The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

An insightful window into Ireland's rich and nuanced history, art and culture, the National Museum of Ireland houses artifacts which date all the way from 7,000 BCE to the 20th century. Home to pieces from the time of the Vikings, gilded artifacts, religious relics and archaeological remnants alongside Celtic masterpieces, the museum dutifully harbors one of the largest collections of Bronze Age gold in the world. Perhaps the centerpiece of the collection is the Ardagh Chalice, an ornate tracery of metal work which dates as far back as the 800 CE. Sheltering a clout of decorative works of art such as glassware, aged porcelain artifacts, ceramics and folk costumes, the museum also includes an exhibition dealing with Ireland's struggle for independence. There is also a pleasant café and bookstore on-site.