Places to visit: Museums

Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

Dublin A to Z, Exhibitions, Historical, Museums, Tours

Ireland’s number one visitor attraction, providing a journey into the heart of the world famous Guinness brand and company. This historic building is central to Dublin’s heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of industrial tradition and contemporary edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of Guinness, telling the story from its origins at St. James’s Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand, known all around the world.

The enormously popular tour takes in the history of the Guinness family, the ingredients and craft of brewing, cooperage and transportation, Guinness’s long tradition of award winning advertising, the craft of pouring the Perfect Pint, the use of Guinness in cooking, and a chance to enjoy a pint of Guinness in the lofty Gravity Bar, taking in breath-taking panoramic 360° views of the city.

The Open Gate Brewery is the home of brewing experimentation and innovation at St. James’s Gate where Guinness brewers are given license to explore new recipes, reinterpret old ones and experiment freely to bring exciting new beers to life. You can purchase Guinness stout and the latest brewers project releases like Hop House 13 lager, Dublin Porter and West Indies Porter.  You can also purchase experimental beers.  Some of these beers will end up on tap at your local pub or on the far side of the world, while others will never leave these walls.

Opening Hours:
Mon to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am to 6pm
Sunday: 9.30am to 5pm
Opening hours are seasonal and subject to change, advance online booking recommended.

The Open Gate Brewery opens Friday to Sunday: 12pm – 9pm, last orders at 8pm. Over 18s only.

The cheapest ticket includes a self-guided tour and a pint of Guinness (or non-alcoholic alternative).  Optional upgrades and additions are also offered.

Closed Dec 24-26 & Good Friday.

Contact & Pricing:
guinness-storehouse.com
[email protected]
guinnessopengate.com
Tel: 01 408 4800
St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
Adult tickets start at €20; concessions

Hurdy Gurdy Museum Of Vintage Radio

Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio

Dublin A to Z, Museums

The Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio houses an extensive collection of exhibits chronicling the history of telecommunications from the 1840s onwards. There are examples of early Morse equipment, gramophones, crystal sets, valve radios and other pieces of equipment. The original curator was Pat Herbert; he died in 2020.

Located in the Howth Martello Tower, the site has historic links with Marconi and Lee deForest, two of the fathers of wireless, who conducted early experiments from the tower in the 1900’s. One of the first ship-to-shore messages was received in this building.

The Martello tower is located on Tower Hill, overlooking Howth Harbour. Access is from Abbey Street up a sloping pathway, almost opposite the Abbey Tavern.

Opening Hours:
May to Oct: 7 days a week,  11am – 4pm.
Nov to Apr: Saturdays and Sundays only, 11am – 4pm.

Contact & Pricing:
howthradiomuseum.rezgo.com
sites.google.com/site/hurdygurdymuseum/home
hurdygurdyradiomuseum.wordpress.com
[email protected]
Phone 086 381 8865
Martello Tower, Howth, Co. Dublin
Admission: Adults €5; concessions

Irish famine scene

Irish Famine Exhibition

Dublin A to Z, Exhibitions, Historical, Museums

The Irish Potato Famine was the most catastrophic event in Ireland’s turbulent history. It is also regarded as being one of the worst famines in history (in terms of deaths as a proportion of the overall population).

The famine is often referred to as The Great Hunger, a period of mass death from starvation and disease between 1845 and 1852. This temporary exhibition tells the story of what happened and why.

After centuries of British colonial rule, a large section of the Irish population lived in extreme poverty and depended on the potato as their main (and often their only) food source for survival.

Centuries of British invasions, land confiscations and anti-catholic laws had reduced the country and its people to levels of poverty not seen in other parts of Europe.

At the same time, Britain was booming and in the throes of the industrial revolution. Ireland was part of the United Kingdom at this time and might have expected to benefit accordingly. But this was not to be.

Massive and speedy humanitarian aid was required when the potato crop failed. Instead the British Government acted slowly and in a fragmented way. Their overriding concern was not to disrupt market forces, so food continued to be exported to Britain as the Irish starved.

The Great Hunger devastated Ireland. At least a million died, perhaps even 1.5 million – we will never know the true figure. Millions more were forced to flee the country. The population of the island has never recovered.

From a population of between 8 and 9 million in 1845, a steady decline ensued for the next 150 years while other European populations grew.

This exhibition tells the story of what happened during those horrific years. The exhibition uses rare 19th century photographs, witness accounts, and contemporary sketches, as well as maps and statistical information. A 15-minute film explains the background to the Famine.

The exhibition contains a number of museum artefacts such as a Famine Pot from County Donegal, a workhouse coffin carrier and a letter from a father to his son who fled the Famine. The famine pot which was used to make soup is perhaps the ultimate famine memorial. The pots were mainly manufactured in Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, England, by a Quaker iron foundry run by the Darby family. The pots were made of cast iron. 600 pots were supplied by the Government, a further 295 were provided by the Quakers themselves, and some also came from the United States. In the summer months of 1847, approximately 3 million Irish People relied on soup from these pots for their survival.

Opening Hours:
April to Sept: Tues – Sat only, 12pm – 6pm, last entry 5.15pm.
Closed Oct to May.

Contact & Pricing:
theirishpotatofamine.com
[email protected]
Tel: 089 227 5735
Second Floor, St Stephens Green Shopping Centre, Dublin 2.
Adults  €13; concessions

jewish-museum-outside

Irish Jewish Museum

Churches, Dublin A to Z, Historical, Museums

The Irish Jewish Museum houses a collection of photographs, paintings, and memorabilia telling the story of Ireland’s Jewish communities in Dublin & other Irish cities over the last 150 years. Staffed by volunteers, the museum is located on the site of Dublin’s Walworth Road Synagogue, once in the heartland of “Little Jerusalem,” a densely populated Jewish enclave off the South Circular Road.

Opening Hours:
Open to the public every Sunday, 11am – 2.30pm.
Groups and tours will be facilitated outside these hours by appointment only.
The museum is closed on National and Jewish Holidays.

Contact & Pricing:
jewishmuseum.ie
jewishireland.org
[email protected]
Tel: 089 426 3625
3 Walworth Road, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
Adults  €10; concessions

IMMA

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

Art, Dublin A to Z, Museums, Tours

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is Ireland’s leading institution for modern art and is located at the atmospheric complex of buildings known as the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. [For heritage information about this location, please see the separate entry entitled “Royal Hospital Kilmainham“.]

The Museum’s temporary exhibition programme regularly juxtaposes the work of leading, well-established figures with that of younger-generation artists to create a debate about the nature and function of art. Works shown range from painting and sculpture to installation, photography, video and performance. 

Exhibitions usually last three to four months and up to four shows can be on view at any one time. IMMA originates many of its exhibitions but also works closely with a network of international galleries and museums.

This link takes you to a list of current events and exhibitions:  www.imma.ie

Opening Hours:
Tues to Sun: 10am – 5.30 pm (except Wednesday, opens 11.30am)
Sundays & Bank Holidays 12pm – 5.30pm
Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays), Good Friday, 24-26 Dec.

Tours providing a general introduction to IMMA exhibitions take place Wed, Sat & Sun 2.30 pm. Each tour lasts 30 minutes. No booking required, arrive early for tours as numbers are limited.

Pre-booked guided tours are available, but must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance. Tour booking times are Tuesday to Friday at 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Tours are led by IMMA staff and are free of charge, donations are welcome.

Contact & Pricing:
imma.ie
Tel: 01 612 9900
Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.
Admission free (there is a charge for occasional special exhibitions).

Irish Rock'n'Roll Museum

Irish Rock’n’Roll Museum Experience

Dublin A to Z, Entertainment, Museums, Tours

The Irish Rock’n’Roll Museum Experience is essentially a tour featuring some of Dublin’s best loved professional music facilities, including the Button Factory (a live music venue); Temple Lane Rehearsal Studios; and Temple Lane Recording Studio (where artists such as Rihanna, the Script and Kodaline have recorded).

The Thin Lizzy exhibition celebrates one of Ireland’s greatest bands, within the setting of Apollo Studio where Phil Lynott recorded his last songs before his untimely death. The exhibition is incorporated into a fully functioning studio and features memorabilia such as gold and platinum albums, set lists, some of Phil Lynott’s costumes, and musical instruments.

The Wall of Fame as a symbol of Irish music royalty has been a fixture in Temple Bar since its unveiling in 2003, providing a focal point for many of Dublin’s walking tours and showcasing the music that is such an integral part of Irish culture. Recently, LED screens were added to the exhibit, allowing for new artists to be added to the exhibit more frequently.

Down through history, certain guitars and equipment have become as legendary as the musicians who play them. Gibson, Fender, Marshall, and Vox are companies that any musician or music enthusiast will know and love. On display in the museum is an extensive variety of vintage instruments and equipment.

Temple Lane Rehearsal Studios are the premiere rehearsal studios in Dublin. Many acts do pre-production for albums here, trying out new material and getting songs ready to record or perform. Now you can experience what it’s like to rehearse with your very own band.

Temple Lane Recording Studio has been at the centre of Irish music since 1984. Countless bands have recorded here, including Paolo Nutini, The Script, Rihanna and many more. Now, for the first time, explore and experience the iconic studios for yourself.

Opening Hours:
Open 7 days a week 10.30am to 5pm.
Advance booking recommended.

Contact & Pricing:
irishrocknrollmuseum.com
Tel: 01 677 7134 / 089 449 0795 (weekends).
Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Adults €22; concessions

Irish Whiskey Museum

Irish Whiskey Museum

Dublin A to Z, Entertainment, Museums, Tours

The Irish Whiskey Museum uncovers the intriguing story of Irish whiskey. Learn the origins of Irish whiskey, its rise to glory, its dramatic fall and its current revival. Located opposite the main entrance of Trinity College, the museum is very centrally located.

The Museum contains a unique collection of Irish whiskey memorabilia that dates back to the 1800s. At the end of the tour you enjoy a sample of Irish whiskey.

There are 4 tours available:

  • Irish Coffee Masterclass teaches you the history and technique of Irish Coffee.
  • The Classic Tour consists of a guided tour and 3 Irish whiskey tastings.
  • The Premium Tour consists of the tour, 4 Irish whiskey tastings and a souvenir whiskey glass.
  • Blending Experience is an extended 75-minute option, including a tasting of 4 Irish whiskeys, plus a chance to blend your own personalised miniature bottle of whiskey to take home.

Opening Hours:
Tours run 10.30am – 6:00pm; early bird discount rates before 12pm.
Tour times vary depending on type, book online to see availability.

Contact & Pricing:
irishwhiskeymuseum.ie
[email protected]
Tel: 01 525 0970
119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Irish Coffee Masterclass – Adults €20; concessions
Classic Tour – Adults €23; concessions
Premium Tour – Adults €28; concessions
Blending Experience – Adults €35; concessions

Iveagh Trust Museum Flat 4

Iveagh Trust Museum Flat

Dublin A to Z, Museums

For the past 120 years, the Iveagh Trust has offered affordable rented housing to people on low incomes, and good quality hostel accommodation for homeless men. The Trust owns and manages about 1,350 units of social rented and hostel accommodation in Dublin City and suburbs. This includes the famous Iveagh Hostel in central Dublin for homeless men (195 bedrooms).

A number of housing complexes were built by the Trust to replace slum dwellings in the area of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Patrick Street and Christ Church Cathedral between 1896 and 1945. The work was funded by the Guinness family at a time when Dublin city had the worst housing in the British Isles. In the early 1900s the flight of the middle class from the inner city to new suburbs left 50% of city dwellers in tenements. 33% of families lived in just one room. Insanitary, unhealthy conditions and extremely high mortality rates prevailed.

Flat 3B on the Bull Alley Estate is the only flat in The Iveagh Trust stock which has remained largely unchanged since the first tenants took up occupancy in 1904. The bulk of the furniture and fittings was acquired by the Trust from the Molloy family. The flat contains a living room and 2 bedrooms (one doubling as a food preparation area). Outside on the landing is a communal sink, w/c, and storage cupboard, used by the family to store coal.

Nellie Molloy, one of six children, found work as a weaver with the Greenmount Linen Co. in Harold’s Cross and had 27 years service there, until she left work to look after her sick mother. The rest of the family married. Nellie’s mother died in October 1967 and Nellie continued to live in the flat until her own death at the age of 95 in October 2002. By keeping her surroundings as they always had been, Nellie kept her memories of deceased family members very much alive. Following discussions with the family, the Trustees decided that the flat should remain a museum – a visual reminder of flat design and of how families lived in early 20th century Dublin tenements.

Opening Hours:
Viewing can be arranged for small groups by appointment only.

Contact & Pricing:
theiveaghtrust.ie
Tel: 01 454 2312
Flat 3b Iveagh Trust, Bull Alley Estate, Patrick Street, Dublin 8

James Joyce Centre

Dublin A to Z, Exhibitions, Museums, Tours

The James Joyce Centre is a beautifully restored Georgian town house, exhibiting items relating to the life and work of James Joyce.

The house was built in 1784 by Francis Ryan for Valentine Brown, the Earl of Kenmare, who used it as his townhouse. The plasterwork was done by Michael Stapleton, one of the finest stuccadores of the time. The house was given special mention by Constantine Curran in his book “Dublin Decorative Plasterwork of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries”, and the photographs he took were essential to the restoration of the house. Curran was also a close friend of Joyce’s.

In the 18th century this area of Dublin was very fashionable but it fell into decline in the 19th and early 20th centuries. By 1982 twelve houses on the street had been demolished by the City Council as dangerous buildings, including the house next door. Number 35 was saved by Senator David Norris, a Joycean scholar who also lives on this street. For many years, the Centre was run by descendants of Joyce’s brother Charles Joyce and sister May Monaghan. It is now run as a limited company with the support of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The James Joyce Centre also offers guided walking tours of historic Joycean Dublin, taking in some of the monumental and ordinary sights and sounds of the city in which Joyce staged all his works. See the separate entry entitled “James Joyce Centre Walking Tours”.

Opening Hours:
Tues to Sat: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Closed Sun & Mon
Walking tours take place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 11am.

Contact & Pricing:
jamesjoyce.ie
[email protected]
Phone 01 878 8547
35 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1

James Joyce Tower

Dublin A to Z, Historical, Museums

The James Joyce Tower on Sandycove Point is one of a series of fifteen similar Martello towers built around Dublin in 1804 to counter the threat of an invasion by Napoleon. The design was based on that of a tower on Cape Mortella in Corsica which had resisted a British attack in 1794.

The Tower is about forty feet high with walls eight feet thick. There was a single entrance ten feet above the ground which could only be approached by ladder. On top of the tower was a gun deck with a carriage on a swivel. Its eighteen pounder cannon had a range of about a mile.

In 1904 the tower was demilitarised and put up for rent at £8 a year by the War Department. The first tenant was Oliver St John Gogarty, a medical student and budding poet, who moved in in August and invited the twenty-two-year-old James Joyce to join him. Joyce was slow to take up the invitation and did not arrive at the tower until 9 September, by which time their friendship had cooled. They were joined by Samuel Chenevix Trench, an Oxford friend of Gogarty’s.

Joyce’s stay was brief. He was chased out of the tower on the night of 14 September and never returned. A month later he left Ireland for a literary career in Europe. The first chapter of his famous novel “Ulysses”, published in 1922, was set in the tower with characters based on himself and his companions. As a result, the tower became his monument, despite the fact that Gogarty had been the tenant and that it had been visited over the years by many celebrated Irish personalities.

The tower was bought in 1954 by the architect Michael Scott. With the help of a gift of money from the filmmaker John Huston, he and his friends set up the James Joyce Museum which was opened on 16 June 1962 by Sylvia Beach, the first publisher of Ulysses. Over the years the museum collection has grown, thanks to the generosity of many donors. In 1978, an exhibition hall was added to the building and a new entrance was put in at ground level.

At one stage, it seemed that the James Joyce Tower and Museum would cease to exist, as the resources necessary to keep it open were no longer available. Thankfully, the people of Sandycove and Glasthule were not prepared to let such a catastrophe occur. An organisation of volunteers, the ‘Friends of Joyce Tower Society’, was formed with the objective of keeping the tower and its museum open. With the support of Fáilte Ireland (the tower’s current custodian), the Society now operates the tower.

Opening Hours:
Open Tues to Sun: 10am – 4pm

Contact & Pricing:
joycetower.ie
[email protected]
Tel: 01 280 9265
James Joyce Museum, Sandycove Point, Sandycove, Co. Dublin.
Admission free; donations welcome