Review: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Dublin

What Is the EPIC Museum in Dublin?

EPIC is Ireland's emigration museum. It tells the story of the 10 million Irish people who left Ireland over the centuries and how they shaped the world.

The museum covers everything from why we had to leave Ireland, where we settled, our struggles, our successes, modern emigrants, focusing on how Irish people left their mark on places like America, Australia, and Argentina.

It's Ireland's way of saying "look how important we are globally."

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The Epic Experience

This is not a dusty old museum with old trinkets behind glass. It is the world's first fully digital museum with lots of interactive screens and projections. You see, hear, touch and even dance your way through EPIC! This a fun place.

When you enter, they give you a passport and in each of the of the rooms, you stamp your passport to track your journey. Clever and everyone was doing it!

The museum has 20 different rooms following the journey of Irish emigrants. It starts with Leaving the Island, then Settling In A New World, and how we grew in influence. It builds up the story of the Irish like a Hollywood movie.

It was quite emotional seeing how far we have come. I know all the history but being exposed to so much of it in a vibrant way really brought it to life.

There is a genealogy expert who you can consult with about your family ancestry. And of course, a gift shop.

The CHQ Building

The museum is in a really cool building, the CHQ Building on Custom House Quay, originally called the Customs House Store when it was built in the early 1800s. The building was constructed with iron and stone, no wood, making it fireproof.

The entrance is in a very modern glass area, but the museum is in the basement. Dark with arched brick ceilings. It's like a museum in a massive wine cellar which all adds to the atmosphere.

The Good

• The digital museum is superbly done
• It's very educational and you will learn a lot
• It fills you with pride for being Irish
• It's the most fun museum in Dublin
• Epic is a good place to visit after a transatlantic flight before you have to check in to your hotel. It's lively and energetic to keep you awake.

Speaking of hotels, here are my recommendations for the best hotels in Dublin for every type of trip from Luxury to Budget.

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The Not So Good

• I say this with all museums & experiences in Dublin, I think you should spend your time in Dublin exploring Dublin itself, not just museums about Dublin. If it's a rare sunny day here, skip all the museums and go do one of these walks.

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Looking for things to do in Dublin? These 5 walks skip the tourist traps and show you the real city, from villages to cliffs.

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Plan Your Visit To Epic

👉Buy a ticket for the EPIC Museum. It gets busy so book ahead to skip the line.

👉Buy a combo ticket including a tour of the Jeanie Johnson Famine Ship, docked outside the museum. This is the highest rated Dublin tour on Get Your Guide!

I actually toured the Jeanie Johnson in Charleston, SC when it was on its US tour. Wow, what a fascinating experience. Kids love the boat.

The Verdict

8/10 If you are one of the 70 million people with roots in Ireland, the EPIC Museum is somewhere you should visit to learn why you should be proud to be Irish.

Getting There

It's very central in Dublin City. It's just a ten minute walk from Trinity College, Temple Bar. It is in the Docklands area of Dublin which is worth walking around. There's a lot of offices here so plenty of food options. I like eating in the CHQ building itself.

Museum Opening Hours

Open 7 days a week: 10:00am – 6:45pm (Last entry 5pm)

How Long To Visit?

I spent 90 minutes there and I was taking my time.

Who Should Visit EPIC?

Anyone with Irish ancestry. You will leave bursting with pride at everything that such a small nation has achieved in the world.

Similar Places

• Dublinia: If you want to learn more about the history of Dublin from medieval times up until the emigration period.
• The Famine Memorial: You'll pass these haunting statues as you walk to EPIC.
• The Jeannie Johnson Famine Ship is a must see and is a great deal in a combo ticket with Epic Museum 👉 Buy your tickets
• Irish Famine Museum: A small but powerful exhibit run by a very passionate curator. 👉Buy tickets