Our members went on a Guided Tour of the Treasures of the National Museum in Kildare Street.  This was the first outing of 2025 and was a great success.  A midday lunch was first; followed by the tour.

The archaeological collection at the National Museum, Kildare Street is the primary repository of ancient Irish artefacts.  The period covered by the exhibitions extends from the Mesolithic through to the end of the Medieval Period, and includes internationally known treasures such as the Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch, the Gold Collection and Derrynaflan Hoard.

Based on core collections assembled in the late 18th and 19th centuries by the Royal Dublin Society and the Royal Irish Academy, the archaeological collections have expanded considerably over the last 100 years and now number in excess of two million objects. The collection is significant in extent, diversity and quality and several areas are of acknowledged international standing. These are the prehistoric gold collections; ecclesiastical metalwork and personal ornaments of the early medieval period; and the Viking Dublin assemblage. The guided tour of the Ground Floor took in the main treasures of the collection and generated fascination and awe.

The venue for lunch was La Cave Wine Bar on South Anne Street and, as always, was enjoyed by everyone.