Family Tours in the Dead Zoo Lab

Family Tours in the Dead Zoo Lab

What to expect

Animal Lottery Tours

Dead Zoo Lab at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks

Join the Animal Lottery Tour, a fun and fast-paced 30 minute tour for families in the Dead Zoo Lab. The twist? Visitors decide the route! Pick an animal name from our lottery bag and join us as we journey to meet some of our favourite animals and fossils in the Dead Zoo Lab. No booking required.

This November, as part of Winter in Dublin, join us for special themed Animal Lottery Tours as we explore together the weird, wild and wonderful, Life in the Dark. See scheduled dates below. No booking required.

Event Summary

Animal Lottery Family tours are free to visitors to the Dead Zoo Lab and last about 30 minutes. Stops and topics on the tour are decided by pulling animal names from the lottery bag. This tour is for families, and children must be supervised at all times. Tours will begin in the back of the Dead Zoo Lab gallery in the Discovery Zone, next to the large screen. Places on tours are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

What You’ll Experience

  • Go on a fast-paced tour and learn about some of the animals on display in the Dead Zoo Lab.
  • Have a chat with a Museum Educator and don't forget to ask them your curious questions!

Who is this Event for?

  • Families, with children ages 7+
  • Museum visitors interested in learning more about the specimens in the Dead Zoo Lab
  • Children must be fully supervised by a parent or responsible adult.

Dates and Times

  • Saturday 10 October – 11:00, 12:00 & 12:45 This Public Tour is cancelled. We apologise for any disappointment.
  • Sunday 11 October – 13:15, 14:15 & 15:00 This Public Tour is cancelled. We apologise for any disappointment.
  • Saturday 17 October – 11:00, 12:00 & 12:45 This Public Tour is cancelled. We apologise for any disappointment.
  • Sunday 18 October – 13:15, 14:15 & 15:00 This Public Tour is cancelled. We apologise for any disappointment.
  • HALLOWEEN MID-TERM: Saturday 31 October – 11:00, 12:00 & 12:45
  • HALLOWEEN MID-TERM: Sunday 1 November – 13:15, 14:15 & 15:00 - Life in the Dark
  • Saturday 7 November – 11:00, 12:00 & 12:45 - Life in the Dark
  • Sunday 8 November – 13:15, 14:15 & 15:00 - Life in the Dark
  • Saturday 14 November – 11:00, 12:00 & 12:45 - Life in the Dark
  • Sunday 15 November – 13:15, 14:15 & 15:00 - Life in the Dark
  • Saturday 21 November – 11:00, 12:00 & 12:45 - Life in the Dark
  • Sunday 22 November – 13:15, 14:15 & 15:00 - Life in the Dark
  • Saturday 28 November – 11:00, 12:00 & 12:45 - Life in the Dark
  • Sunday 29 November – 13:15, 14:15 & 15:00 - Life in the Dark

Location

The Dead Zoo Lab
Collins Barracks
National Museum of Ireland
Benburb Street, Dublin 7, D07 XKV4

Accessibility Information

This event is wheelchair accessible

Booking Information

  • Free admission
  • No booking required
  • Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis

Related Experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance?
No booking is required, arrive 5-10 minutes before your preferred tour time.

How long does the event last?
30 minutes

Is the event suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be supervised at all times.

Where do I go when I arrive?
Head to the back of the Dead Zoo Lab gallery to the Discovery Zone

If you have any questions about these tours please contact [email protected]

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }

Topics

Upcoming dates

This event runs on several dates — pick the one that suits you.

October 2026

  • Sat 17
  • Sun 18 · 11am

November 2026

  • Sat 7
  • Sun 8
  • Sat 14
  • Sun 15
  • Sat 21
  • Sun 22
  • Sat 28
  • Sun 29
See all events