National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Dublin

The Natural History Museum, also known by some as the "Dead Zoo", has been welcoming visitors since it first opened in 1857. While recent conservation efforts have enhanced accessibility and added new educational opportunities – such as a discovery zone where visitors can interact with taxidermy specimens and explore hidden treasures in drawers – the overall charm of the museum remains unchanged after 150 years.

The ground floor is a tribute to native Irish wildlife, showcasing an impressive array of mammals, birds, fish, and dried insects, including the skeleton of an 11,000-year-old deer. Upstairs, visitors embark on a global journey through the animal kingdom, organized by taxonomic groups in a layout reminiscent of the 19th century. Here, you'll encounter extinct species like the quagga and the iconic Dodo, as well as endangered animals like the pygmy hippopotamus. Other galleries feature birds, fish, reptiles, invertebrates, and microbes, along with a fine collection of butterflies from tropical regions and Europe. And don't forget to look up – a suspended Humpback whale skeleton adds a dramatic touch to the ambiance.