Collins Barracks
On 14/4/2023 eight members of the History group travelled to Dublin to the National Museum of Ireland otherwise known as Collins Barracks.
In December 1988, the decision was taken at government level to close Collins Barracks as a military installation, and following
consultation with a number of committees formed for the purpose, plans were made in September 1993 to develop the site as an extra venue for the National Museum of Ireland. This important decision ensured that the earliest purpose-built residential barracks on these islands was restored for museum use. It also allowed for the display of museum collections that had been in storage since 1922, when government took over the museum exhibition galleries and curatorial offices in Leinster House.
The museum has four galleries incorporating several varied collections including the largest collection of Irish silver in the world. There is a military museum which depicts barrack room life and also "Recovered Voices", the stories of the Irish at war 1914-1915. Other exhibits include that of Eileen Gray, one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
There is an exquisite exhibition of furniture covering four centuries, as well as Irish country furniture and fashion covering two hundred and fifty years, and many more varied exhibits.
The trip was rounded off by dinner at Wynn's hotel before embarking on the homeward journey. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all.
In December 1988, the decision was taken at government level to close Collins Barracks as a military installation, and following
consultation with a number of committees formed for the purpose, plans were made in September 1993 to develop the site as an extra venue for the National Museum of Ireland. This important decision ensured that the earliest purpose-built residential barracks on these islands was restored for museum use. It also allowed for the display of museum collections that had been in storage since 1922, when government took over the museum exhibition galleries and curatorial offices in Leinster House.
The museum has four galleries incorporating several varied collections including the largest collection of Irish silver in the world. There is a military museum which depicts barrack room life and also "Recovered Voices", the stories of the Irish at war 1914-1915. Other exhibits include that of Eileen Gray, one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
There is an exquisite exhibition of furniture covering four centuries, as well as Irish country furniture and fashion covering two hundred and fifty years, and many more varied exhibits.
The trip was rounded off by dinner at Wynn's hotel before embarking on the homeward journey. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all.