There is no better way to beat the post-Christmas slump than by visiting some of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks and historic houses. From guided tours of Dublin Castle to winter walks through the Phoenix Park, these seasonal events offer something special for every member of the family.
The OPW invites visitors to enjoy a number of engaging events and exhibitions across Dublin between Christmas and the New Year. From guided walking tours to art exhibitions at numerous locations across the city, there is something for everyone to enjoy with family and friends.
The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, is hosting a number of tours from 28 December until 1 January. From the delicate beauty of blooms to elegant evergreen foliage, the themed tour ‘Old Roots, New Shoots’ invites visitors to embrace the tranquil winter gardens and discover hidden seasonal highlights. Visitors can also enjoy the ‘Winter Daily Guided Tours’ that uncover the history and development of the gardens and explore the seasonal highlights of our collections.
History enthusiasts can gain an insight into Ireland’s past at Kilmainham Gaol with two inspirational exhibitions on offer. ‘The Prisoners Lens; Secret Photography in Kilmainham Gaol, 1921’ showcases a collection of rare photographs taken by prisoners using cameras smuggled into the prison in Kilmainham Gaol during the War of Independence. Visitors can also enjoy the exhibition ‘Objects, War and Memory in Ireland past and present’. This exhibition explores the personal stories and artefacts, connecting Ireland’s history with contemporary experiences of conflict and displacement.
Killmainham Gaol.
Dublin Castle is displaying the exhibition ‘Artistic Islands – exploring Irish Art and Diaspora’, an exciting exhibition that identifies Ireland and its diaspora as places where creative genius was always encouraged. Visitors can experience Irish art and its global impact in new ways.
Dublin Castle.
Visitors to Farmleigh, Dublin can enjoy the ‘Benjamin Iveagh: A Life in Books’ exhibition. This exhibition hosts one of the most important Irish book collections of the twentieth century. Benjamin Guinness, third earl of Iveagh, collected over 4,000 rare books and manuscripts relating to Ireland’s history, literature, craftsmanship and language, some of which are on display in this fascinating exhibition.
Farmleigh House.
Pearse Museum, Rathfarnham, is hosting the exhibition ‘Liam Roe, A Life’s Work: A retrospective of an Irish Wood Sculptor’. Roe devoted his life to the craft of wood sculpture, working with native hardwoods to create human and animal forms that reflect Irish cultural memory, history, mythology, music, faith, and the natural world. Visitors can experience the wide selection of his work, many of these on public display for the first time.
Pearse Museum.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said, “The OPW has a number of events to keep you busy between Christmas and the New Year, from guided tours to historic and art exhibitions, visitors to our sites can learn something new with family and friends. Our experienced staff and guides look forward to welcoming visitors to their sites”.
For more information about our events, please see the links below or visit www.heritageireland.ie.
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