The upstairs gallery is closed for renovations with no timeline for completion listed on the relevant information boards. This is not listed on the museum's website homepage and it should be. Apart from the giant deer skeletons on the ground floor the majority of the interesting items look to be in the closed floor. The quality of some of the displays and descriptions look like they were done for a junior cert project. The vast majority of items only list a Latin name with no further context or explanation of what the species is, what it's habitat is, is it endangered/extinct etc. Giving two stars as it kept two kids entertained for 40 mins on a wet day and entry is free. Would be one star otherwise. I did donate €5 as they definitely need the money but a dose of enthusiasm would go a long way.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Not the huge museum one might expect in a national capital but it is only one of several other sites around the city. As others have said there are two floors one with native species and the other is global. If you don't like taxidermy then I suggest that you don't visit. The halls are packed with glass cases and the cases are full of creatures. It's a bit overwhelming and then you realise that every post and column in the hall also has animal heads attached! That said, the kids here seemed to be loving it and of course if this is your only chance to see a rhino or walrus up close then fine. Just seemed there's a lot to improve. Many of the birds are on an upper level which can't be reached due to the lack of emergency exits. Also, none of the animals are placed in their environments so they really do look more like trophies at times. My highlight was the giant deer skeletons.

Small museum, great place to spend an hour or more. Admission to the National Museum of Ireland is free. The National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, on Merrion Street in Dublin City, has galleries of animals from Ireland, as well as geological exhibits from a total collection of about two million scientific specimens. It is affectionately called the ‘Dead Zoo’ and has hardly changed in over 150 years from the Victorian period. Just two years before Charles Darwin published his famous work, The Origin of Species, the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion Street, was opened to the public for the first time in 1857. Now, as then, it educates and inspires, leaving visitors feeling small and humbled amidst the vast and wondrous diversity of life on display.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

An amazing time capsule of Irish wildlife. Some pieces that are 200+ years old. A step-back in time to a Victorian era museum with exhibits the same as they have been for the last 150 years. The set-up is the same as it was when the museum first opened in the 1877, with custom built display cabinets still the main display cases. The upper floor was closed for renovation when we visited, but the ground floor was still open to the public. The ground floor exhibits specimens that have been found in Ireland, with the upper floor exhibiting exotic species. Along with the historic pieces, there are also some modern pieces pointing to the difficulties the modern wildlife face (global warming, plastic pollution, breeding habitat loss)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

National museum of Ireland - natural history is one of the finest museums in Ireland. The building consists of more than 3000 species preserved carefully to public. The place contains the smallest and biggest creatures in earth and water . There are different varieties of birds , animals, insects , fishes which are kept for public attraction. The renovation is undergoing inside the building ,so I haven't got a chance to visit the 2nd floor. Expecting it will be open soon . Check for the reports before visiting otherwise you will miss the same as mine. The best place to visit with family and kids. The place will rejuvenate your mind surely. The entry museum is free.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beautiful museum with free entry, but unfortunately it has been under renovation for ages. It was closed for a long time and a big part of the collection is still inaccessible to the public. The objects that are on display are lovely and interesting, but I do miss more interactive elements and also benches for people to sit and draw. Also not a fan of how they have closed off the roof inside as it makes the main room feel more cramped and dark, but hopefully the renovations will be done soon. As it is currently, you can browse the museum in less than 1 hour. It is also just a few minutes walk from the National Gallery of Ireland if you are interested in art.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

What a treasure! The National Museum of Ireland is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Ireland. The exhibits are rich and comprehensive, ranging from ancient artifacts to modern history. The layout of the museum is incredibly well thought out, guiding you effortlessly through time. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to answer any questions. Also, the fact that it’s free makes it an accessible cultural experience for everyone. I spent a whole day here and still felt I could come back for more. Highly recommend for locals and tourists alike.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Creepiest museum I have been to. It is free so can't complain much, but there were several sections closed when we were there. They have some pretty amazing specimens though and some of them are really old. No way you could build a place like this in today's age with the whole planet being overly sensitive. Some of the animals like the polar bear there, were clearly shot in the head. (In like 1870). I can just see some SJW or snowflake having a meltdown and holding a protest for that bears right to not be on display or something crazy. Anyways, the monkeys were things made of nightmares. Good stuff.

A very nice place, since it is free, my expectations weren't too high and I have to say that it was a very good experience. I preferred the expo at the second floor (where they show the animals from around the world, as opposed to just Ireland), but overall each part was interesting in it's own way. I've noticed that there were a lot of kids there (I mean A LOT) so it's a great place to take them if you want to teach them about all kinds of animals and show them what their real size is (some of them are incredibly huge!) I must say, nothing to complain about.

From Irish wildlife to exotic species, the exhibits are both educational and intriguing. The museum is particularly great for families, offering an engaging way for kids to learn. While some may find the old-school presentation a bit dated, it adds to the museum's unique character. It's not as interactive as modern natural history museums, but its charm and comprehensive collection make it worth a visit. Too sad the second floor was closed due to renovation, but i can't complain as the entrence was free.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Would have been better if fully open but only down stairs available when we visited A free museum with an optional €5 euro donation to help keep it that way When we visited it was only one floor and ‘the elephants and giraffes were taking a holiday’ presumably for maintenance. Some interesting animal models here including some types of fish I’d never heard of alongside a range of actual bugs, butterflies and insects. Nice enough for a visit but wouldn’t be able to spend too much time here if only ground floor open

As a huge fan of natural history was honestly not super cool. Likely due to them preserving the history of the museum, the plaques are super lacking and it's very small. Worth the stop, but I couldn't spend more than 40 minutes here if I tried. Second floor was closed. They have a lot of potential as the natural history of Ireland is actually very interesting. You can do a whole exhibit on the non-native vs native fauna of the last 15,000 years to help others understand the fauna of their beautiful country.

Better known as the Dead Zoo, the morbid nature of this city centre institution is thankfully lost on young minds. They’ll be too busy gazing up in wonder at the skeletons of ice-age elk, or squealing in disgusted delight at the monumental collection of creepy crawlies. It is a godsend for city-bound parents on a rainy day, the quiet Victorian charm providing instant relief from the hectic streets outside.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Nice, small Museum with a display of varied aquatic and aerial species.Looks so realistic! Museum that looks so lively! A few fossils are also on display with the zoom-in lens is super interesting! If you are strolling around Dublin on a rainy day a quick one to escape from the showers for a minimum of 20 mins! Ample pictures are already available on google reviews
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is impressive. There's lots to look at. Then I found out that there are 3 more floors. Unfortunately, those other floors are closed for renovation. I was there for two hours just for that single floor. Imagine if it were all open right now! This is a must-see museum, even with the other floors off limits. This location is highly recommended!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

A fascinating place to visit and it's free too! This is a really great place to take young kids. So much to look at and learn about. I believe it will be closing again soon for another huge renovation as the building is 100+ years old and still has all the old Victorian flooring and ceilings etc. I spoke to one of the staff and was amazed how informed he was at the history of that building and the museum - really great staff.

I love learning about the places we visit and no better place than this museum. We spent the better of an hour here looking through all of the interesting artifacts and reading information. The museum covers a lot and is up to date with current challenges such as how plastics have become our biggest (and smallest) polluter in this world. So worth the time, do plan to visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Its an amazing place and although there is only the ground floor open due to renovation, it still has a lot to offer. Lots of unique animals, birds, fishes, and insects. Our favourites were the giant deer, Baskin shark and birds section. Small birds which are difficult to spot and notice in our daily lives can be closely seen here.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

An excellent amenity to have in the heart of Dublin. The museum is known by Dublin residents as 'The Dead Zoo', which exhibits the witty and creative attributes of the typical Dubliner. Its free to enter and well laid out. It has toilets and is great for kids. I have been more than once, and will surely visit again.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

First, this is FREE. We did not get the full experience as the 2nd floor was off-limits, which is fine. So we saw one floor and were greater by a massive Irish Deer. Lots to look at and read. Good for a variety of ages. Probably about 1-2 hours depending upon the group size and makeup. Support with a donation, of course.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is a lovely little FREE museum, which is located not too far away from the centre. There are lots of animals on display which will take you around 30-45 mins if you take a good look at all of them. The only downside to this museum is that the upstairs is being renovated and it seems to have been going on for quite a while. Otherwise a fantastic place to explore
Wait time
No wait

I work in a school, so spent my time watching the kids not the exhibits! But it was great, really interesting, the tour guide was fabulous, the tour was as gaeilge, she has very good Irish, I'm going back after christmas too see it properly. We all really enjoyed it and would highly recommend a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The museum was getting ready to close when we finally arrived however what we did see was nice. I just can't speak on much of the museum. I definitely found the section about military history informative. Many uniforms on display as well as other artifacts to solidify the information being presented.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Only one floor was available during this time but it is free so can't complain, lots of different types of animals sealife mammals bugs and lots of birds, well done taxidermy and showed animals that no longer exist. The entrance shows the bones of gaint deer which look like mystical creatures
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great place to visit, I found it informative for me and my kids. They were very excited to see all these species. I was amazed, Irish deer was huge. It is very thoughtful how they maintained these so many species, some of them were from 18th century. Only ground floor was open .
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Lovely museum, unfortunately only the 1st floor was was open. The Giant Irish Deer is the first thing that you see as you walk in which is quite imposing with its very large antlers. The dioramas were great and very immersive! Would love to go back when the 2nd floor is open again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fun little museum. Great for understanding the species of Ireland and a great way to relax for an hour or so with so many cafes nearby. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Make sure you book before you arrive (its free!)! We will look to come again if the upstairs reopens.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

If you're coming to visit I would absolutely suggest a mask, it was very full of sick children and I'm pretty sure I caught COVID here. Actual exhibits are so cool and I would actually go back once they get their new space sorted. Definitely bringing a mask next time though.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We went here and we are astounded by a ravishing young man named Derek Flynn, he greeted us at the door and couldn’t have been more pleasant providing us with information about the glorious pine Martin and expressed his compassion towards wales . Thanks D money Xx
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Such an awesome free museum and piece of history. Great for kids. It seems mostly wheelchair accessible as well. There’s are chairs disbursed around the museum which you can take a seat in as you need. Lots of great local Irish natural history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lovely little museum that has lots of interesting specimens to see. 4 stars as the upstairs was closed, but didn't really impact our experience hugely, just a shame we didn't get to see more of what they had to offer! Definitely worth a visit
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Though the experience may be a bit morbid for a toddler but took her anyways. She absolutely loved it. A great collection of animals, though the insects didn't look well preserved. Nevertheless, a great choice for a quick educational pop in.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A beautiful exhibit. Amazing building. Like a time capsule. Unfortunately half is closed at present for works and these will go on for years but are essential to preserve the place. We go yearly. Free to go and we have never had a queue.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We love it here. Often the focus of a trip into town. Dinosaur tooth, mammoth tusk lots of animals that you can see up close and staff are amazing and full of knowledge. Only looses a star due to upstairs still being closed and limited amount to see. Completely free - but don’t forget to donate if you enjoy it.

Entry is free, but you can tap to donate, which I find brilliant, only the ground floor was open when we went, but it caught the attentions of the kids, 5,8 and 2* ten year olds, even the accompanying adults had a great time
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We visited in February 2020. It is an old and lovely museum. There are two floors to explore. Unfortunately we couldn’t reach the balconies on the third and forth floor, because they were renovating at the time. There is mostly stuffed animals at the museum. We enjoyed our visit, and I am sure you will too!

I love this museum! Full of plenty of creatures, big and small, new and old... nice and warm, free admission too. Please visit and donate a few euro if you can, it would be a shame to lose more of this wonderful place
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very good museum, very interesting, with a lot of stuffed animals and Irish species, the only bad thing is that I see it as very small and saturated, and it's not big at all, or as I imagined it, but it's still free, and it doesn't disappoint
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min

Amazing place can be seen for free. Some animals already hard to find, some of them that we had never seen. And those fishes, the size of them. All little crawlies, flies and the beauty of the butterflies…
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great place to pass an hour. And it's free! Informative, induces curiosity well, and very much focused on *Irish* animal life of all sorts . One can enjoy on their own, with a partner, or even little kids!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great museum to learn about the natural history of Ireland and around the world. The exhibits are frozen in time and are displayed as they would have been over 100 years ago. Cost is free to enter.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fantastic place to visit although under renovation at present on the top floor, will be worth it when finished. Book online to avoid disappointment and it's free of charge. Lower floor looks great and loads to see, suits all ages and family so enjoy as the OPW do a great job.

Nice free natural history museum, rich in animals native to Ireland. Not as vast and complete as others, but still worth the visit and liked the idea of focusing on the animals from Ireland.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A really cool old building. I went Dec 20th 2022. The security guard just as you walked into the main room was very friendly and extremely funny. It is a shame that the upper level is closed for renovations but still worth a look. Free entry but you can make a donation.

Dead animals on display without any particular engagement of the visitors. There's some reconstruction ongoing. Only the ground floor is open. Looking forward to see where it goes when I am back in Dublin sometime!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Visited on a Monday afternoon (free entry) and enjoyed the various native animals and exhibits. Lots of children and families, so would recommend for younger guests, too.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great place to visit with the mids, smaller and bigger. Amazing collection of different stuffed species. Kids were amazed to see how those animals looked in real size.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice place to visit and learn about Irish wild life past and present, admission is free and works 7 day a week, must add is bit small so don't plan it as daily adventure more of 1-2h if will check and read about every exhibit, would recommend 100%.

An interesting place where you can learn about the animals of Ireland, but it's very crowded and a bit stuffy here. It's worth visiting this place with children
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

Cool little natural history museum with all sorts of different specimens . Good for a quick visit or you could take your time looking at all the animals in detail
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is a great short stop in a Dublin city tour. A small and exciting exhibition, in a beautiful building, the exhibition itself is from the late 19th century which makes it even more an authentic experience. And the best thing that it is free!

I've never been to a natural history museum like this where it was just specimens in display cases. It was interesting though. Kids enjoyed themselves. I'd say 20-30 minutes is adequate time given that only the downstairs is currently open

A good free treasure. Gives history on Ireland and its first inhabitants. The human remains they had on display and their story was incredible.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very friendly & helpful staff! Amazing displays, historical buildings, visit before it's closed down for renovation!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Staff are amazing including security guard place is so clean and absolutely beautiful kids loved it
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Interesting place with free entry. It gets crowded easily so I would recommend going on a weekday.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Kids loved it and so did we! The museum’s quite small (it’s one hall, basically), but packed with species and installations. Definitely worth visiting (and it’s free!) …

A very interesting museum. Visiting from South Africa I was pleasantly surprised at the wealth of different species on display.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

My 5 yo loved the place. It is a must go for families with kids who like animals and nature. We spent an hour easily there, we would've stayed longer if the museum didn't close.

Really nice....must visit....it will amaze everyone and its free ....no entry ticket
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

Great spot. The upstairs was closed this day, but I still had a great view.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Amazing place, only be floor, but I spent there more then an hour. It’s really stuffed with creatures all kind. Fish was the most interesting part for me.

Good museum of nature. But be aware of a lot stuffed animals if you're impressionable person.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Very interesting. Renovations being done to the upper floor and roof so ground floor was open. But great visit and it's free to the public.

We had a good time. Lots of history to see.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Most of the museum was closed when i visited due to renovations in 8/23 .Hopefully it will preserve some of its old world charm.

Staff were helpful and friendly. I would have loved to see some plant life in there. Otherwise the exhibits were great!

We went there for a function and it was magical. To experience the museum, in a different light, was spectacular

Would love to see the second floor open up again, it's been closed for too long!!
Visited on
Weekday

.Has all types of animals , children will love. .Easy access, wheel chair accessible .No tickets