The ‘Down to Earth, Exploring Ireland’s Geology’ permanent exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland tells the story of how scientists have developed their understanding of our planet over the last 175 years.
The exhibition explores how geology is relevant to everyday life and demonstrates the central role both rock and minerals play in how we interact with the world. It was developed by the National Museum of Ireland in partnership with Geological Survey Ireland to celebrate the latter’s 175th anniversary.
The history of exploring Ireland’s mineral wealth started in the 1700s and the specimens from these explorations formed the founding collections of what is now the National Museum of Ireland. The museum itself is the holder of a vast geological collection yet little of it has been seen by Museum audiences in over 50 years. This partnership brings these precious samples back into public display and includes real mineral specimens collected in 19th-century Ireland and observed through the lens of modern science.
The exhibition is centred on a large floor map of Ireland, showing the variety of rocks and other deposits that determine our landscape and how this dictates everything from potential construction materials to the properties of our drinking water. Visitors can even travel over the ocean from a GSI Research Vessel’s deck to see how the seabed is mapped, discovering shipwrecks and the edges of our continent.
Modern geology is focused on understanding natural processes and resources, and visitors will find out about new ways in which we must manage for future needs and address these hazards caused by climate change.
‘Down to Earth, Exploring Ireland’s Geology’ can be seen at Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7, D07 XKV4.