The 10 best museums in Dublin that are actually worth exploring
Ever wandered around Dublin and found yourself thinking, “How did this place become what it is today?”
It’s easy to get lost in the charm of the city and wonder about the people who lived here, how things evolved, and what went down in the past. Every city has its own story, and Dublin definitely has a fascinating one.
Luckily, if you’re ever in the mood to dive deeper into Dublin’s history, there are plenty of museums where you can do just that. Keep reading to check out some of the best spots to satisfy your curiosity!
1. The Little Museum of Dublin
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Address: 33 Pembroke Street Lower
Contact details: +353 1 661 1000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:45 AM – 4:30 PM
Price: $$
The Little Museum of Dublin, housed in a charming 18th-century townhouse, offers a glimpse into Dublin’s 20th-century history. Founded in 2011, it features over 5,000 artefacts donated by locals, reflecting the city’s culture and spirit.
The museum features exhibits on the 1916 Easter Rising, JFK’s visit, and U2’s cultural impact. Known for its storytelling, the 30-minute guided tours cover everything from daily life to cultural milestones.
They also offer fun programs like “The Official Walk of Shame”, which is a tour combined with a walk around Fitzwilliam Square.
| Pro tip: The museum is only accessible via guided tours, which make for a more personal experience. Since they can sell out quickly, it’s best to book in advance. After the tour, be sure to visit the café and shop for souvenirs or books on Dublin’s history. |
2. National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
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Address: 35A Kildare St
Contact details: +353 1 677 7444
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday: 1 PM – 5 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: Free
The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology has been around since 1890. It’s packed with some seriously cool stuff that gives you a glimpse into Ireland’s past, all the way from prehistoric times to the medieval era.
The museum has over two million artefacts, so there’s a lot to dive into.
One of the highlights is the Prehistoric Ireland section. Here, you’ll find bog bodies, tools, and pottery from the Neolithic period. There’s also a reconstructed passage tomb.
For something a little different, check out the Viking Ireland exhibit. It showcases Viking-age artefacts, including swords, coins, and grave goods from places like Wood Quay in Dublin. It’s a great way to see how the Vikings influenced Irish culture.
| Pro tip: If you’re visiting with kids, be sure to download an activity sheet from the museum’s website. It’s a great way to keep younger visitors engaged and make the experience more fun! |
3. National Museum of Ireland-Decorative Arts & History
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Address: Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter
Contact details: +353 1 677 7444
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday: 1 PM – 5 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: Free
The National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History opened its doors in 1997. The building itself has a deep history, having been originally built as a military barracks in 1702.
The place is a great example of Neoclassical architecture and has been updated to house an impressive range of exhibits. It focuses on Ireland’s decorative arts, military history, and social heritage.
The museum’s collections cover a lot of ground. There’s everything from Irish glass, ceramics, and furniture design to fashion. Plus, they also offer educational resources, tours, and workshops for all ages, making it a great spot for locals and tourists.
| Pro tip: Be sure to check out must-see exhibits like the Fonthill Vase, the Eileen Gray showcase, and the Soldiers & Chiefs display. They all cover Ireland’s military history from 1550 to today. |
4. Kilmainham Gaol
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Address: Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham
Contact details: +353 1 453 5984
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: $
Kilmainham Gaol is one of the biggest unoccupied prisons in Europe and stands as a testament to Ireland’s troubled history. It’s packed with exhibits about political prisoners, and there’s even an art gallery featuring works by contemporary Irish prisoners.
Opened back in 1796 as a county prison, it became a key site during Ireland’s push for independence. Many famous figures from the Irish uprisings were locked up here, including those from the 1916 Easter Rising, like Patrick Pearse and James Connolly.
The West Wing keeps a lot of its original vibe, while the East Wing has a more modern feel. The Stonebreakers’ Yard, where many executions happened, gives you a real sense of the place’s grim past.
| Pro tip: Kilmainham Gaol is family-friendly, but its sombre themes may not be suitable for very young children. If you’re visiting with kids, it’s a good idea to debrief them before and after the tour. |
5. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
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Address: The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Wall
Contact details: +353 1 906 0861
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: $$
Inside EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, you’ll find 20 interactive galleries that explore the Irish experience around the world. It covers Irish migration, the reasons they left, their worldwide influence, and the ongoing impact on the Irish community.
This isn’t just your typical museum—you’ll get to dive into immersive tech like video stories and interactive quizzes, making it feel pretty high-tech.
One of the coolest parts is the Irish Family History Centre, where you can learn about your own Irish roots. They’ve got records and experts to help you trace your family tree. It’s a great spot for all ages, though some of the reading-heavy parts might be tough for younger kids.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the museum’s gift shop for unique Irish goods. If you’re hungry, check out the Urban Brewery or Ely’s wine bar nearby for great food and drinks in a relaxed setting. |
6. GAA Museum & Tours
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Address: St Joseph’s Ave, Drumcondra
Contact details: +353 1 819 2323
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Price: $
If you’re keen to dive into Ireland’s sports culture, the GAA Museum at Croke Park is a must-see. It’s packed with everything you need to know about the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and its huge influence on Irish culture, especially through hurling and Gaelic football.
In the Interactive Games Zone, you can try your hand at hurling and Gaelic football. It’s a fun way to get in on the action! Kids will also love the family-friendly tours with Cluasóg, the mascot, turning the whole visit into a cool treasure hunt.
The museum is just part of the full Croke Park experience. You can also go on a guided tour of the stadium. You’ll get behind-the-scenes access to the team dressing rooms and pitch. It’s perfect for walking in the footsteps of Ireland’s sporting legends.
| Pro tip: For a thrilling experience, don’t miss the Skyline Tour—walk along the roof of the stadium and enjoy stunning views of Dublin and beyond. |
7. Irish Whiskey Museum
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Address: 119 Grafton Street
Contact details: +353 1 525 0970
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Price: $$
The Irish Whiskey Museum is a must-see if you’re into whiskey or Irish history. It’s got four rooms, each focused on a different part of Irish whiskey’s story.
The tours usually take about an hour and cover everything from its origins to how it became famous worldwide. They all end with a whiskey tasting, which is a great way to experience the flavours firsthand.
There are a few different tours to choose from. The Premium Tour includes a tasting of an aged whiskey and a unique souvenir to take home.
For something a bit more hands-on, the Whiskey Blending Experience lets you create your own whiskey blend while tasting different varieties.
| Pro tip: You might want to visit on weekends to enjoy live traditional music and storytelling. This can add an extra touch to your experience. |
8. Dublinia
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Address: St Michaels Hill Christ Church
Contact details: +353 1 679 4611
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Price: $$
Dublinia is a cool place to dive into the city’s Viking and Medieval past. The museum is split into a few main areas, offering interactive exhibits that let you step right into the action.
First, there’s Viking Dublin, where you can get a feel for what life was like around 800 AD. You can climb aboard a Viking ship, check out reconstructed Viking houses, and see displays about everyday life back then.
Next up is Medieval Dublin, which brings the Middle Ages to life. You can wander through a medieval market, check out a wealthy merchant’s home, and learn about the tough realities of the time. There’s also a cool model of what Dublin looked like during that period.
Lastly, there’s the History Hunters area that’s all about archaeology. It showcases artefacts found in Dublin, especially from the Wood Quay site. You can explore historical archives and even try out some simulated archaeological digs.
| Pro tip: Try to visit during Living History Days, usually on weekends from June to August. You’ll get to see costumed interpreters in action. They will demonstrate skills from the Viking and Mediaeval eras and give you a deeper look into daily life back then. |
9. MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland
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Address: UCD Naughton Joyce Centre, 86 St Stephen’s Green, Saint Kevin’s
Contact details: +353 1 716 5900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: $$
The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) is a cool spot in Dublin that celebrates the country’s literary scene. It’s housed in a beautifully revamped space that blends modern design with historical features.
Inside, you’ll find a permanent collection with key works like “Copy No. 1” of Joyce’s Ulysses. There are also rotating exhibitions that dive into all aspects of Irish literature, from ancient storytelling traditions to contemporary voices.
The museum uses cool multimedia tech to make the experience interactive, too. It will really pull you into the world of Irish literature with the audio recordings from the authors themselves and displays.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to stop by the café, the Commons, for some tasty Irish dishes inspired by literature! |
10. Chester Beatty
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Address: Dublin Castle
Contact details: +353 1 407 0750
Operating hours:
- Tuesday: 9:45 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:45 – 8 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 9:45 AM – 5:30 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5:30 PM
Price: Free
Chester Beatty is a museum and library that houses an impressive collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, and decorative arts from all over the world.
It is split into two main galleries: Sacred Traditions and Arts of the Book, with collections that really span the globe.
In the Western section, you’ll find everything from illuminated manuscripts to rare Christian books and prints. It includes some of the earliest surviving Christian papyri.
They also offer free guided tours on certain days, or you can download an audio guide to explore at your own pace. It’s one of those places that holds not only incredible cultural artefacts but also gets involved with the community, offering exhibitions and educational programs.
| Pro tip: The informal tours are a great way to get an overview of the museum’s collections. Since spots are limited to about 15 people, it’s best to arrive early to secure your place, as there’s no advance booking. |