The National Museum of Ireland is hosting the Rainbow Trail exhibition throughout June as part of its celebration of Dublin Pride!
What’s On
This exhibition highlights significant moments and figures in LGBTQ+ history through a self-guided tour that features eight key artefacts associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
Key exhibits include notable artefacts like the dress worn by Panti Bliss during her pivotal “Noble Call” speech at the Abbey Theatre in 2014, which sparked nationwide discussions on homophobia and was a significant precursor to the 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum. Also on display are the wedding dresses of Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan, symbolizing Ireland’s journey to legalize same-sex marriage.
The exhibition also features digital interactive elements, including touchscreen terminals that provide deeper insights into LGBTQ+ history through multimedia content such as videos, images, and personal stories. Notably, the exhibition includes oral histories from prominent figures in the Irish LGBTQ+ community, such as Nell McCafferty, Lydia Foy, and Tonie Walsh, offering a look back at the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ireland.
By offering a mix of historical artefacts and contemporary digital media, the Rainbow Trail creates an engaging and educational experience for visitors, providing greater awareness and appreciation of the rich history and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. This exhibition is part of the museum’s broader “Rainbow Revolution” initiative, which aims to ensure LGBTQ+ experiences are represented and celebrated in national collections.
Tickets and Opening Hours
The Rainbow Trail is free to the public and does not require booking. Visitors can collect the trail guide from the reception during museum hours: from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays and Mondays, and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Saturday.
Visit museum.ie for more information.
