Activities

You won't find leprechauns or pots of gold here, 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.  At EPIC, which was recently awarded Winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019, 2020 & 2021, 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.

Get hands on with Irish culture and its past with our fully interactive museum - swipe through video galleries, dance through motion sensor quizzes, listen to remastered audio from 100 years ago and watch videos that bring Irish history to life.  At EPIC you'll discover the far reaching influence of Irish history, and the impact the 10 million Irish men and women who left Ireland had on the world.
 

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:

•    Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019, 2020 & 2021
•    European Museum of the Year 2019
•    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

“Thought-provoking…I had never fully appreciated the Irish diaspora until my visit to this high-tech exhibit…an entertaining and educational experience”
Travel writer Rick Steves.

Visit https://epicchq.com/ to book

Follow in the footsteps of those who fled the Famine.

The Jeanie Johnston tells the story of the thousands of Irish people who fled the Famine and embarked on a treacherous voyage in the hope of a better life in North America. The Great Famine hit Ireland in 1845 and lasted until 1852.The failure of the potato crop and the rise in food prices led to starvation and disease, which killed between 1 and 1.5 million people and forced another 1 million people to flee the country. By the time the famine ended Ireland had lost ¼ of its population. Step on board and you will be transported back in time to join them on their gruelling journey.

An informative 50 minute tour

The tour takes approximately 50 minutes and is led by one of our knowledgeable guides. The tour begins with a walk around the upper deck, where you will see the majestic masts, admire the craftsmanship and learn about the ship’s history.

They endured overcrowding, seasickness, disease, filth, starvation and storms...And they were the lucky ones.

Take a deep breath and go below deck to experience the cramped quarters where up to 250 passengers spent most of their time, only emerging for a half an hour of fresh air each day.

It cost 3 pounds 10 shillings to flee the Famine. 100,000 people paid with their lives.

Find out how they paid for it. Learn about their grim voyage in cramped and filthy conditions and the risks they faced from disease, starvation and disaster. Hear how they passed the time on their traumatic voyage and discover what fate awaited them.


Delve into Ireland’s dark history

The Great Famine hit Ireland in 1845 and lasted until 1852. The failure of the potato crop and the rise in food prices led to starvation and disease, which killed between 1 and 1.5 million people and forced another 1 million people to flee the country. By the time the famine ended Ireland had lost ¼ of its population.

Book online at https://jeaniejohnston.ie/book-online/

This architectural icon stands on the Liffey quays, which were once Ireland’s major trade route to the wider world. The architect James Gandon completed the building, a masterpiece of European neoclassicism, in 1791. Admire the decorative detail of Edward Smyth's beautifully executed stonework carvings on the exterior and the famous carved keystones depicting the terrible heads of the river gods. There are 14 of these – one for every major river of Ireland.

The Custom House witnessed not only the development of a great city, but also some of the most turbulent milestones in its history. The building was destroyed by burning in 1921 and later restored to its former splendour.

The stories of the building, burning and restoration of Dublin’s Custom House are now brought to life in a new and fascinating exhibition, revealing a rich, many-layered story that spans over 200 years.

For more information or to book online, please click here

The Diving Bell was designed by the port engineer Bindon Blood Stoney (1828 to 1907) and built by Grendon and Co., Drogheda.  It was delivered to the Port in 1866, entered service in 1871 and was used in the building of the Port’s quay walls until 1958.  Stoney was a prodigious engineer and among his achievements were the construction of O’Connell Bridge and the building of many of the Port’s quay walls  including Sir John Rogerson’s Quay and North Wall Quay Extension.

The Diving Bell was used in the building of the Port’s quay walls from the Victorian era right up until almost the 1960s.  It was a ground-breaking piece of engineering innovation in its day.

Its lower section was hollow and bottomless, providing just enough room for six men to work at a time.  Once lowered into position on the riverbed, the crew entered through an access funnel from the surface and compressed air was fed in from an adjacent barge.  The men inside the bell worked on the river bed exposed at their feet, excavating the site where a massive concrete block would later go; all the excavated soil was stashed in trays hanging inside the bell, and brought up when the bell was lifted. The Bell has recently been refurbished and visitors can now walk through the structure’s interior.

Dublin’s historic Liffey Ferry No. 11 was once a common site on the Liffey, ferrying passengers across the river until it was decommissioned in 1984 when the new East Link Bridge opened.   The Ferry played a vital link for Docklands Communities transporting people to work, school and to loved ones and family members living of the other side of the river. The Ferry service dates back to 1665 when it was given a Royal Charter by King Charles II and went on  to last more than 300 years.
 
The Ferry, now refurbished and reinstated, will be a familiar sight once again ferrying the people of Dublin between three points – the 3Arena to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to MV Cill Airne at North Wall Quay and back.  Services begin on Monday 11th February 2019 and the Ferry will have capacity for 18 passengers at a time, it will be €2 for each 3 minute journey point to point.

The Ferry will be operated by the Irish Nautical Trust and will also be used as a teaching/ training platform to educate and train young men and women from the local area in a wide range of maritime skills.  All proceeds from passengers' fares will be used to help fund the return of the new maritime training programme.  It will be a great opportunity for these trainees whose parents and grandparents would have travelled on this type of ferry boat in the past to gain practical marine experience and a formal qualification accredited by the Irish Sailing Association.  

1. From the MV Cill Airne pontoon
2. From the Sir John Rogersons Quay pontoon (between Blood Stoney Road & Britain Quay
3. From the 3Arena (The Point) pontoon.

Dublin's tour service on the River Liffey. The bright red, glass-roofed tour boat, ‘Spirit of Docklands' operates between the city centre and the Docklands, exploring the historical sites and landmarks along the River Liffey.

A tour guide delivers entertaining snippets on Dublin life specific to the Liffey and Docklands throughout the journey, offering passengers an intriguing insight into Dublin folklore and history. The script has been developed by leading Dublin historian Pat Liddy. The tour departs from a landing station at Bachelor's Walk, passing under O'Connell Bridge downstream past the Custom House in Docklands. It reaches the East Link Toll Bridge and the Grand Canal Basin before passing the IFSC and returning to Bachelor's Walk.

‘Spirit of Docklands' arrived in Dublin in June 2005. Built in Sweden by boat builders Westers Mekaniska, it can accommodate 50 passengers, is 23 metres long and capable of travelling at 9.5 knots. It is wheelchair accessible and suitable for young and old alike.

The service is the latest of a number of initiatives under the Docklands Authority's River Regeneration Strategy to bring back life to the River Liffey to give Dubliners and visitors alike an alternative view of the city.

The Liffey River Cruises operates daily, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes.

For ticket prices and booking please click here .

Visitor Centre on Dublin Docklands

The Central Bank of Ireland Visitor Centre, located in its North Wall Quay headquarters, offers visitors a glimpse into the unique work and history of the Central Bank suitable for all ages.  Access to the Visitor Centre is free and both individual and group visitors are welcome.  

The Visitor Centre is currently hosting two exhibitions.  

Pounds, Shillings and Independence explores the birth of Ireland's first modern currency after independance.  Visitors can discover the origins and design of the iconic Series A and Ploughman banknotes, and view unique 3D printed replicas of the original coin design submissions.
 
75 Years of Change – The Story of the Central Bank of Ireland is an exciting new exhibition open to the public to mark our 75th anniversary, and takes you on a journey of discovery from the early history of the Central Bank right through to the present day. It will explain how 75 years of public service can be distilled into our core mission of safeguarding stability and protecting consumers.

Individual visitors can drop in at any time during opening hours, with dedicated staff on hand to help you get the most from your visit and answer any questions.

Groups can book tours in advance by emailing [email protected] 

This statue, unveiled by President Michael D Higgins is one of two statues unveiled in the City to mark the 35th anniversary of musician and activist Luke Kelly's death.  Located on Sheriff Street, where Kelly was born, the statue was designed by portrait artist Vera Klute.  The other statue is located on South King Street.

In 2006 this sculpture - which was commissioned by the Admiral Browne Society - was unveiled by Án Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahearn TD to honour the  Mayo born father of the Argentine navy.  The bronze sculpture was cast in Argentina and is a replica of one that stands in Buenos Aires.  It is located on Admiral Brown Way, off Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Docklands, Dublin 2.

'Arc Hive' was commissioned by Dublin City Council in 2003.  The artwork is located in the foyer of Pearse Street Library.  Three 1.1m X 1.1m hexagonal cast iron grids bedded into the entrance foyer house honey amber glass cobbles.  Rachel Joynt has chosen the bee, honeycomb and its gathering and storing activities as an appropraite symbol for a library.  The cobbles are embedded with Irish type face letters that appear like speckled powdered pollen.  The lighting underneath creates a warm glow.

This installation was commissioned by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority in 2008 to animate the Bord Gáis above Ground Installation (AGI), which is in fact a depressurisation installation for the distribution of gas within the North Lotts area in Docklands.  Recalling the banded wrapping of the freight containers that would have been shipped into this part of the River Liffey - the reflective sequins creates a dance of light and pattern on the glazed surface of the structure.  This installation especially comes to life after dark.

Martin Richman was educated at St. Martins School of Art in London.  His work addresses issues concerning light, colour and space both in the private and public realms.  As well as a strong studio practice and producing work for exhibitions and private houses, Martin Richman has done many public projects from stand-alone sculptures to collaborative works with architects and engineers.  Richman is well known for the transformation of Tyseley Energy Waste Facility, Birmingham (1997) incollaboration with architect Ray Perry - the project received a RSA award.

In 2006 Rachel Joynt was commissioned by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority to insert 'Freeflow' - an installation of 900 small internally lit glass cobbles in watery shades of green and blue, along the north quays for 1km stretching from Custom House Quay to North Wall.  Rachel Joynt is an Irish sculptor who has created some prominent Irish public art.  She graduated from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin in 1989 with a degree in sculpture.  Her commissions include People's Island (1988) in which brass footprints and bird feet criss-cross a well-traversed pedestrian island near Dublin's O'Connell Bridge.  She collaborated with Remco de Fouw to make Perpetual Motion (1995), a large sphere with road markings which stands on the Naas dual carriageway and Mothership (1999) a cast bronze and steel sea urchin positioned on the sea front in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Commissioned by Dublin Corporation in 1998, this bronze sculpture is situated in the gardens of Pearse Square, off Pearse Street in the spot where a bandstand once stood.  The bronze figure celebrates those past musical performances.  Sandra Bell is a self-taught sculptor who uses the Lost Wax Method for bronze casting.  Her work is sinuous, elegant, graceful, tactile and feminine.  There are Celtic, classical and African influences in her work which is based on the human form.  She abstracts the human form eliminating the detail, so that only the essential essence of the figure remains.

This sculpture was commissioned by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and is a memorial to Irish socialist hero James Connolly.  One of the signatories of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic in 1916 - Connolly was executed by the British in the Easter Rising.  The bronze sculpture is located in Beresford Place, opposite Liberty Hall.  The sculptor - Eamonn O'Doherty is one of the best-known living Irish artists.  He has  created so many of Ireland's late 20th century public sculptures.  His best known works is large scale public works including:  'Fauscailt', County Wexford (1998), 'Crann an Oir' (Tree of Gold) Central Bank Plaza Dublin (1991), and the 'Galway Hookers', Eyre Square, Galway (1984).

This sculpture was erected in 1988 - Dublin's millennium year.  It is a memorial to Matt Talbot (1856 - 1925) who is an icon for Ireland's temperance movement.  The sculptor - James Power - a native of Dublin was considered an excellent modeller in clay, plaster and wax and produced many superb portraits, death masks and genre pieces throughout his career.  The sculpture is carved from granite and is located on Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin's Docklands.

Commissioned by the National College of Ireland, NC Iris was inspired by two flower forms - the lily and the Iris - which represent growth and optimism.  The main material used is a specially designed stainless steel chain-mail which is lit from a series of recessed light in the ground - colour changes are achieved at night using a computer programmed at a remote source.  The 14 metre sculpture is located in Mayor Square just outside the entrance to the college.  Born in Cork, Vivienne studied at the Crawford College of Art and at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.  Vivienne Roche is a member of Aosdána and of the R.H.A.  She was instrumental in the establishment of the National Sculpture Factory in Cork, and served as a member of the Arts Council from 1993 to 1998.

This bronze sculpture, by Irish artist Dony MacManus, commemorates the tradition of docking in the area, which disappeared with the containerisation of shipping cargo.   Located on City Quay, it was the winning entry in a public art competition organised by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority to celebrate the new life of the quayside or campshires, along the River Liffey.

Universal Links on Human Rights is a memorial sculpture located on the traffic island at the junction of Amiens Street and Memorial Road, close to Busáras and The Customs House.  It is a sphere of welded interlinked chains and bars, 260cm in diameter, housing an eternal flame powered by natural gas from Kinsale.  This sculpture was commissioned by Amnesty International in 1995.  It represents the jails around the world holding prisoners of conscience.

Grand Canal Square in Dublin's Docklands was designed by Martha Schwartz.  The 10,000 sq metre square is one of the largest paved public spaces in Dublin City.

The Square features a striking composition of a red "carpet" extending from the theatre into and over the dock.  This is crossed by a green "carpet" of paving with lawns and vegetation.  The red "carpet" is made of bright red resin-glass paving covered with red glowing angled light sticks.  The green "carpet" of polygon-shaped planters filled with marsh like vegetation provides seating and will connect the new hotel to the office development across the square.

Grand Canal Square is also criss-crossed by granite-paved paths that allow movement across it in any possible direction, while still allowing for the Square to host major public events such as festivals and performances.  The layout can accommodate a diverse range of activities throughout the day and night.

This location is a particularly appropraite and historic as one of the first voyages of the Famine period was on the 'Perserverance' which sailed from Custom House Quay on St. Patrick's Day 1846.  Captain William Scott, a native of the Shetland Isles, was a veteran of the Atlantic crossing, gave up his office job in New Brunswick to take the 'Perserverance' out of Dublin.  He was 74 years old.  The Steerage fare on the ship was £3 and 210 passengers made the historical journey.  They landed in New York on the 18th May 1846.  All passengers and crew survived the journey.

'Famine (1997) was commissioned by Norma Smurfit and presented to the City of Dublin in 1997.  The sculpture is a commemorative work dedicated to those Irish people forced to emigrate during  the 19th century Irish Famine.  The bronze sculptures were designed and crafted by Dublin sculptor Rowan Gillespie and are located on Custom House Quay in Dublin's Docklands.

The World Poverty Stone is a commemorative stone marking the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of World Poverty.  It is sited to the east of the Famine Sculptures on Custom House Quay in the heart of Dublin's Docklands.

This limestone memorial was commissioned as a gesture of solidarity with people living in poverty around the world.  On the 17th October 1987, in response to the call of Joseph Wresinski - founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World - 100,000 defenders of human rights gathered in Paris to honour the victims of hunger, violence and ignorance, to express their refusal of extreme poverty and to call on people from all walks of life to unite to ensure respect for human rights.  A commemorative stone proclaiming this message was inaugurated on this occasion on the Plaza of Human Rights and Liberties - where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948.

Since then, on the 17th October each year, people from all walks of life, gather throughout the world to express their solidarity and commitment to ensure that everyone's dignity and freedom are respected.

River trips from Dublin City Moorings through the very center of the beating heart of the capital. City Kayaking is the only way to actually paddle under the famous O’Connell and Ha’penny bridges and is a fantastic way to see Dublin’s most famous landmark sites from a unique angle! 

Surfdock have been teaching water sports for over 20 years. Their watersports centre is ideally located in the Grand Canal Basin, only a short distance from the city centre and a 5 minute walk from the Grand Canal Dart Station. They provide all the equipment, wetsuits and buoyancy aids. They offer changing rooms and shower facilities on site and there is free parking for customers.

Surfdock offer a variety of adult and children’s watersport courses like wind surfing and paddle boarding  and also work closely with schools for fun days out and transition year modules.

Please click here for more information or to book.

A city tour with a difference! The mode of transport is an amphibious World War II landing craft, allowing you to view the city from both land and water.  Irreverent costumed Viking tour guides will lead you through the streets of Dublin, teaching you to roar like Vikings at passersby's! Sights along the way include Dublin's two famous City Cathedrals, Saint Patrick's and Christchurch, Viking Dublin, Trinity College, Government Buildings (Leinster House) and Georgian Dublin. The highlight of the tour is the ‘Splashdown' into the water at Grand Canal Dock.

The Viking Splash is suitable for all, adults and children alike. It departs from St Stephens Green daily. For information on tickets click here