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The beautiful and historical capital of Ireland (Republic of Ireland), Dublin, is one of the most fascinating cities of Europe due to its unique history, culture and world class museums. This beautiful city is home to several heritage zones along with historical buildings reflecting architectural brilliance. Dublin's unique history has also left the city with an eclectic array of architecture and sights. There are also several fabulous museums in Dublin, along with few galleries, which focus on various fields and themes, as witnessed by this grand city throughout the ages of history.
Dublin’s various museums lure visitors from all over the world, where they absorb in the turbulent history and past glory of the magnificent city. While its rich history and heritage dates back to eras like Christian Ireland, the medieval Viking period, Norman Ireland, to its eventual independence struggle from the British Commonwealth, Dublin itself has been witness to all these landmark events. The several museums in Dublin offer engaging tales of Dublin’s glorious past, moving through turbulent times of history, as well as takes one on a virtual journey to relive the city’s extraordinary past.
Dublin has long been a centre of art and culture. Apart from the large collections of the National Museum, the National Gallery and the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the city also boasts many fine small private collections. They harbor a wide range of several historical documents, manuscripts, art and artifacts, ruins, mementos, and significant heritage relics. With the exhibits harbor a legacy for future generations, some museums even use state-of–the–art technology, which includes special lighting and a public guidance system to boost the effects of the artifact or exhibit, thus enhancing the effect and historical value.
Some of the famous museums in Dublin are enlisted below as:
National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology and History) - Built in the 1880’s, it harbors the rich treasures of Ireland, ranging from jewelry to medieval antiques, some which even date back to the 8th century BC, this museum is a vault of the island’s cultural wealth and heritage. Amongst the priceless artifacts on display, the most significant are the Tara Brooch, the Ardagh Chalic, 12th-century Cross of Cong etc. The museum showcases important exhibitions on Irish history including Prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and The Road to Independence.
National Library – this historic library, with its great domed reading room, includes the Heraldic museum comprising exhibits of coats of arms and banners, and a genealogical office that can assist tracing out any Irish roots.
Bewley’s Museum – a theme-based museum, it chronicles the history of the tea, coffee, and chocolate industries in Ireland. The museum brilliantly recalls 150 glorious years of Bewley’s in Ireland through its vast collection of photos and documents.
Dublin Civic Museum - set in the former City Assembly House, this small museum depicts Dublin from the Viking era to the 21st Century. It harbors a rich wealth of paintings, photographs, newspaper cuttings and historic artifacts, including a pillar with a statue of Nelson.
National Museum of Natural History - This grand museum comprises a brilliant source of natural artifacts in antique glass cabinets, ranging from stuffed animals, rare skeletons of creatures, along with its Irish room that holds exhibits on Irish wildlife.
Dublin Writer’s Museum – opened in 1991, this brilliant museum is dedicated to honoring the Irish literary tradition, which is one of the most illustrious in the world. It houses the famous works of world-class writers, which include the works of Ireland’s four Nobel Prize winners.
Bram Stoker-Dracula Experience – a unique museum, it offers a spine chilling experience featuring many aspects from the lives of both Bram Stoker and his surrealcreation, Dracula.
Fry Model Railway Museum – Situated in the scenic grounds surrounding Malahide Castle, this museum harbors a unique collection of handmade models of Irish trains, from the beginning of rail travel to modern times.
Some of the other renowned museums in Dublin, including several magnificent galleries and memorial sites are listed below:
- GAA Museum - Croke Park
- The Pearse Museum
- Irish Museum of Modern Art
- National Transport Museum
- National Print Museum
- James Joyce Museum
- National Maritime Museum
- Trinity College
- National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History
- Dublinia exhibition
- Crypt Arts Centre
- National Wax Museum (re-opening summer 2007)
- Bank of Ireland Arts Centre
- The Old Jameson Distillery
- Boulevard Gallery
- Temple Bar Gallery and Studios
- National Gallery of Ireland
countriesandcapitals provides you with informative details about Ireland and its capital city, Dublin.
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