8 Best Museums in Dublin to Visit in 2025
Dublin is a city that offers far more than its famous pubs and lively nightlife. While enjoying a pint at Temple Bar is a must for many visitors, the city’s true charm lies in its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class museums.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious, there are museums in Dublin that will tell you a lot about Ireland’s long and fascinating history.
So, if you are planning a trip to the Irish capital this year, here are the 8 best museums in Dublin that you need to visit to catch a glimpse of Dublin’s past, present, and future.
8 Best Museums in Dublin
1. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Google Rating: 4.6
Recently voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards, EPIC will take you on an incredible journey through Irish identity beyond Ireland’s shores. This relatively new museum, which opened in 2016, is a must-visit museum in Dublin City Centre.
Through 20 high-tech interactive exhibitions, EPIC tells the fascinating stories of why millions left Ireland and the remarkable impact they had worldwide. You’ll discover Irish emigrants who became influential scientists, powerful politicians, celebrated poets, renowned artists, and even notorious outlaws across the globe over the past 1,500 years.
The museum creates an immersive experience that will help you understand what it truly means to be Irish. The popularity of the museum is evident from the impressive guest list, which includes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. If you want to understand Ireland’s global influence, EPIC offers the perfect starting point.
2. Dublinia
Google Rating: 4.5
For anyone curious about Dublin’s Viking and medieval past, Dublinia delivers an unforgettable journey through time. Located in Christ Church at the very heart of medieval Dublin, this interactive museum brings history vividly to life.
You can explore authentic Viking warships, observe medieval skeletons, and climb an ancient tower offering spectacular bird’s-eye views of the city. The museum covers everything from war and disease to crime and daily life, showing how these experiences shaped Ireland’s resilient people.
What makes Dublinia special is its hands-on approach to history. Rather than simply displaying artifacts behind glass, the museum creates immersive environments where visitors can truly experience what life was like in Viking and medieval Dublin. This engaging approach makes history accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages.
3. MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland
Google Rating: 4.6
The Museum of Literature Ireland celebrates the country’s incredible literary heritage in the historic UCD Newman House on St Stephen’s Green. This museum hosts exhibitions and displays rare books from the National Library of Ireland’s extensive collection.
The Historic House Tour stands out as a highlight, allowing visitors to explore Numbers 85 and 86 on St Stephen’s Green—stunning examples of Georgian architecture at its finest. As you move through the museum, you’ll discover the works and personal stories of Ireland’s literary giants who helped shape world literature.
After immersing yourself in Ireland’s rich literary tradition, you can relax in the museum’s tranquil gardens while listening to gentle birdsong or enjoy refreshments in the welcoming café. MoLI perfectly combines educational value with a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.
4. Chester Beatty
Google Rating: 4.7
The Chester Beatty holds the distinction of being the only Dublin museum named ‘European Museum of the Year’—an honor that becomes clear immediately upon visiting. Located in the beautiful grounds of Dublin Castle, this free museum houses a breathtaking collection of Asian, Western, and Islamic works.
Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, one of the 20th century’s greatest collectors, amassed thousands of precious artifacts during his lifetime. His impressive collection includes everything from Egyptian Books of the Dead to contemporary Chinese woodblock prints. After relocating to Dublin in his later years, a significant portion of his collection found a permanent home at the Chester Beatty.
Each visit offers a new appreciation for the diverse cultural treasures on display. The only minor drawback some visitors mention is that information placards are positioned quite low, so remember to bring glasses if you need them for reading. Despite this small inconvenience, the Chester Beatty provides an enriching experience that showcases the artistic achievements of civilizations from around the world.
Also Read: Best Coffee Shops in Dublin
5. National Museum of Ireland
Google Rating: 4.6
The National Museum of Ireland offers an incredible journey through Irish history and culture across four unique locations. In Dublin, you’ll find three distinct museums: the Museum of Archaeology on Kildare Street, the Museum of Natural History on Merrion Street, and the Museum of Decorative Art and History at Collins Barracks.
The Archaeology Museum draws visitors with its fascinating collection of ancient treasures. Perhaps most captivating are the preserved bog bodies in the Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition. These remains, remarkably preserved by Ireland’s bogs, tell a haunting story of ancient rituals and human sacrifice. Unlike typical mummies, these leathery remains were naturally preserved by the unique chemical properties of the peat.
If you are interested in history, you will enjoy the impressive collection of wildlife specimens, including the towering whale skeletons that dominate the Victorian-era exhibition hall. Best of all, entry to all National Museum sites is completely free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
6. The Little Museum of Dublin
Google Rating: 4.6
Located in a charming Georgian mansion across from St. Stephen’s Green, The Little Museum of Dublin packs an incredible amount of history into its modest space. This award-winning museum tells the story of Dublin through everyday objects, photographs, and memorabilia donated by Dubliners themselves.
The collection covers everything from Queen Victoria’s historic visit to the rise of hometown heroes U2. You’ll discover quirky artifacts that bring the city’s past to life in unexpected ways. The museum’s guided tours are led by passionate storytellers who share fascinating tales and local insights you won’t find in guidebooks.
Though small in size, the museum creates an intimate experience that connects visitors to the real Dublin. Its central location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the city, offering context that enriches your entire visit.
7. National Leprechaun Museum
Google Rating: 4.2
The National Leprechaun Museum takes visitors on a magical journey through Irish folklore and mythology. Far more than just a tourist trap, this interactive museum brings ancient stories to life through immersive exhibits and engaging storytelling.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the optical illusions and oversized furniture that let you experience the world from a leprechaun’s perspective. The museum strikes a perfect balance between education and entertainment, exploring the rich traditions behind Ireland’s fairy folk while creating memorable photo opportunities.
Professional storytellers guide visitors through the exhibits, sharing tales of mischievous leprechauns, powerful fairies, and other mythical creatures that have shaped Irish culture for centuries. Even skeptical adults often leave with a newfound appreciation for these enduring legends and their place in Ireland’s cultural identity.
8. Kilmainham Gaol
Google Rating: 4.6
Kilmainham Gaol stands as a powerful reminder of Ireland’s struggle for independence. Since opening as Dublin’s county jail in 1796, these stone walls have witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in Irish history. Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed in its courtyard, transforming them from rebels to martyrs in the eyes of many Irish citizens.
The guided tours take visitors through cold, echoing corridors and cramped cells that housed political prisoners alongside common criminals. Particularly moving is the chapel where Joseph Plunkett married Grace Gifford just hours before his execution. The museum’s exhibitions provide context about the jail’s 300-year history and its significance to Irish nationalism.
While not exactly cheerful, Kilmainham offers one of Dublin’s most authentic and thought-provoking historical experiences. The stone walls seem to echo with the voices of those who suffered here, making it an important visit for anyone interested in understanding modern Ireland.
