
Visiting Dublin for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Here's where to go to get the most out of your first trip to the Irish capital.
Epic the Irish Emigration Museum is a state-of-the-art interactive experience. Most visitors make their own way through 20 engaging, high-tech galleries, though hour-long guided tours do take place twice daily with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Audio guides are also available for rent.
Visitors can pre-purchase an admission ticket to the exhibition, or opt for a combination ticket that provides access to both EPIC and the Irish Family History Centre, a neighboring genealogy center, where visitors can trace their family ancestry. Dublin Pass holders can avail of free entry to Epic the Irish Emigration Museum.
Epic the Irish Emigration Museum is especially fascinating for anyone with Irish ancestry.
Book tickets in advance during busier times of the year.
The exhibition is wheelchair accessible.
EPIC is located in the beautiful vaults of the CHQ building at Custom House Quay in Dublin’s Docklands, just north of the River Liffey. To get there, take the train to Connolly, Pearse, or Tara Street stations; the Luas Red Line tram to George’s Dock; or the bus (14,15, or 27) to Amiens Street/Connolly Station.
The museum is busiest from June through September. Even then, the large facility ensures it rarely feels crowded. Go just after opening to beat the crowds.
Ireland has experienced several upswings in emigration over the past 300 years, often due to periods of economic depression. The single greatest cause of Irish emigration was the Great Famine, a catastrophic event that devastated the country between 1845 and 1849. Learn more about the famine at the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum and the haunting Famine Memorial, a series of suffering, skeletal bronze figures—both within walking distance of EPIC.