A priceless piece of lunar rock given to Ireland following a Nasa mission was lost in a fire at Dunsink Observatory, newly released records show.

The Royal Bank of Scotland tried to give the State the portrait for two years.

The exhibition at Dublin Castle reflects aspects of life in independent Ireland, as revealed in the National archives.

The diaries were loaned to the National Archives by the descendants of Collins, the family of the late Liam and Betty Collins, Clonakilty, Cork.