St. Patrick’s Day (3/17) was last week. In honor of the day I’m sharing my favorite museums that I explored in Dublin while living there! (P.S.- I miss the city so much!)
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
One of my favorite museum experiences in Dublin was visiting Kilmainham Gaol. This museum is housed in the actual gaol (jail) that was in operation from 1792 to 1924. My favorite section was the exhibit that gave a brief history of prisons and the thoughts that went behind jail/prison designs. This is something I found fascinating and I have never thought of before.
Kilmainham Gaol
Other exhibits in the museum showcased famous and important figures that were jailed on the property, as well as, highlighting social issues of various times in Dublin.
I also took a guided tour around the gaol and it was fascinating! I enjoyed my visit because I am passionate about criminal justice reform back home and the visit to the museum showed how society over time has viewed prisoners.
Dublina
If you want to learn about Dublin, but also have a fun time, you need to visit Dublina!
This is an interactive experience that brings to life viking and medieval Dublin. The exhibits include model homes of the vikings, what shopping was like during medieval times and home remedies for various illnesses.
The experience was truly fun and I spent a whole day exploring and learning. Since everything was interactive, and easy to understand, it made the times go by fast. No museum fatigue! Fun for all ages! Because why does interactive exhibits usual imply they are for kids? Adults want interactive experiences too!
Guinness Storehouse
Of course no trip to Dublin is complete unless you visit the Guinness Storehouse.
Guinness the blood of Ireland. When I was living in Dublin I LOVED that Guinness was on draft everywhere.
Even if you are not into Guinness, or drinking in general, it is still a great experience and worth the visit. The experience starts with learning about the ingredients and the process of making Guinness. You can think of the storehouse as a large museum dedicated to the history of Guinness.
My favorite part of the visit was the marketing section. They had displayed that showed how Guinness’ marketing has changed over time. It was a great look into the history of the company and marketing in general.
Again, even if you are not into Guinness, or drinking, vising the storehouse is still a fun experience! I didn’t drink while visiting there and still enjoyed myself. It offered a unique look into Dublin history.
National Leprechaun Museum
If you want an entertaining visit, look no further than the National Leprechaun Museum.
Though not filled with artifacts from leprechauns, the museum makes story telling the focus of the visitor experience. To go through the museum you need a docent/tour guide. The guide takes the group into interactive rooms that bring leprechauns, tales and fairies to life.
This was a wonderful experience and one that I believe is important. Story telling, tales and magic are all part of the history and fiber of Ireland.
There are other museums in Dublin that I didn’t even mention! It’s a town full of history and wonderful museums of various sizes and kinds.
What museums do you love in Dublin?
Caroline Evans 
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