Dublin is a city that is full of history and culture. From living through different historic eras, their stories are said through the frozen architectures which we can observe in a museum. However, museums have come a long way.
From having digital showcases to themed ones, these museums have made a name here in Dublin. As someone who loves art and culture, these are my places to explore. And in this article, we’ll take you on the journey of these museums.
We’ll explore the best museums in Dublin that you can plan your trip to, explore, or just capture memories in. This list will give you the chance to know Dublin on a deeper level. And if that’s something that rings your bell, then read on! Let’s start.
14 Henrietta St
You’ll find this Georgian beauty on Henrietta Street, just a short walk from O’Connell Street. It’s easy to get to on foot or by Dublin Bus. The museum opens Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Tickets cost around €10 for adults, €6 for kids, and €8 for seniors and students. Yep, museums in Dublin with student discounts do exist!
What makes this one of the best museums to visit in Dublin for tourists is how it tells real-life stories. The house takes you on a journey through 300 years of Dublin life, from elegant townhouse to crowded tenement. Peeling paint, worn floors, and thoughtful guides bring it all to life. I still remember how one room felt like stepping into someone’s past, raw, emotional, and completely absorbing.
If you love history or just want to feel connected to Dublin’s roots, this place is worth your time. And after the tour, there are plenty of cozy cafés nearby for a chill break.
Location: Inns Quay, Dublin, D01 HH34, Ireland
MoLI (Museum of Literature Ireland)
MoLI sits right at St. Stephen’s Green, easy to reach by Luas, bus, or a stroll through the city center. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets are €14.50 for adults, with reduced prices for kids, students, and seniors.
Inside, it’s a dream for book lovers, manuscripts, first editions, and interactive displays featuring James Joyce, Yeats, and more. The best museums in Dublin aren’t just about artifacts, they tell stories, and MoLI does this beautifully. Seeing Joyce’s actual Ulysses notebooks gave me chills.
The space blends modern design with old architecture so well, it feels more like a cultural hangout than a museum. There’s even a garden café (The Commons Café) for coffee and cake, plus a lovely gift shop with Irish bookish treasures. It’s family-friendly, accessible, and offers enough hands-on fun to keep young ones curious.
Location: UCD Naughton Joyce Centre, 86 St Stephen’s Green, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 XY43, Ireland
Contact: +353 1 716 5900
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
You’ll find this historic gem right on Benburb Street, and the best part? Entry is completely free! It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, just double-check their website before you go, as hours can sometimes shift.
This place has everything from decorative arts to Irish military history, but the Soldiers & Chiefs exhibit really sticks with you. It walks you through Ireland’s military past from the 1500s to now, with uniforms, weapons, and moving personal stories. The wide-open courtyards and big exhibition rooms give the museum a chilled-out vibe, perfect for wandering at your own pace.
There’s a lovely café inside if you want to rest your feet and a small shop with cool keepsakes. Honestly, it’s one of the best museums in Dublin, especially if you’re watching your budget or want a low-pressure outing. Kids love the cannons outside, and it’s also one of those museums in Dublin suitable for teenagers who enjoy action-packed history.
Location: Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter, Dublin, D07 XKV4, Ireland
Contact: +353 1 677 7444
Hugh Lane Gallery
Just off O’Connell Street on Parnell Square North, Hugh Lane Gallery is another freebie worth popping into. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, usually from 11 AM to 5 PM. You might want to double-check the times before visiting, though, they occasionally change.
This gallery is known for its strong modern and contemporary art collection, showcasing pieces by both Irish and international artists. A highlight? Francis Bacon’s actual London studio, carefully reconstructed here in Dublin. It’s messy, colorful, and strangely inspiring.
The space feels bright and peaceful, and new temporary exhibits mean you’ll always find something different. There’s a quiet café to reflect over a coffee and a gift shop full of artsy treasures.
Last time we visited as a couple, we spent nearly two hours exploring, and honestly, it felt like one of the best museums in Dublin for couples looking for something chill and artsy to do in the city.
Location: Charlemont House, Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 F2X9, Ireland
Contact: hughlane.ie
The Book of Kells
Tucked inside Trinity College, right in the heart of the city, this experience is both iconic and easy to get to, either on foot or via public transport. The exhibit is open daily, often starting around 8:30 AM, though seasonal hours can vary.
Admission ranges depending on what you choose: general tickets for €21.50 (90 minutes), a full Book of Kells + Trinity Trails package for €33.50, or self-guided options starting at just €5.
The main attraction here is the Book of Kells, a dazzling 9th-century manuscript famous for its bright colors and detailed art. There’s also a digital exhibit explaining its history and meanings, which really adds depth to the visit.
Your ticket includes entry to the Long Room Library, which honestly looks like it was pulled from a fantasy novel. Towering bookshelves, spiral staircases, and over 200,000 old books, it’s a book lover’s dream.
It’s a must-see, and while it’s pricier than other spots, the atmosphere and beauty make it well worth the trip.
Location: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
GPO Museum
The GPO Museum, also called the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre, hit me harder than I expected. It brings Ireland’s revolutionary story to life right in the building that was the rebel HQ during the 1916 Easter Rising. You can visit any day from 10 AM to 5 PM. Tickets are €15 online or €17 if you walk in.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of historic items, touchscreens, and dramatic sound-and-light setups. One part that stuck with me was the mock trench, it literally pulls you into the chaos of the time. It’s emotional, intense, and unforgettable.
Despite the heavy topic, the museum is easy to follow and works for all ages. You can spend around an hour here, more if you’re a history buff. There’s a small café in the building and tons of food spots nearby on O’Connell Street. Honestly, it’s one of the best indoor museum experiences in Dublin, especially if you’re into real stories told with impact.
Location: O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2, Ireland
Contact: +353 1 872 1916
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC might be one of Dublin’s newer museums, but it’s already made a huge name for itself, and for good reason. Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, adult tickets range from €21 to €23, while teens are €14.50 to €15.50, and kids from €10.50. Children under 5 get in free.
This isn’t your typical museum with dusty glass cases. EPIC uses slick digital screens, touch sensors, videos, and audio to tell the powerful stories of Irish people who left home and made an impact around the world. There’s something super moving about hearing personal stories while standing in dark, immersive rooms lit by projections.
One of the coolest things? The interactive migration map. You can literally follow where Irish emigrants went and what they did, it’s both fun and emotional. The whole museum has a clean, modern feel that makes it easy to explore and easy to love. If you’re into art, culture, and human stories told creatively, it definitely ranks among the top museums in Dublin for art lovers, even if it’s not an art gallery in the traditional sense.
Honestly, EPIC is one of the best small museums in Dublin to explore, you’ll leave feeling more connected to the city and its people. It’s thoughtful, modern, and a solid pick when listing the best museums in Dublin overall.
Location: The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, Ireland
Contact: +353 1 906 0861
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is so much more than a photo stop, it’s a living piece of Ireland’s past, sitting right between Dame Street and Ship Street in the city center. It’s open daily from 9:45 AM to 5:45 PM, with the last entry around 5:15. Tickets were €8 when we went, and worth every cent.
The tour takes you through centuries, from a Viking base to British stronghold to the Irish State’s ceremonial hub. The State Apartments blew me away with their glittering chandeliers, grand halls, and stories hiding in the walls. Don’t miss the Chapel Royal or the original medieval towers either.
But the coolest part? The underground ruins. You walk past exposed Viking walls and even glimpse the “Dubh Linn” (Black Pool) that gave Dublin its name. It felt like stepping straight into a history book.
Honestly, it’s one of the top Dublin attractions for history buffs, and even if you’re not a museum person, this one might change your mind. It easily earns a spot among the best museums in Dublin for its depth and atmosphere.
Location: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Contact: +353 46 942 2213
The Dublin Wax Museum
If you want something playful and offbeat, the National Wax Museum Plus is your go-to. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, and we paid about €17.50 each when we visited. It’s definitely one of those unique museums in Dublin you shouldn’t miss.
The place is packed with lifelike wax figures, from Irish legends to pop stars and movie characters. There’s a creepy Chamber of Horrors, a Science & Discovery area that kids love, and even a Great Irish Writers Room with Joyce and Yeats standing side by side (kind of surreal, honestly).
It’s bright, upbeat, and very Instagram-friendly. If you’re not in the mood for a serious museum day, this one is a great change of pace. While it’s not as deep as the others, it still ranks among the best museums in Dublin for casual fun with a quirky twist.
Location: The Lafayette Building, 22-25 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 EH29, Ireland
Contact: +353 1 671 8373
Guinness Storehouse
We cannot end the list without mentioning this one gem, the Guinness Storehouse. This place isn’t just a museum, it’s a full experience that celebrates Ireland’s most famous drink, the mighty Guinness.
The Guinness Storehouse isn’t just a place to learn about beer, it’s a full-on experience. You’ll find it at St. James’s Gate Brewery, just 15 minutes from the city center. It opens daily from 9:30 AM to 7 PM, with last entry at 5 PM. Tickets start at around €26.
From the moment you step in, it’s buzzing. The exhibits take you through the brewing process, from barley to bottle, and the history of Guinness advertising is surprisingly fun. I loved the waterfall display and the giant copper brewing tanks, but the real highlight was learning to pour my own pint (surprisingly tricky at first!).
It’s got that perfect mix of culture, history, and fun. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even walk out with a few souvenirs. Out of all Dublin museums with interactive exhibits, this one’s a must, especially if you want a hands-on, pint-in-hand kind of adventure.
Location: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
Contact: +353 1 408 4800
Closing
And there you go! All the best museums in Dublin that you can visit. Dublin’s rich culture and history can be felt deeply from these picks and I’m sure you’ll have a blast exploring these places too.
The way I translated my memories here, I hope exploring these museums will give you a true experience of being here in Dublin. It’s all getting started. What are some of your recommendations that we missed out? Let us know! Thank you for reading.