Top Things to do in County Dublin
10 Specialty Museums in County Dublin That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in County Dublin, Ireland including National Print Museum, Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum, Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio, Irish Whiskey Museum, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Richmond Barracks, Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again, Windmill Lane Recording Studios, James Joyce Tower & Museum, Guinness Storehouse.
Restaurants in County Dublin
1. National Print Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 86 reviews
The National Print Museum champions print and its impact on the world! The museum aims to promote the historical significance and the contemporary relevance of printing by exploring its heritage, technology and craft. It is a unique museum and the only printing museum of its kind in Ireland. The collection is not behind glass or rope, and is instead laid out like a traditional print shop. In this digital age, the Museum affords the opportunity to step back in time and discover the invention of the printed word and its impact on the world.
Reviewed By Opsimath46
Excellent tour guide Very informative Hands on vintage printing presses Comprehensive history of printing and its impact on society
2. Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,702 reviews
Croke Park has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. With a capacity of 82,300, this magnificent stadium is actually the third largest in Europe. Its size is only part of its greatness, however, as you’ll discover on this eye-opening, access-all-areas tour. From quirky insights into why Croke Park’s grass is always greener to learning about defining moments in Irish history, the passionate Tour Guides will take you on an inspiring journey around our national stadium. Some of the highlights include taking a seat in the VIP area, getting a birds-eye view from the media centre, sneaking a peek inside the dressing rooms, and of course, walking in the footsteps of legends as you go pitchside through the players’ tunnel.
Reviewed By frank1365 - County Kerry, Ireland
Context: Kerry GAA fan for over 50 years. Opportunity: Bucket list to visit Croker tour behind scenes having been there numerous times on game day. Booked on line: Easy. No issues. Taxi from hotel: dropped me at Hotel side which is Hogan Stand Side so if u in taxi , direct them to Cusack Stand side Get there early: great cafe , lovely staff , great grub. While u eat u are surrounded by pictures of why u are there. It WILL get to u. Museum: Seamus Darby’s 1982 actual jersey n ball. Well deserved inclusion. Eoin, our tour guide called us to order. It was a cold , dry day in January and only a brave Monaghan man dared to accompany us. You are brought to a mini theatre for a 10 min film of croker behind scenes on big days. Eoin then brought us to Kerry dressing room from previous Saturday Dublin Kerry NFL game. When u walk out of the dressing room , be prepared!!! You are in the most famous tunnel in Ireland. In a stadium that is 3rd largest in Europe. By the greatest amateur organization in the world. U see the pitch for the first time and the enormity of the occasion hit me. The History, the passion, the memories, the culture, the fame , the personalities, the elation , the despair, the Pride in being IRISH. Our guide Eoin was clearly a Dub and proud of it. He made apologies that a lot of the material we would see was Atha Cliatha based. I couldn’t have been more honored. Kerry Dublin. Dublin Kerry. Their time is now. And ours beckons. Kluxton could be freeman of Tralee and Killarney tomorrow if he wanted. Walked the steps to hoist Sam replica. Thoughts of Tadgh Kennelly doing his jig on top of counter in better Kerry days. Eoin gave us the facts n figures n memories n hints of future battles. He told the history of everything that happened in those 4 walls. His passion spoke volumes. As I took it all in and wiped both eyes dry , I started down the tunnel where only days earlier , surely the next “Hall of Fame” recruit, David Clifford, who had, on 25/01/2020, most of his jersey ravaged , in the dying minutes, by Dublin players as souvenirs in acknowledgement of the arrival of the latest O’Connell, Sheehy, Donaghy, Gooch, Fitzgerald and most of all, an O”Sé or three. Good times? Great times. Go there. Goosebumps. Close eyes. Stand silent and remember where u are and all that’s been there before u. And if u lucky enough to get Eoin as a guide, you will think” I couldn’t have had a better guide to show us the greatest and most famous place in Ireland “.
3. Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By T9188QMsimonb - Chester, United Kingdom
Joe & Tony made me very welcome on my visit to this curious museum. Housed in a historic Martello Tower from the early 19th Century this exhibition is crammed with artefacts telling the story of the early development of telegraph and radio. And there are stories to be told about each one! The two guides delighted in picking out objects of interest and recounting their tales. Whilst tiny, you can spend a happy hour or so poking around the collection. Sadly the building needs some attention and I hope the Council who own it are able to fix it for people to enjoy this characterful collection for many years to come.
4. Irish Whiskey Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10,549 reviews
Irish whiskey is fast becoming one of the most popular spirits across the World. The Irish Whiskey Museum, based in the heart of Dublin City in a historic building on Grafton Street, tells the complete and unbiased history of Irish whiskey and its importance in Ireland’s turbulent past. The Irish Whiskey Museum is independent of all whiskey distilleries, offering its visitors the opportunity to taste and experience a huge selection of Irish Whiskey. Whether it’s Single Grain, Malt, Pot Still or a Blended Whiskey, the Museum’s whiskey experts will always be able to help you find the perfect whiskey to suit your palate. Tours take place from 10am-6pm every day, while visitors can experience a variety of live traditional music, storytelling and events every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening until 10.30pm.
Reviewed By laurenmudle
Mark O’R or little jesus for short was great! Amazing knowledge and great way of interacting, made everyone comfy and made us laugh too. With the premium tour you get the 3 standard whiskeys (to help you decide your favourite type of whiskey!) and then 1 extra special one and a nice take home gift which in the gift shop was 8€ so it’s amazing value for money! Would do again if I knew I’d forget the history of Irish whiskey and could get the drinks again ;)
5. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7,771 reviews
Don't just visit Ireland, understand it with a visit to the EPIC, winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019. EPIC is an interactive journey about how a small island made a big impact on the world. Discover why Irishness is celebrated around the world, with a journey through Irish history & culture, told from the perspective of those who lived. To begin your journey you will receive a stamped passport as you enter the exhibition, & then follow a path through the 20 themed galleries. You will discover why people left, see how they influenced the world they found, & experience the connection between their descendants & Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique & spectacular way. Located in Dublin's Docklands. Open daily from 10am. Last entry is 5pm, museum closes at 6:45pm.
Reviewed By pqflyer - San Diego, United States
The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum really is an epic experience. The title "museum" doesn't say enough. Everything is interactive, giving visitors the possibility of a quick overview or -- at any point -- more in-depth information. The best use of current technology I've seen in such an institution. The path through the exhibit is clear and logical -- no chance of getting lost or missing something. Much to see and do and think about. If you love Ireland or have Irish roots or are interested in history or simply want to experience the use of cutting-edge technology in a museum setting --- this is a must-see in Dublin. Near the Jeannie Johnston ship and the Famine sculptures.
6. Richmond Barracks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Richmond Barracks is a venue of historical importance that celebrates the rich stories and experiences of the local community, past and present. The Barracks runs regular guided tours and is currently running the Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham Walking Tour on Thursdays to Sunday at 11am and 1.30pm. The walk from Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham is steeped in Dublin’s rich historical, political & cultural landscape. Discover the local stories, the hidden histories & walk in the footsteps of those 1916 Rising Rebels that were marched to their execution in Kikmainham Gaol.
7. Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
A National Library of Ireland exhibition celebrating the life and work of Seamus Heaney at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre, Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2.
Reviewed By 794teresac - Wexford, Ireland
I visited in June 2019. It is an excellent exhibition and a great tribute to Seamus and his work and life. I have been to the Homeplace in Bellaghy which is also wonderful. The Dublin exhibition is easy to access by public transport. It is well laid out and the whole atmosphere is one of quiet calm. A delight.
8. Windmill Lane Recording Studios
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Windmill Lane Recording Studios have been capturing music history since 1978. The list of artists the studios have worked with includes Kate Bush, U2, The Cranberries, The Rolling Stones, Hozier, Lady Gaga & Westlife. The Visitor Experience tour is an unprecedented opportunity to step beyond the studios famous metal doors and receive an exclusive, immersive and highly memorable experience. Please note, Windmill Lane Recording Studios is a working recording studio so advanced booking is essential.
Reviewed By marcsa99 - Enghien Les Bains, France
My trip to Dublin started out with no upfront expectations. I was surprised that it was love at first sight between me and the city. Windmill Lane studios was recommended by a friend of mine as a plan B in case I’d run out of ideas what to visit. It turned out to be THE best gig in the city during my stay. The staff breaths professionalism and charm (and wit) thanks to Andrew and his collegues. You’ll tour in the footsteps of musical giants. And you will not regret it. Rush to see them first. The rest of Dublin can wait! I’ll definitely will come back.
9. James Joyce Tower & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Museum housed in a seaside tower that inspired the setting of the first chapter of Ulysses; features memorabilia and a fantastic view of the coast and the surrounding countryside.
Reviewed By Seehanes
If you are in the Sandycove area it would be difficult to justify not visiting the James Joyce Tower. The tower is one of a series of small defensive forts that were built along the Dublin coastline in the early 1800s. There is access to all levels including the open roof from which views are impressive. If the tower itself is not sufficient reason to attract attention, then the James Joyce perspective may tip the balance. Joyce stayed here for six nights in September 1904, when he was 22 years old, as a guest of his friend Oliver St. John Gogarty who was leasing the tower. On the sixth night fellow guest Samuel Chevenix Trench dreamt he saw a black panther and proceeded to shoot at the creature - terrifying Joyce who immediately fled. The tower provides the scene for the opening pages of Joyce's novel Ulysses. Biographical information and interesting photographs of Joyce form part of the display here. There is also a black panther, for good measure. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is no admission fee, but donations can be made at the discretion of visitors.
10. Guinness Storehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46,716 reviews
Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's No. 1 visitor attraction is a "must see" on any visit to Dublin. Housed in an old fermentation plant in the heart of St James's Gate Brewery, the now seven-storey visitor experience tells the story of Ireland's iconic drink and beings to life the heritage of this world famous beer. Your journey begins standing at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass, which rises through the building. It is a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity(R) Bar, Dublin's highest bar where you will receive a complimentary pint of GUINNESS(R) while enjoying spectacular views over Dublin.
Reviewed By D4091YXalext - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Iconic venue.The storehouse is huge and well presented.It was a cultural, informative experience, well worth a visit.Great views from the Gravity bar, excellent gift shop,highly recommend a visit.
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