There are so many different museums in Dublin that you’re guaranteed to find at least one that interests you. Whether you want to find out about local history, love browsing modern art, or fancy learning about Irish myths and legends, Dublin has a museum for you.
Here, we share some of the top museums in Dublin and what you can expect from each one when you visit.
1. Dublin Writers Museum
Opened in 1991 to bring the heritage of Irish literature under one roof, the Dublin Writers Museum is a treasure trove of books, letters, writer portraits, and other memorabilia, that cover 300 years of impressive and fascinating Irish writing. Located in an 18th century mansion, the Dublin Writers Museum can be found in the north of the city’s centre, and celebrates a whole range of Irish writers, from Yeats and Wilde to Stoker and Beckett, giving an amazing overview of the country’s literary past.
Tours of the museum are available in a number of European languages, and you might be lucky enough to catch a reading or theatre performance during your visit. Travelling to Dublin with kids? They’ll love the museum’s room devoted to children’s literature, and adults are sure to be amazed by the first and early editions of famous books, such as Gulliver’s Travels and Dracula! Once you’ve learnt about the history of Irish literature, pick up a book or two from the Dublin Writers Museum bookshop as a souvenir.
2. Natural History Museum, Dublin
Opened in 1857 and boasting a charming Victorian cabinet style layout, the Natural History Museum in Dublin is a fascinating place to spend a few hours during your time in Ireland’s capital. Home to around two million different species, and host to talks, workshops, seminars, children’s activities, and tours, there is certainly plenty to see and do here. The Natural History Museum can be found on Dublin’s Merrion Street which is easy to reach from around the city.
Learn all about Irish wildlife in the Irish Room, where you’ll spot mammals, birds, insects, and underwater creatures from Ireland’s past and present. Discover which wildlife made its own way to Ireland, and those species that were introduced by humans, and see some peculiar exhibits that you won’t find elsewhere. Next, explore the Mammals of the World floor which covers everything from primates and carnivores to tiny rodents. Some of the top attractions include a polar bear, and a number of creatures that are now extinct.
3. Guinness Museum, Dublin
It may come as no surprise that a Guinness museum would be one of Dublin’s top attractions, and fans of the famous black beverage will not be disappointed with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Here, you can discover the history of Guinness, how it’s made, which ingredients are included, and the recipe that is followed to produce the perfect pint. Formed around a pint glass atrium (that could hold 14.3 million pints if filled), the different parts of the museum cover seven storeys, topped with the Gravity Bar which offers panoramic views across Dublin.
In addition to plenty of information about how to make Guinness, you’ll also be able to see the company’s past advertising and sponsorship campaigns, discover how it’s transported and distributed throughout the world, and can visit the souvenir store where you will find all things Guinness! Fancy upgrading your experience? Book your spot in the Connoisseur Bar where you can have a private tasting of different types of Guinness with guidance from an expert member of staff.
4. Leprechaun Museum, Dublin
For a unique and fun-filled experience, head to Dublin’s otherworldly Leprechaun Museum. This museum gives you the opportunity to head into a new land where you can discover the tales behind some of Ireland’s famous legends and folklore, all guided by the museum’s storytellers. Learn about leprechauns and other exciting mythical creatures during interactive experiences, see what it would be like to head under the Giant’s Causeway, visit Fairy Hill, shrink down to the size of a leprechaun, and find out what’s at the end of a rainbow…
On Friday and Saturday nights, the Leprechaun Museum changes to offer a darker experience as the storytellers share stories of the murkier side of Ireland. These evening tours require audience participation, so be prepared to truly get involved and find out about some of those Irish tales that aren’t all rainbows and pots of gold.
5. Whiskey Museum, Dublin
If Guinness isn’t really your drink, you might prefer a visit to Dublin’s Whiskey Museum. Here, you can discover all there is to know about the history of Irish whiskey, how its popularity has risen and fallen over time, and about some new Irish whiskey brands that you may not have tried before. The tour guides at this Dublin museum are very entertaining, and will help you to become a true Irish whiskey expert during your visit.
There are a number of different tours to choose from at the Whiskey Museum, and each one includes a number of tastings dependent on which option you go for. You can even opt for an extended tour where you get to craft and blend your own whiskey and are a given a miniature bottle of it to take home with you as a souvenir.
6. National Wax Museum, Dublin
Discover the history, mythology, and literature of Ireland in a fun and interactive way at the National Wax Museum in Dublin. Discover stars of science, TV, music, and sport across three floors of exhibits, interactive touchscreens, and activities, and have your photo taken with some of Ireland’s most famous faces, including Liam Neeson, U2 and Jedward. You’ll also see impressive wax figures of a number of Star Wars characters, and some popular superheros, such as Superman and Deadpool!
Children will be especially excited to visit the Kid’s World which is home to The Simpsons, Harry Potter, and Peppa Pig among others. This is also where you’ll find Dublin’s answer to Gotham City, so be prepared to bring your crime fighting skills with you when you visit. For a unique souvenir, the Wax Museum offers the opportunity to create your own hand out of wax, which can then be made into a lamp!
7. Modern Art Museum, Dublin
The Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin combines contemporary life and art to create spaces that inspire and challenge, and is home over 3500 pieces from 1940 to the present day. 1500 of these pieces are part of the museum’s permanent exhibition, with others being part of a number of temporary exhibitions by both Irish and international artists. Many of these are free of charge, and all are housed in the 17th century former Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
You can choose to wander around the museum at your leisure, or opt for a free guided tour. Step outside of the building where you will find stunning formal gardens, a meadow, and a medieval burial ground, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the modern art museum’s gift shop and café in the hospital’s original crypts.
8. The Little Museum of Dublin
Little by name but packed full of amazing artefacts, the Little Museum of Dublin is home to around 5000 pieces which were donated by the public who wanted a museum dedicated to the history of their city. Located in an 18th century Georgian townhouse, this attraction is ranked as the best museum in Ireland on TripAdvisor, so it’s definitely worth a visit during your time in Dublin. However, you should book in advance as it gets very busy!
Boasting everything from games and art to furniture and books, this little museum also houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to Irish band U2. Made up from items from fans, photographers, and artists, this exhibition is a must-see for fans of the popular band. Depending on when you’re in the city, you might also like to catch the Women’s History in Ireland talk which happens on Mondays and Thursdays at 1pm and discusses famous Irish female pioneers.
With so many amazing museums in Dublin to discover, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding which ones to visit during your city break! You might also like to check out the Dublin Pass which gives you access to a number of these museums, plus other attractions too! Book your trip across the Irish Sea on our Liverpool to Dublin or Cairnryan to Larne route and start planning your cultural adventure today!
