Dublin is both Ireland’s administrative and cultural capital, so it’s no surprise that the city offers an incredible variety of museums, many of which place a strong emphasis on the country’s history. Here are a few Dublin museums you won’t want to miss.
Launched in 2016, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum focuses on the country's long and storied history of emigration, and how that’s impacted the entire world. Exhibits are spread across 20 galleries and focus on the hows and whys of Irish emigration, along with life among the Irish diaspora today.
The National Museum of Ireland features hundreds of art exhibits and artifacts that focus on Irish history. Although there are three branches across the city, the main museum is housed in a building that's worth visiting for its Victorian Palladian-style architecture alone. Highlights include preserved bog bodies and ancient Celtic knots.
Situated on the second floor of the Stephens Green Shopping Centre, this seasonal museum tells the story of the Irish Potato Famine, also known as the Great Hunger. Here, you’ll find photos and informational panels, along with a short film on the subject.
Ireland has long been known for its whiskey production, so it’s not surprising that there's an entire museum dedicated to the beloved beverage. At the Irish Whiskey Museum, you can learn all about whiskey production on a tour, which come complete with tastings, or even participate in a blending experience during which you can blend your very own whiskey.
Move over, Madame Tussauds, Dublin has a fantastic wax museum all of its own. Here, you’ll encounter life-size wax models of famous faces that range from James Bond to recognizable Irish writers, inventors, and scientists. You may even encounter a few of your favorite Game of Thrones characters during your visit.