Overview
EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum – sits in the dramatic 200‑year‑old stone vaults of the former Custom House Quay (CHQ) warehouse, right in the heart of Dublin’s Docklands. Voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction for three consecutive years (2019‑2021), EPIC is the world’s first fully digital museum. It tells the saga of the ten million Irish who have left the island since the 6th century, using motion‑sensor quizzes, touch‑screen archives, immersive video walls and a self‑guided “EPIC passport” that turns the visit into a quest.
History & Background
The CHQ building was erected in the early 19th century as a customs warehouse. In 2016, former President Mary Robinson officially opened EPIC, a project championed by Neville Isdell (former Coca‑Cola chairman) who invested €15 million. Designed by Event Communications – the team behind Titanic Belfast – the historic vaults were transformed into a sleek, future‑forward visitor experience. A €2 million expansion in 2018 added new themed spaces and a dedicated Irish Family History Centre where guests can trace ancestry, access genealogical records and even undertake DNA testing.
What to See & Do
EPIC’s 20 galleries are grouped into four narrative arcs:
| Arc | Galleries | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Migration | 1‑2 | Interactive maps chart emigration routes from 500 AD onward; a replica 19th‑century ship’s cabin; video testimonies of modern emigrants. |
| Motivation | 4‑7 | Stories of famine, political persecution and economic opportunity; tactile stations that let you hear the cries of a 1840s famine survivor. |
| Influence | 8‑18 | Meet Irish innovators in science, sport, literature and music – a replica of C S Lewis’s desk, a mock‑up pub where you can pose with a virtual pint of Guinness, and a dance floor that teaches a Riverdance step. |
| Diaspora Today | 19‑20 | A living digital wall where visitors add their name to the global Irish family tree; the Irish Family History Centre offers on‑site genealogical research, DNA testing and guidance on tracing personal roots. |
Other interactive features include motion‑sensor quizzes, a digital “stamp” system via the EPIC passport, and a dedicated space for school groups and families.
Royal Visit
In July 2018 the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited EPIC as the final stop of their Irish royal tour. Their arrival generated worldwide media attention, with the couple exploring the genealogy displays to trace Meghan’s Irish ancestors. The visit highlighted EPIC’s role as a centre for personal heritage research and added a memorable moment to the museum’s recent history.
Family‑friendly Highlights
The EPIC passport is a kid‑friendly stamp card that rewards children with digital stickers as they complete each gallery. The on‑site café offers child‑suitable meals, and the gift shop stocks Irish‑themed toys and books. Regular workshops, birthday‑party packages and seasonal programmes – many free with entry – make the museum a top choice for families, school groups and birthday celebrations.
Educational & Group Visits
EPIC runs tailored programmes for primary and secondary schools, including curriculum‑linked workshops on migration, storytelling and digital media. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more, and the museum can host private events, corporate team‑building sessions and community gatherings. All bookings can be made via the museum’s website, where you can also request a pre‑visit briefing for teachers.
Events & Exhibitions
The museum hosts a rotating programme of special exhibitions, from Irish contributions to sport and science to themed displays on music, literature and technology. Many events are free with entry; a few require advance pre‑booking on the EPIC website.
Accessibility & Inclusive Experience
The museum is fully wheelchair‑friendly, with ramps, lifts and tactile guides throughout. A free multilingual audio‑guide app can be downloaded to your device, and staff are on hand to provide assistance. The Irish Family History Centre also offers large‑print screens for visitors with visual impairments.
Ticketing & Passes
- Online booking is strongly recommended; it secures entry and often provides a small discount.
- Family passes and group rates are available; infants enter free.
- EPIC is included on the Dublin Pass, giving visitors unlimited entry to over 40 Dublin attractions for a single price.
- Discounts are offered for students, seniors and teenagers (see admission fee table above).
Getting There & Parking
- Location: CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 (Docklands). The museum sits beside the Famine Memorial and the replica ship Jeanie Johnston.
- Public transport: The Luas Red Line stop Spencer Dock is a 2‑minute walk away. Several Dublin Bus routes (including 33, 151 and 151A) serve the Docklands. The DART does not stop directly at the museum, but the nearest DART station is Connolly (about a 15‑minute walk).
- Parking: Information pending – see needs‑human‑action.
Practical Information
- Opening Times: Mon‑Sun 10:00‑18:45 (last entry 17:00).
- Facilities: On‑site café, gift shop, free Wi‑Fi, and the Irish Family History Centre for genealogical enquiries.
- Nearby cultural venue: The historic Abbey Theatre is a short tram ride away, offering a taste of Dublin’s theatrical heritage.
Nearby Highlights
While you’re in the Docklands, consider a quick walk to:
- The Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay, a powerful tribute to the Great Famine.
- The replica Jeanie Johnston ship, offering a glimpse of 19th‑century emigration vessels.
- The historic Custom House building itself, an iconic Georgian landmark.
- The vibrant Spencer Dock area, home to modern cafés and the Dublin Convention Centre.
These sites are all within a few minutes’ walk, making EPIC an ideal anchor point for a half‑day Docklands itinerary.
Plan ahead, grab an EPIC passport at the information desk, and prepare to walk in the footsteps of the Irish who have shaped the world.