National Museum of Ireland: 19th-century vision with 21st-century purpose

THERE may still be a few dinosaurs in Leinster House but, thanks to the vision and purpose of Lawrence Dundas, third Earl and first marquess of Zetland, mayor of Richmond in Yorkshire and Knight of the Thistle, remnants of the real things have enjoyed more tranquil surroundings for the past 125 years.

The National Museum of Ireland is to hold a day of free events today to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of its Kildare St building by Dundas who, in 1890, basked in the dignity of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

The National Museum of Ireland was founded under the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act of 1877. Collections had previously been divided between Leinster House, originally the headquarters of the Royal Dublin Society, and the Natural History Museum in Merrion St.