The Most Unusual Museums in Dublin

Garda Museum

“The Garda” , the “Guards” or “An Garda Siochana” ( literally translated as the guardians of the peace) are the Irish police force. The museum lies in the 13th century Norman Round Tower in Dublin Castle.   It gives some great insight into the history of the Irish state and when next will you have the opportunity to go to such a museum, just think of the photo opportunities. The ‘Guards’ are also one of the few unarmed police forces in the world.

The National Leprechaun Museum

As it just opened this month, it is currently the newest museum in Ireland and it is the first museum in the world dedicated to Irish myth and legend. There is much to learn about the ‘little people’ – Did you know that if you catch a leprechaun he is obliged to reveal the hiding-place of his crock of gold? Or that leprechauns are always male?

infomatique/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Revenue Museum

Next to the Garda Museum is the National Revenue Museum for all you accountants and tax enthusiasts out there. There are a few amusing exhibits however including an interactive smuggling game, footage of an alcohol duty assessment and examples of counterfeit goods and stamping equipment.

Museum of Childhood

Let your inner child run wild in this museum. View antique children’s toys, doll’s houses and miniature furniture that date back over 300 years. The real focal point however is Tara’s Palace one of the world’s most noteworthy Dolls Houses which was lovingly created by Irish master craftsmen. While you are here also visit the Fry model railway next door which houses a one of the world’s largest miniature railways.

[Photos courtesy of infomatique ]