Cultural Restitution
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IRELAND
Updated May 2026
Below is a schedule of successful restitutions made by Ireland, together with other Irish restitution news. Entries are updated regularly
May 2026
Following the new regime for restitution in France, Ireland examines whether it's time that former colonial powers, including the UK, return objects of Ireland's cultural heritage
September 2024
Sinn Fein's new arts policy will prioritise the repatriation of artefacts 'stolen' from Ireland and will require its museums to cooperate with restitution requests from other countries
January 2024
The discovery of a sacred warrior's stick in Dublin, seized from Chief Maqoma of the Xhosa nation during the South African wars of the 19th century, has led to calls for its repatriation
December 2023
First meeting of a new expert committee has been held to advise the Government on the restitution of historically and culturally sensitive objects held in Irish collections
November 2023
Isabella Walsh from Limerick has been inspired to repatriate a collection of 19th cent African and Aboriginal objects, collected by her father Larry Walsh
June 2023
Ireland's arts minister Catherine Martin announces establishment of a new expert committee to advise Government on issues relating to the restitution of culturally sensitive objects in Irish collections
December 2022
University College Cork has agreed to return a number of ancient items to Egypt, including a sarcophagus and mummified human remains
December 2022
Trinity College Dublin has set up a Legacies Review Working Group to examine legacy issues, including the return of thirteen ancient skulls
April 2021
The National Museum of Ireland announces they are ready to make full restitution of twenty-one Benin Bronzes in their collection
April 2021
The Hunt Museum in Limerick considers the return of a Benin artefact, on loan to its collection
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