EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is in the vaulted CHQ Building on Custom House Quay in Dublin’s Docklands. Its galleries trace why Irish people left, where they went and how they shaped life around the world. You can follow personal stories through videos, sound, scent and interactive displays, then collect stamps in a passport as you move through the museum. The exhibits cover hardship as well as achievements in fields such as politics, music, science and sport. Allow time to explore at your own pace, especially if you want to read and listen along.
The story behind the galleries
EPIC examines the movement of Irish people across the world and what they carried with them. The galleries explore why people left Ireland, the places they settled and the effects of those journeys on both Ireland and other countries. Emigration is presented through individual experiences as well as the wider forces that shaped departures.
The Great Famine and periods of economic decline are among the reasons addressed. Personal accounts, including video testimonies, bring the experience of leaving home and building a life elsewhere into focus. The museum also follows the hardships emigrants faced, alongside the opportunities and achievements that followed.
Irish influence around the world
The exhibits trace Irish connections beyond the island, across areas including politics, science, literature, music, art and sport. Stories range from the difficult circumstances that prompted people to leave to the contributions they made in their new homes. The result is a broad view of the diaspora, with individual lives set within the history of Irish migration.
Some displays connect Irish heritage to well-known public figures, while others focus on personal histories and the everyday experience of emigration. The museum also includes material about Irish identity and its continuing links with people whose families settled abroad.
Interactive exhibits and the passport
The galleries use touchscreens, videos, sound and other interactive elements to tell their stories. Some exhibits invite you to engage with more than text and images, using sensory elements and activities. A passport activity runs through the visit: collect a stamp in each section as you explore, and keep the booklet as a memento.
You can move through the museum independently, choosing how closely to engage with each display. An audio guide is available at no extra charge, and some exhibits include Irish-language audio. Reading the panels, using the interactive screens and listening to the guide all add detail, so the visit can take longer if you want to do all three.
The CHQ Building and nearby stop
EPIC occupies the vaulted spaces of the CHQ Building at Custom House Quay, in Dublin’s Docklands. The brick-lined setting gives the galleries a distinct atmosphere, while the museum’s modern displays sit within the historic building.
The replica famine ship Jeanie Johnston is docked close by and explores another part of the emigration story. The CHQ Building also has cafes where you can stop after the museum. Tickets should be arranged in advance, and lockers are available; one account reports a refundable €1 deposit.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum?
Allow around 90 minutes for a visit. Reading the panels, using the interactive displays and listening to the audio guide can extend it to around two and a half hours.
Is EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum interactive?
Yes. Its galleries use touchscreens, videos, sound and sensory activities, and you can collect passport stamps as you go.
Should you book EPIC tickets in advance?
Advance ticket booking is recommended. The museum has an admission fee, but no ticket price is specified here.
Is there an audio guide at EPIC?
Yes. A free audio guide is available, and some exhibits include Irish-language audio.
