The National Wax Museum Plus is a self-guided visitor attraction between O’Connell Bridge and Trinity College in the heart of Dublin city centre, Ireland. This 2026 travel guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, parking, accessibility, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
To skip the explanation and just buy tickets, head here.
This guide was last updated in February 2026. Several third-party booking sites still list a fixed adult ticket price and closing time of 6:00 pm, both of which are out of date. The museum currently operates on a variable pricing model — adults pay from €17.50 depending on arrival time — and current opening hours extend to 7:00 pm daily, with last entry at 6:00 pm.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | National Wax Museum Plus, Lafayette Building, 22–25 Westmoreland Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 EH29 |
| Opening hours | Daily, 10:00 am–7:00 pm (last entry 6:00 pm) |
| Closed | 24, 25, and 26 December |
| Adult ticket | From €17.50 (price varies by time of day and season) |
| Child ticket (under 12) | From €11.50 |
| Child (under 5) | Free |
| Nearest public transport | DART: Tara Street Station; Luas Green Line: Westmoreland Street stop; Luas Red Line: Middle Abbey Street stop |
| Nearest car park | ParkRite, Fleet Street, Temple Bar |
| Typical visit duration | 90 minutes–2 hours |
National Wax Museum Plus opening hours
The National Wax Museum Plus is open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, with last entry at 6:00 pm. The museum is closed on Christmas Eve (24 December), Christmas Day (25 December), and St Stephen’s Day (26 December). It is open seven days a week throughout the rest of the year, including Sundays and bank holidays.
Note that the Time Vaults of Irish History section begins closing 30 minutes before the museum closes, and the Wax Hands attraction in the gift shop closes from 6:00 pm. Visitors arriving late in the day may not have access to all exhibits.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
National Wax Museum Plus ticket prices
Ticket prices vary by time of arrival and season. The prices below are the starting (off-peak) rates. Off-peak slots are usually, but not always, the first entry times of the day (10:00 am and 10:30 am) and the final slots (5:00 pm and 5:30 pm). Peak-time tickets cost a few euros more.
| Ticket type | From (off-peak) |
|---|---|
| Adult | €17.50 |
| Student / Senior | €14.50 |
| Child (under 12) | €11.50 |
| Child (under 5) | Free |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children under 12) | €56.00 |
| Additional child or student with family ticket | €5.00 |
| Visitor with a disability | €8.00 |
| Helper / carer | Free |
An annual membership is also available: individual membership (1 adult + 2 children) costs €95 per year; family membership costs €150 per year and covers up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Memberships must be purchased by contacting the museum directly. A VIP combo ticket is available with the sister attraction, the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience on Curved Street; see the promotions page on the official website for current pricing. Subscribing to the museum’s newsletter gives a 10% discount on a first booking.
The National Wax Museum Plus is also covered by the Go City Dublin Pass. This pass also gives free entry to other key attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse, 14 Henrietta Street and Christ Church Cathedral.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Go City Dublin Pass?
- 🎟️ Access to 40+ Attractions: Enjoy entry to Dublin’s most iconic sites, including the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St., and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save significantly on admission fees compared to buying individual tickets at the gate for each landmark.
- 🚌 Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Includes a 1-day Big Bus sightseeing tour, making it easy to navigate the city and reach top districts without extra transport costs.
- 📱 Digital Convenience: No need for paper tickets; simply scan your digital pass from your smartphone at each attraction for seamless entry.
- ⏱️ Flexible Sightseeing: Choose a pass duration (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days) that fits your itinerary and explore the city at your own pace.
How to get to the National Wax Museum Plus
The museum is on Westmoreland Street, directly beside O’Connell Bridge, and is easily reached by public transport from across the city.
- DART: Alight at Tara Street Station. The museum is a short walk west along the quays.
- Luas Green Line: Alight at the Westmoreland Street stop, which is immediately adjacent to the building.
- Luas Red Line: Alight at Middle Abbey Street and cross the river via O’Connell Bridge.
- Dublin Bus: Routes 9, 13, 16, 27, 40, 49, 54a, 56a, 65, 65b, 68, and 69 all stop on Dame Street and in the College Green area, within a short walk of the museum.
- Hop-On Hop-Off buses: The DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off tour has a stop close to the museum.
- Walking: The museum is less than 150 metres from Trinity College’s main gate and approximately 2 minutes’ walk from Temple Bar.
Parking at the National Wax Museum Plus
There is no on-site parking at the museum. The nearest public car park is ParkRite on Fleet Street, Temple Bar, a short walk from the entrance on Westmoreland Street. Several other car parks are within the wider city centre area. The museum does not operate a validated parking scheme; parking costs are the visitor’s responsibility.
5 great Dublin experiences to book
- 🌊 Cliffs of Moher day tour: Take a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, including the Wild Atlantic Way and Galway.
- 🚶 Dublin walking tour: Discover Dublin’s highlights and hidden gems on a city walking tour packed with stories.
- 📚 Book of Kells and castle tour: See key historic sites on a guided tour combining the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle.
- 🍺 Food and drink tour: Enjoy eight tastings on an indulgent walking tour.
- 🚤 River Liffey cruise: Take a sightseeing cruise along the River Liffey.
How long to spend at the National Wax Museum Plus
Most visitors spend between 90 minutes and 2 hours at the museum. The attraction covers three floors and approximately 13,000 square feet of exhibition space, and the self-guided format means visitors can move at their own pace. Visitors who want to spend time at interactive stations, the Mirror Maze, the recording studio, or the Wax Hands attraction should allow closer to two hours.
Accessibility at the National Wax Museum Plus
The National Wax Museum Plus has wheelchair access to all floors except the basement, via a lift. Due to the layout of the building, the number of wheelchair users that can be accommodated at any one time is limited. Visitors requiring wheelchair access are asked to call ahead on (+353) 1 671 8373 before their visit to confirm arrangements.
Buggies and pushchairs must be left at reception during busy periods, and buggy access is not guaranteed. Wheelchair users are given priority use of the lift. The museum holds a dedicated Autism Hour every Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, providing a sensory-friendly environment for visitors who need a quieter experience. Visitors with a disability pay a reduced rate of €8; their carer or helper is admitted free of charge.
Inside the National Wax Museum Plus: what to see
The museum is self-guided and visited using a route map provided at admission. Visitors can also use the Wax Magic app, which adds augmented reality content to certain exhibits. The attraction spans three floors with a basement section.
The Science and Discovery Zone covers Irish contributions to science and engineering through interactive exhibits. This connects into the Mirror Maze, Dublin’s only permanent mirror maze, before leading into the Hall of Fame, which features wax figures of Irish and international music and entertainment figures including Phil Lynott, U2, Van Morrison, David Bowie, Tina Turner, and Elvis Presley.
The Great Irish Writers Room features wax figures of figures including Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett, with views along O’Connell Street. The Irish Heroes of Discovery room covers scientific and engineering achievement. The Time Vaults of Irish History takes visitors through key moments in Irish history from Viking Dublin through to the modern era.
The Children’s Fantasy World (Kid’s World) is a dedicated zone for younger visitors. The Enchanted Forest covers Irish folklore and mythology. The Fantasy Experience features figures from Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and The Lord of the Rings. The Irish Sports Legends room displays figures of notable Irish athletes.
The Wax Factor Recording Studio allows visitors to record a short video clip, and the Greenroom provides a green-screen photo experience. The Chamber of Horrors in the basement features horror figures and is the section most likely to be unsuitable for young or sensitive visitors. The Wax Hands machine in the gift shop allows visitors to make a wax cast of their own hand as a souvenir (closes at 6:00 pm).
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book the off-peak slot to pay less | Arriving at 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 5:00 pm, or 5:30 pm gives access to the lowest ticket prices. |
| Arrive early to avoid crowds | The museum is self-guided and popular in the late morning and early afternoon during peak tourist season. Earlier entry tends to be quieter. |
| Last entry is 6:00 pm, not 7:00 pm | The museum closes at 7:00 pm, but no new visitors are admitted after 6:00 pm. Allow enough time to see all exhibits before closing. |
| The basement closes before the rest | The Time Vaults section begins closing 30 minutes before the museum closes. Plan to visit it earlier in your route. |
| Wax Hands closes at 6:00 pm | If visiting the Wax Hands attraction in the gift shop, this must be done before 6:00 pm regardless of your arrival time. |
| Call ahead if you need wheelchair access | The lift accommodates wheelchair users, but capacity is limited. Calling in advance avoids difficulties on arrival. |
| Buggies may not be permitted on floors | During busy periods, buggies must be left at reception. A baby carrier is recommended for families with infants. |
| Consider the combo ticket | A VIP combo with the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience on nearby Curved Street is available via the promotions page on the official site. |
Frequently asked questions about the National Wax Museum Plus
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the National Wax Museum Plus open on Sundays? | Yes. The museum is open every day of the week from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, including Sundays. An Autism Hour runs every Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. |
| What time does the National Wax Museum Plus close? | The museum closes at 7:00 pm. Last entry is at 6:00 pm. Several third-party sites list 6:00 pm as the closing time, which is incorrect. |
| Is the National Wax Museum Plus suitable for children? | Yes. Children under 5 enter free. Children under 12 pay from €11.50. The Chamber of Horrors in the basement may not be suitable for young or sensitive children. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the National Wax Museum Plus? | Advance booking is not mandatory, but it is recommended during the summer months and school holiday periods. Online booking also allows you to select an off-peak time slot for a lower price. |
| Is the National Wax Museum Plus wheelchair accessible? | Partially. Wheelchair access is available to all floors except the basement, via a lift. Capacity is limited; call (+353) 1 671 8373 before visiting. |
| Is there parking at the National Wax Museum Plus? | There is no on-site parking. The nearest car park is ParkRite on Fleet Street, Temple Bar. |
| Is the National Wax Museum Plus self-guided or guided? | The standard visit is self-guided. Visitors receive a route map on entry and can also use the Wax Magic app for augmented reality content. |
| Is the National Wax Museum Plus closed on Christmas Day? | Yes. The museum is closed on 24, 25, and 26 December each year. |
| Is there a disability rate at the National Wax Museum Plus? | Yes. Visitors with a disability pay €8. Carers and helpers are admitted free of charge. |
Things to do near the National Wax Museum Plus
The museum is on Westmoreland Street, within walking distance of several other paid visitor attractions in the city centre.
- Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience — Located on Curved Street, Temple Bar, approximately 5 minutes’ walk. A sister attraction to the Wax Museum; a VIP combo ticket is available.
- Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells — Less than 150 metres from the museum entrance. The Book of Kells exhibition is a paid attraction; college grounds can be visited freely.
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum — Located at CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, approximately 15 minutes on foot. Interactive museum covering Irish emigration history.
- GPO Museum — Located on O’Connell Street, approximately 10 minutes’ walk north across the river. Covers the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish political history.
- Dublin Castle — Located on Dame Street, approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the museum. State apartments are ticketed; some areas of the grounds are accessible without charge.
More Dublin travel
Other Dublin travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What you need to know before visiting EPIC The Irish Emigrant Museum, the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and the Famine Memorial on Custom House Quay.
- 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.
