EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is an interactive cultural attraction located in the CHQ Building at Custom House Quay in Dublin’s Docklands. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, accessibility, and practical visitor tips for planning a visit.
This guide was last updated in February 2026 to reflect current standard adult ticket pricing. To secure an entry slot, book tickets online.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | 10:00 – 18:45 daily (Last entry 17:00) |
| Ticket prices | Adult: €21.00; Senior: €19.00; Child (6-12): €10.50 |
| Address | The CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, D01 T6K4 |
| Nearest transport | George’s Dock (Luas Red Line) |
| Typical time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum opening hours
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 to 18:45. The final admission time is strictly 17:00 to allow visitors sufficient time to move through the galleries before closing.
The museum remains open on most bank holidays but is closed annually from 24 to 26 December inclusive. During peak summer months or special events, hours may be subject to minor changes; checking the official calendar before arrival is recommended.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum ticket prices
A standard adult ticket for EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum costs €21.00. Discounted rates are available for seniors (65+) at €19.00, students (with valid ID) at €18.50, and teenagers (13-17) at €13.00. Children aged 6 to 12 are charged €10.50, while children aged 5 and under enter for free.
Visitors can also purchase a combined ticket that includes entry to the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship or a consultation at the Irish Family History Centre. Tickets are typically cheaper when booked online in advance compared to walk-in rates at the desk.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
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How to get to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
The museum is situated in the Dublin Docklands, a short distance from the city centre. The most direct public transport route is via the Luas Red Line, exiting at the George’s Dock stop, which is located immediately outside the CHQ Building.
For those using the DART (train), the museum is a 10-minute walk from Tara Street Station or Connolly Station. Several Dublin Bus routes serve the Custom House Quay area, and the site is a 15-minute walk from O’Connell Street.
Parking at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
There is no on-site parking directly at the museum. The nearest public parking facility is the Park Rite IFSC Car Park, located on Commons Street, approximately a 3-minute walk from the entrance.
Visitors can often find limited pay-and-display on-street parking in the surrounding Docklands area, though spaces are highly restricted during business hours. Using the Luas or DART is generally more efficient for reaching the site.
How long to spend at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Most visitors spend between 90 minutes and 2 hours exploring the 20 themed galleries. The experience is self-guided and heavily reliant on interactive touchscreens and audio-visual displays.
If you intend to visit the Irish Family History Centre for genealogical research or dine in the CHQ Building, you should allow for an additional hour.
Accessibility at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments. The entrance in the CHQ Building features ramps, and all galleries are located on a single level or connected by lifts.
Accessible toilets are available on-site. The museum also offers sensory-friendly hours on specific dates for visitors who prefer a quieter environment with reduced lighting and sound levels.
Inside EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
The museum is housed in the restored 19th-century vaults of the CHQ Building, creating a distinct atmosphere of stone arches and atmospheric lighting. Upon entry, every visitor receives a physical souvenir passport that can be stamped at kiosks throughout the 20 galleries.
The exhibits are entirely digital, using high-definition screens and motion-sensor technology to tell the stories of over 300 Irish emigrants. Galleries are organised by theme, covering the causes of emigration, the influence of the Irish diaspora on global politics and science, and the evolution of Irish dance and music.
Visitors can also access the Irish Family History Centre within the complex, where experts provide assistance with ancestry tracing. The museum does not house physical artefacts; the focus is on storytelling through immersive media.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Recommendation |
| Timing | Book a slot before 11:00 to avoid large tour groups that typically arrive at midday. |
| Crowds | The galleries are spacious, but the “Influence” section can become congested during peak times. |
| Layout | Follow the numerical order of the galleries to ensure you do not miss the passport stamping stations. |
| Entry process | Online tickets use QR codes which can be scanned from a mobile device at the reception desk. |
| Logistics | The vaults can be cool; wearing an extra layer is advised regardless of the outdoor temperature. |
Frequently asked questions about EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
| Question | Answer |
| Is the museum suitable for children? | Yes, the interactive screens and passport stamping are specifically designed to engage younger visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | Advance booking is recommended to guarantee a specific time slot, though walk-ins are usually accommodated. |
| Is there a cloakroom at EPIC? | Yes, there are lockers available in the CHQ Building for small bags and coats. |
| Are dogs allowed inside the museum? | Only registered assistance dogs are permitted within the museum galleries. |
Things to do near EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
The following paid attractions are located within walking distance of the CHQ Building:
- Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship: A replica tall ship located on the Liffey nearby, focusing on the famine era.
- The Famine Memorial: One of Ireland‘s finest pieces of public art.
- The Custom House Visitor Centre: A museum detailing the history and architecture of the landmark government building.
- Trinity College Dublin: Home to the Book of Kells and the Old Library, approximately 15 minutes away on foot.
- GPO Museum: An exhibition on the 1916 Rising located on O’Connell Street.
Other top Dublin attractions include the Guinness Storehouse, 14 Henrietta Street and Christ Church Cathedral.
More Dublin travel
Other Dublin travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Embrace the cheese at the National Wax Museum Plus and the earnestness at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience.
- What you’ll see at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.
- Discover which parts of Dublin Castle are free to visit.
- Enjoy the character-packed tours at the Little Museum of Dublin.
- Explore Malahide Castle, Newbridge House and Farm and the Skerries Mills to the north of Dublin.
