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Step into 45 minutes of design history at the National Print Museum. Join Dr Linda King to study Aer Lingus posters, mid‑century printing techniques, and the Dutch influence that reshaped Irish graphic design.
Step into 45 minutes of design history at the National Print Museum. Join Dr Linda King to study Aer Lingus posters, mid‑century printing techniques, and the Dutch influence that reshaped Irish graphic design.
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Operated by National Print Museum · Dublin, County Dublin
On Haddington Road in Dublin 4, the National Print Museum opens a compact but rich window into mid‑century Irish graphic life. Meet at the museum in Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, for the Curator's Tour of 'Come Fly with Me'—a 45‑minute conversation‑led exploration with Dr Linda King that maps how aviation and tourism shaped visual identity in Ireland. The exhibition stitches together bold travel posters, airline timetables, and printed ephemera that marked Ireland’s arrival on the mid‑20th‑century travel map. Stand before iconic Aer Lingus images and posters that once hung in airport departure lounges; notice the change in typography, illustration, and color palettes as Dutch émigré designers brought modernist sensibilities to Irish studios. The show makes technical history legible: lithography, letterpress, and the paper stocks and inks that made glossy travel fantasies appear tangible. This is not a passive gallery walk. Dr King guides close readings of design choices—how horizon lines, aircraft silhouettes, and travel slogans encoded ideas about modernity, mobility, and national image. The tour’s Mezzanine exhibition space offers a concentrated view that rewards slow looking: examine small-format brochures, bold poster borders, and the traces of hand‑set type that survived mechanization. Note: the Mezzanine is not wheelchair accessible; guide and service dogs are welcome. Why book this when you’re in Dublin? It’s a short, focused cultural detour that connects the city’s aviation history to its visual culture. The tour unpacks familiar landmarks—Dublin Airport and Aer Lingus—through original printed material, turning familiar logos and routes into artifacts with stories. For design-minded travelers, collectors, historians, or anyone curious about how a small nation crafted a modern image, the session sharpens the way you look at posters and travel advertising. Practicalities are simple: the program runs 45 minutes, perfect for sandwiching between museum visits or a walk along the nearby Grand Canal. The National Print Museum’s show is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the After Hours at the Museum Scheme, and the curator’s insights make the work relevant for contemporary conversations about branding and migration of design talent. Bring a notebook for quotes, a camera where photography rules permit, and comfortable shoes—this is close‑up work rather than a long walk. The tour is intimate, capped at small numbers, and best suited to visitors who enjoy careful looking and conversation. It’s a sharp, accessible education in how flight and tourism helped lift Irish graphic design into the international sky. Advance booking is recommended through the FareHarbor link; small group size means tours can fill quickly, especially during cultural festivals. Whether you are tracing family history or sketching typefaces, the Curator's Tour compresses decades of design into a brisk, richly annotated 45‑minute primer. Arrive ten minutes early.
The Curator's Tour runs approximately 45 minutes—concise and designed for close-looking rather than a long walk-through.
Meet at the National Print Museum, Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Road, Dublin 4; arrive around ten minutes early.
The Mezzanine exhibition space is not wheelchair accessible; however, the museum welcomes guide and service dogs.
Book through the FareHarbor referral link provided with this listing to check availability and secure a place.
There are no stated age restrictions; the tour is suitable for adults and older teens with an interest in design and history.
The scheduled curator-led tour is presented in English; check the booking page for any special-language sessions.
The National Print Museum in Dublin preserves and presents the history and craft of printing for visitors of all ages. Located in Dublin, County Dublin, the museum offers guided tours, family activities, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations that showcase historic printing equipment and contemporary graphic design. Exhibits include working machines and archival material that illustrate the development of movable type and mechanical printing from Gutenberg-era influences to modern letterpress practice. Visitors can join structured experiences such as a Family-Friendly Tour that lets children create printed posters and printer’s hats, a Guided Historical Tour that features an original 1916 Proclamation and printing demonstrations, and specialised workshops like letterpress Christmas card sessions for beginners. Monthly live demonstrations are conducted by retired printers who operate machines such as the Linotype and Wharfdale press, making complex processes accessible and engaging. The museum also hosts illustrated talks and design-focused events, connecting historical printing techniques with Irish graphic design movements. On-site café service offers homemade food and refreshments for a comfortable visit. Educational programmes accommodate school groups and families, while workshops welcome adults seeking practical print skills. As a dedicated cultural institution, the National Print Museum prioritises conservation, interpretation, and public engagement. Information is provided by experienced staff and volunteers, and activities are designed to be informative, hands-on, and safe. The museum’s combination of original artefacts, working machinery, and instructional experiences makes it a reliable destination for anyone interested in the history and practice of printing. Visit to explore prints, learn skills, and appreciate craftsmanship today.
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