The 2026 RDS Craft Awards exhibition at Collins Barracks offers a way to explore contemporary Irish making across textiles, lace, wood, ceramics, glass and metal. It opened on 1 October and is scheduled to remain on display until April 2027, with free admission and no booking required for an ordinary individual visit. [1]

Before planning a visit this week, check the museum’s specific closure notice. Collins Barracks, Kildare Street and Turlough Park will be closed to the public on Wednesday, 14 October because of industrial action. The notice says further closures may be announced at short notice. [2]

Shortlisted work comes before the awards ceremony

The exhibition, curated by Dee Morgan of the RDS, presents work by 12 shortlisted makers, divided between six emerging and six established makers. Among the disciplines represented are Jack Ó Meara’s Kenmare needlepoint lace, Frances Crowe’s tapestry weaving and Róisín Pierce’s textile design and craft. The museum says winners will be announced at the RDS ceremony on 19 November. [1]

The shortlist provides a useful way into the show without treating an exhibited piece as an award winner. Choose a material or process that interests you and use the labels to identify the maker, technique and purpose of the work.

Build your own viewing route

Rather than trying to compare every object at once, start with one question: how has a maker used a familiar material differently? Then look for a contrasting approach in another discipline. That can make a visit more focused for someone interested in clothing, interiors or the relationship between traditional skills and contemporary design.

These are suggestions for looking, not a review of objects seen in person. The official exhibition page supplies the maker list and background; this article does not claim a first-hand gallery visit.

A gallery visit and a guided event need separate checks

The museum’s programme notice cancels guided school tours, guided public tours and weekend facilitated events through Sunday, 18 October inclusive. Its general statement that galleries remain open must be read alongside the separate, date-specific closure on 14 October. [2][3]

The visitor page also says groups of eight or more need advance booking. Do not apply the exhibition’s ordinary no-booking rule to a large organised group. The museum recommends calling ahead if a particular gallery or exhibition is the reason for travelling. [4]

Check the entrance as well as the opening time

For visitors with mobility requirements, the accessibility page says the pedestrian gate from the Museum Luas stop is not wheelchair accessible; it directs visitors to the main Benburb Street gate nearby. It also notes a steep incline from that gate towards Clarke Square. [5]

Ask about the route and any assistance needed before travelling. Keep the exhibition link, current closure notice and contact details together, so an older saved opening-hours page does not decide the journey on its own.

Sources were checked on 13 October 2026. The exhibition dates, announced closure and activity cancellations are separate arrangements; recheck the museum’s latest notices before visiting.