EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Winner Europe’s leading Tourist Attraction 2019 & 2020 & 2021

“EPIC has been voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards, beating Buckingham Palace, the Roman Colosseum and the Eiffel Tower.”

 At EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, you won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold, but you’ll discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are.  

Did You Know? 

  • Rihanna has Irish ancestors! Her Irish surname, Fenty, inspired the name for her makeup line.
  • Three members of the Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison – all come from families of Irish descent.
  • Irish physicist John Tyndall was the first to explain why the sky is blue.

Shortlisted for the Children in Museums Award 2017, EPIC is a modern museum situated in Dublin’s Docklands; it tells the moving and unforgettable story of the 10 million Irish people who left their homeland – and how they influenced and shaped the world.

Experience this story in 20 breath-taking interactive galleries, complete with touchscreens, motion-sensor games, and audio and video to bring these one-of-a-kind tales to life.

August Special – Kids Go Free

EPIC and Jeanie Johnston invite you to join for a day filled with adventure and discovery in the heart of Dublin Docklands. Begin your journey through history at EPIC, an interactive museum that celebrates the fascinating stories of Irish emigration. With exhibits covering everything from music, science, dance, sports, to literature, there’s something to capture the imagination of every child—and it’s all free during Easter Break!

After delving into Ireland’s past at EPIC, take a short five-minute walk to The Jeanie Johnston. This authentic Famine Ship offers a powerful glimpse into the lives of those who fled famine in search of hope in North America. Children will find themselves transported back in time as they learn about the challenging conditions faced by emigrants.

Don’t forget to stop by CHQ after your museum visit for a family meal that promises satisfaction for all ages. And remember, you can always get your ticket stamped for re-entry if you decide to take a break or enjoy a stroll along the Liffey.

Applicable to children aged 17 and under when accompanied by a full paying adult. Max 3 children per paying adult

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, simply book online here. Child tickets will be automatically discounted at checkout. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

8 Family Fun Activities to try out at EPIC!

1. Stamp your souvenir passport
Fill up your very own souvenir EPIC passport. Can you collect every stamp?

2. Try our interactive sports table
Spin the disks and watch your favourite sports stars come to life

3. Watch your step
Try out some Irish dancing moves

4. Listen to talking books
Our library isn’t quiet…the books talk to you!

5. Travel through history
Hear people from hundreds of years ago tell you their story

6. Choose your favourite villain
From pirates to cowboys, pick the most horrible in our dastardly game

7. Discover your Irish family
Maybe even track down your great-great-great-great-great-grandparents at the Irish Family History Centre

8. Take the EPIC quiz
Can you answer every question on our interactive touch screen quiz?

"Epic Kids Go Free"

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Dublin Highlights:

  • Travel back in time through 1,500 years of history
  • Interact with the past in easy-to-use high-tech galleries
  • Discover family-friendly exhibits full of entertainment and education
  • Stamp your very own EPIC passport as you move through Irish history
  • Connect with your ancestors at the Irish Family History Center

Awards:

  • Leading Tourist Attraction 2019 2021 & 2021 at World Travel Awards – Winner
  • TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019
  • European Museum of the Year 2018 – shortlisted
  • TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2018
  • TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2017 – Top 5 Irish Museums
  • Children in Museums Award 2017 – Shortlisted – the only Irish museum selected for this prestigious European award

Opening Hours

EPIC is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:45 pm and last entry is at 5:00 pm.

Open all year round excl. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day.

Last admission: 5:00 pm.

Approx Visit Duration: 90 minutes. Cafes and restaurants in CHQ

EPIC Admissions

Online Booking

You can book online here through our booking link directly to the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum ticket sales

EPIC Special Offers

Group Booking – Group rates available for 10 or more people pre-booking. For Group Bookings please contact them on 01 906 0861 or email [email protected].

Cafés and bars at EPIC

The beautifully-restored CHQ stands proudly on the banks of the Liffey and is well established as an attractive recreation, retail and events hub in Dublin city centre. A popular destination for the surrounding business community, CHQ is bursting with wonderful places to eat and shop such as –

  • EPIC Gift Shop
  • Bakehouse
  • Urban Brewing
  • Starbucks
  • Seven Wonders
  • Freshii

EPIC School Tours

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is the perfect destination for your school tour. With 20 stunning, interactive galleries at EPIC and ties to the primary school curriculum, your students will learn something new, and most importantly – have loads of fun!

To Make A School Tour Enquiry

Discover Your Irish Roots

Become historical detectives with your little ones at the Irish Family History Centre, as part of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum’s visitor experience. The Irish Family History Centre (operated by Eneclann) introduces an exciting way for visitors to search for their Irish ancestors, discover their own unique family story and explore their Irish heritage. Knowing who you are and where you come from is something everyone should get excited about!

"The Irish Emigration Museum"

THE FUN DOESN’T HAVE TO END THERE!

Make a day of it with a combined visit to the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship
Just a 5 minute walk from EPIC, you’ll find The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship which tells the story of the thousands of Irish people who fled the Famine and embarked on a gruelling voyage in the hope of a better life in North America. This is an unmissable opportunity to experience what life on board a real life Famine Ship would have been like.

Directions to EPIC

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is located at the heart of Dublin, at Custom House Quay on the River Liffey, a short walk from O’Connell Street or Trinity College and easily accessible as part of your visit to Dublin.

By Foot

8 minutes’ walk from O’Connell Bridge. Walk east from the Bridge along Eden Quay with the River Liffey on your right and continue along Custom House Quay until you see CHQ. The entrance is inside!

By LUAS

Luas Red Line stop at Georges Dock

By Bus

14, 15, 27 bus to Amiens Street/Connolly Station and 3 minute walk to CHQ.

Buses 15a, 15b & 151 also arrive at Custom House Quay/Jurys Hotel which is 1 minute walk away.

Also stop 4 on the Dublin Sightseeing Tour’s Dockland route.

By Car

The CHQ is easily located in most Sat Navs (coordinates – 53.348031,-6.247889) and parking is available nearby to the rear of Jurys Inn Hotel, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1. Parking enquiries should be made directly to Park Rite

Map

See Google Map Top of Page

"Epic Emigration Museum Dublin"