National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology)

Among this rich collection of Irish antiquities, dating back to 7000BC, are the 8th-century Ardagh Chalice and the 12th-century Cross of Cong. Most visitors are taken with the petrified bog bodies (Iron Age mummies of sorts) as well as the Egyptian room and the detailed Viking exhibits. This is just one of three nationalised museum venues, with further collections on view at Collins Barracks (Decorative Art and History) and at Merrion Square West (Natural History).