The National Museum is the place to see the treasures of ancient Ireland - it is a policy to gather all important artefacts in this one museum. Included in this selection is jewellery dating back to the 8th century BC and medieval antiquities such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Also housed here is the 12th-century Cross of Cong, an ornate reliquary of wood, bronze and silver, said to contain a fragment of the True Cross. The museum showcases important exhibitions on Irish history including Prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and The Road to Independence (1900-1921).
Address: Kildare Street; Telephone: (0)1 677 7444; Transport: Bus 7, 7A, 10, 11 or 13; Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 2pm to 5pm; Admission: Free