… 🐚🦄
How did curiosity shape the collections we treasure today?
Dive into the story behind cabinets of curiosity 👇
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #RegistrationCorner #Museumology
Print entitled "Museum of T.C.D." A view of the Museum of Trinity College Dublin, in Regent House. © National Museum of Ireland with overlaid text “The Origins of Cabinets of Curiosity.”
June 19, 2026 at 1:02 PM
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Museums are powered by people with diverse skills!
From LA fashion shows to museum registration—read this inspiring career story: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#MuseumCareers #NMIBlog #MuseumBlog #RegistrationCorner #Museumology
Ryan working in archaeological excavation (left), and in museum stores (right). Image by Aisling Collins and Hannah Preston © National Museum of Ireland
December 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
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Great museum engagement starts with collaboration.
Discover how teams across the National Museum of Ireland work together to connect collections with communities in our latest blog.
🔗 www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #RegistrationCorner #Museumology #Archaeology
Participants of all ages attend a community knitting workshop at the National Museum of Ireland, gathered around tables covered with yarn, knitting needles and handmade textile projects in a museum exhibition room.
September 11, 2026 at 12:34 PM
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Thrilled to welcome a gandelow boat to our collection! This traditional craft, plus detailed plans, was generously donated by its builder, Patrick Beautement, strengthening Ireland’s maritime heritage
www.ouririshheritage.org/content/arch...
#MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #MaritimeHistory #CuratorBlog
A person standing indoors beside a small wooden gandelow boat with white sides and a reddish-brown interior. The boat holds wooden oars, ropes, and a wrapped sail or canvas. The individual is holding one oar upright. The setting appears to be a workshop with white brick walls and exposed pipes.
December 19, 2025 at 10:16 AM
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Curator Noel Campbell recently spoke with Currachaí na Sceirí’s Shane Holland about his group’s Slí ár Sinsear – Voyage of our Ancestors, a months long, community project, to row from Ireland to Scotland in a Béal Deirg currach.
www.museum.ie/.../Traditio....
#NMIBlog #MaritimeHistory
#CuratorBlog
Traditional wooden rowing boat (a Belderrig currach) moored in the clear waters of Portpatrick Harbour, Scotland. A Mayo GAA flag is attached to the aft, which bears painted Gaelic text. In the background, a stone harbour wall, rocky shoreline, historic waterfront buildings, and a large hilltop hotel overlook the bay under bright sunshine and a cloudless blue sky. The image highlights maritime heritage, traditional boat-building, coastal culture, and historic harbour landscapes.
September 4, 2026 at 2:24 PM
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New Blog Alert!
Connie Bettison from the National Museum of Ireland shares her experience at the National Ploughing Championships with CNCI—highlighting how library services connect Ireland’s heritage with the public #MuseumBlog #NMIBlog #registrationcorner #Museumology
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
The Council for National Cultural Institutions (CNCI) stall at the National Ploughing Championships. Image by Connie Bettison © National Museum of Ireland
October 22, 2025 at 10:37 AM
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Ancient Manuscripts, Modern Science!
What links medieval monks, secret ink recipes & ancient cow DNA?
Scientists used X-ray technology and genetic sequencing to uncover the secrets of 1,200-year-old Irish manuscripts in Switzerland.
Read more: museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...
#NMIBlog @NMIreland
June 2, 2025 at 9:48 PM