The Natural History Collection comprises over 2 million items, in the fields of zoology and geology; a million of the specimens being insects.
There was previously also a botanical collection but this was transferred to the National Botanic Gardens in 1970.

As with many other natural history museums, the majority of specimens are not on display, for example the geological collections.
In 1962, a building known as the "Annexe", which housed the main geological displays was demolished to make way for the Dáil Éireann restaurant and office, leading to these collections being placed in storage in buildings in Beggars Bush and elsewhere since.

Among the many scientists who have studied the collections, Stephen Jay Gould did an essay based on the Irish elk in the museum.
The Natural History Collection comprises over 2 million items, in the fields of zoology and geology; a million of the specimens being insects. There was previously also a botanical collection but this was transferred to the National Botanic Gardens in 1970.
As with many other natural history museums, the majority of specimens are not on display, for example the geological collections. In 1962, a building known as the "Annexe", which housed the main geological displays was demolished to make way for the Dáil Éireann restaurant and office, leading to these collections being placed in storage in buildings in Beggars Bush and elsewhere since.
Among the many scientists who have studied the collections, Stephen Jay Gould did an essay based on the Irish elk in the museum.
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History