Museums/Galleries

EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum

Recently voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards, EPIC explores what it means to be Irish – beyond the borders of Ireland.

20 high-tech interactive exhibitions tell the story of why so many people left Ireland and what they achieved abroad. Learn about Irish scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws from the past 1,500 years. https://epicchq.com/ 

Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)

Discover Ireland’s rich literary heritage from past to present in the historic UCD Newman House on St Stephen’s Green. Here, you’ll discover immersive exhibitions and rare books from the National Library of Ireland. Amid some beautiful birdsong, you can also relax in the museum’s tranquil gardens and café. https://moli.ie/ 

20% off self-guided entry for Hotel Guests using the code: HARCOURTHGUEST

National Museum of Ireland

Admission: Free

The National Museum of Ireland is split between four locations. There’s Kildare Street’s Museum of Archaeology, Merrion Street’s Museum of Natural History, Collins Barracks’ Museum of Decorative Art and History and the Museum of Country Life in county Mayo. From ancient bog bodies to gargantuan whale skeletons, the three museums in Dublin offer something to suit every taste. https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/home 

The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum is a little different to most Dublin museums. Established in 2011, it tells the story of the city throughout the 20th century, covering the likes of women’s rights, U2, aviation and a whole lot in between. The museum occupies just an 18th-century Georgian townhouse on St Stephen’s Green and, while it might be little, it has a lot to offer. https://www.littlemuseum.ie/ 

Kilmainham Gaol

After opening in 1796 as Dublin’s county jail, Kilmainham went on to become the setting for some of the most significant moments in Ireland’s history.

Leaders of many rebellions, including the 1916 Rising, were detained and executed here. Countless convicts were also imprisoned within these walls before their exile to Australia. Today, the building is a museum that hosts exhibitions and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. https://www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/ 

Dublinia

For anyone curious about Dublin's Viking and medieval past, Dublinia is a dream. The mueum is based in Christ Church at the epicentre of medieval Dublin and is full of interactive exhibits. There's Viking warships, medieval skeletons and an ancient tower with a bird's-eye view of the city. Dublinia truly offers a trip back in time. https://www.dublinia.ie/ 

GAA Museum

For sports fans, Dublin’s Croke Park offers stadium tours, rooftop walks and a GAA Museum which explores the history of Ireland’s native sports. The interactive exhibits introduce the history and heritage of Gaelic games, such as Gaelic football, hurling, handball and camogie.  https://crokepark.ie/gaamuseum