Epic The Irish Emigration Museum
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.”
You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold at EPIC, 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.
8 Fun Activities to try out at EPIC!
- Stamp your souvenir passport
Fill up your very own souvenir EPIC passport. Can you collect every stamp? - Try our interactive sports table
Spin the disks and watch your favourite sports stars come to life - Watch your step
Try out some Irish dancing moves - Listen to talking books
Our library isn’t quiet…the books talk to you! - Travel through history
Hear people from hundreds of years ago tell you their story - Choose your favourite villain
From pirates to cowboys, pick the most horrible in our dastardly game - Discover your Irish family
Maybe even track down your great-great-great-great-great-grandparents at the Irish Family History Centre - Take the EPIC quiz
Can you answer every question on our interactive touch screen quiz?
Make sure to check out EPIC’s free virtual tour
EPIC 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, 2020 & 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
Look Back to Look Forward: 50 Years of the Irish in Britain
In the 1970’s, thousands of Irish emigrants unknowingly left one precarious living situation for another as they fled over the water to start a life in Great Britain.
Look Back to Look Forward: 50 Years of the Irish in Britain is an audio-visual experience celebrating the origin stories of the Irish Community in Great Britain. Inspirational as they are heart-breaking, this exhibition ensures those stories are never forgotten.
The exhibition also features contributions from notable Irish cultural figures, such as actors Siobhán McSweeney, Adrian Dunbar and Aisling Bea, broadcaster Terry Christian, musician Jah Wobble and Moth Poetry Prize Winner Laurie Bolger, who has composed a bespoke poem.
- Exhibition Overview: Celebrates the Irish community in Great Britain over the last 50 years, featuring personal stories, cultural contributions, and notable Irish figures.
- Historical Context: Highlights the migration of Irish to Britain post-World War II, their significant role in British society, and the challenges they faced, including discrimination.
- Cultural Impact: Showcases the influence of Irish heritage on British music and the importance of Irish clubs and societies in promoting Irish culture and providing support to migrants.
- Social Activism: Recognizes the Irish community’s involvement in social activism, particularly in LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights movements in Britain and Ireland.
The exhibition runs from 11th April to 14th July 2024 and includes special events exploring the Irish contribution to the NHS, labour history, and the Queer Diaspora.
This is not one to be missed!
Opening Hours
EPIC is open daily from 10:00 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
EPIC Special Offers
EPIC on Dublin Pass – Get FREE entry to EPIC and some of Dublin’s best attractions with the Dublin Pass
EPIC Museum Gift Shop now online! From eco-friendly face coverings and handmade jewellery, to books and prints, EPIC have carefully selected a range of products from Irish makers all over the country. Shop local and browse a wide-range of beautiful Irish gifts. Browse here.
Group Booking – Group rates available for 10 or more people pre-booking. For Group Bookings please contact them on 01 906 0861 or email info@epicchq.com.
Cafés and bars at EPIC
EPIC is located in the CHQ building on Dublin’s Docklands. There is a large selection of bars and restaurants to choose from and a large outdoor terrace to enjoy the summer sun.
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!
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
Epic The Irish Emigration Museum
TEL: +353 (0) 1 906 0861