Collins Barracks, Dublin

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I go to Dublin fairly regularly as I live in Meath and Collin's Barracks is still the one place I gravitate to when I want to see or do something. I have been in it so many times and as of yet I still don't think that I have seen it all... It is always changing, there are different sections of permanent and temporary exhibitions and it is definitely worth a visit!! I love the courtyard, the tranquility that you get in it on a sunny day is fantastic! The Luas stop is right outside the gate which is perfect for people to hop off and hop on. Really no excuse not to go.... :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

We did not visit the memorial to the Croppy Boys of the 1798 rebellion, just saw it from the bus. It is traditionally believed that the men of '98 were buried here after execution. Apparantly the name of croppies acre came from the croppy haircut the boys donned.

Check out whats on before you go, as some of the exhibits change throughout the year . There is however, a permenant exhibtion on fashion through the ages which is well worth going to even if your not that into fashion (even my hubby thought it was cool and he usualy runs or even sprints away from anything to do with fashion)

The Collins Barracks is the earliest public building existing in Dublin with the exception of the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham, the oldest inhabited barracks in Europe and once one of the largest. Erected in 1701 to the designs of Thomas Burgh nowadays the National Museum of Ireland has taken over the Calvary Square ranges to display more of its collection.

you definitely have to visit this museum - where more than 1000 years of Irish history is exposed in front of your eyes -from numismatic collection, works of art, furniture... for me, maybe the most interesting part of museum is the one where the fashion from last 200 years is exhibited. You can also find a lot video presentations of fabric production in Ireland. There is a story behind each exhibited costume - you can read who exactly wore particular clothes , where it was purchased and for which occasion.
The second thing that impressed me very much I found in the part of the museum dedicated to the history of Irish money (coins and banknotes). I found out that famous Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic, participated in an international competition to design a new commemorative coin. His design didn't win, but it was certainly noticed as it was taken on board by the Central Bank of Ireland and has been their official seal since then.
The third thing that surprised me is a part of the temporary exhibition "The Wild Geese In Austria". I noticed several portraits of general Laval Nugent, whose origins were Irish, but he also bought and renovated a castle Trsat in my hometown, Rijeka. Was touching to see one more bound between Ireland and Croatia!
The premises of museum used to be military barracks (which are really huge, and it would take you almost whole day to see it all - and in the end there will be a tornado of different information after the sightseeing!) When you get tired, stop by the lovely coffe shop and enjoy yourself!