The Complete Guide to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Unlike traditional museums filled with dusty artifacts behind glass, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a fully digital, interactive experience. Located in the underground vaults of the 19th-century Custom House Quarter (CHQ) building in Dublin’s Docklands, it tells the story of the 10 million Irish people who emigrated and the impact they had on the world.

Because the museum relies heavily on touchscreens, audio sensors, and motion-activated displays, visiting requires a bit of strategy—especially on busy days when you might find yourself waiting for a screen to free up. This guide breaks down exactly how to navigate the exhibits, which tickets make the most sense for your trip, and how to structure your time in the Docklands.

Why EPIC Matters: The Historical Context

To understand Ireland, you have to understand emigration. The country’s population today is around 5 million, yet an estimated 70 million people worldwide claim Irish heritage. EPIC explores the “why” and the “who” of this massive diaspora.

The museum doesn’t just focus on the tragedy of the Great Famine (though it covers it extensively). It also highlights the scientists, politicians, artists, and outlaws who left Ireland and made their mark globally.

The setting itself is historically relevant. The CHQ building was originally a wine and tobacco warehouse built in 1820. The museum is located in the original brick vaults underground. Just outside the building on Custom House Quay, you’ll find the Famine Memorial statues and the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, a replica of a 19th-century famine ship.

🗺️ Keep Planning: If you are interested in the broader history of the area, read our guide to the Docklands neighborhood.

Who Should Visit (And How to Do It)

EPIC is designed to appeal to a broad range of visitors, but how you approach the 20 galleries should change based on your travel style.

For Genealogy Buffs

If you are coming to Ireland to trace your roots, EPIC is your starting point. The museum houses the Irish Family History Centre. You can book a consultation with a genealogist here, but even with a standard entry pass, you can use their interactive workstations to search passenger records and census data. Local Tip: Bring whatever concrete data you have (names, birth years, counties of origin). The more specific you are, the more the genealogists can help.

For Families with Kids

Traditional museums can be tough for young children, but EPIC feels more like an interactive game. Every visitor receives a physical “passport” upon entry. In each of the 20 galleries, there is a stamping station. Kids love the scavenger hunt aspect of finding the stamp machines. The motion-sensor quizzes and the Riverdance interactive floor are also highly engaging for younger visitors.

For the Time-Poor

If you only have an hour, do not try to read every digital plaque. Focus on the first section (Migration), which explains the historical reasons for leaving, and then skip to the specific galleries that interest you (e.g., Sports, Science, or Music). You can comfortably walk through the vaults and get the gist of the experience in 60 minutes if you keep moving.

5 Specific Highlights Inside the Vaults

The museum is divided into two main sections: why people left, and what they did when they arrived. Here are five specific areas to look out for.

1. The CHQ Vault Architecture

Before you even look at a screen, look up. The museum is housed in the subterranean vaults of the CHQ building. The exposed brick arches and cast-iron pillars date back to 1820. The low lighting and cavernous feel of the vaults create an atmospheric backdrop that perfectly suits the sometimes somber stories being told.

2. The “Leaving” Gallery

One of the most impactful rooms focuses on the Great Famine (1845–1852). Instead of standard text panels, the room features a massive, immersive audio-visual installation. Whispered voices read actual letters from emigrants, and the digital displays show the sheer volume of people boarding ships. It is a stark, sobering introduction to the desperation that drove millions away.

3. The Rogues Gallery

Not every Irish emigrant was a saint. This gallery is dedicated to the outlaws, pirates, and notorious figures of the diaspora, including Billy the Kid (whose parents were born in Ireland) and pirate queen Grace O’Malley. It’s a fun, slightly darker look at the Irish impact abroad.

4. The Music & Dance Gallery

This is usually the loudest room in the museum. It tracks the global influence of Irish music, from traditional folk tunes to U2 and Thin Lizzy. The highlight is a motion-sensor floor where you can attempt to learn the steps to Riverdance. It gets crowded here, so if you want to try the dancing, you may have to wait your turn.

5. The Whispering Library

Dedicated to Irish literature, this room features a digital library of famous Irish authors (James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett). When you select a book on the touchscreen, an audio recording of an excerpt plays. It is a quiet, reflective space toward the end of the tour.

Ticket Options & Comparisons

You have a few ways to get into EPIC. You can buy a standalone ticket, book a combo ticket with nearby attractions, or use a city pass.

Standard Entry vs. The Dublin Pass

If you are only visiting EPIC and perhaps one other museum, buy the standalone ticket. However, if you plan to visit EPIC, the Guinness Storehouse, and take the Hop-on Hop-off bus all in one or two days, The Dublin Pass will save you money. EPIC is one of the highest-value inclusions on the pass.

🗺️ Keep Planning: Not sure if a city pass is worth it? Read our detailed breakdown in Passes Compared.

Logistics: Getting There & Getting Around

EPIC is located in the CHQ Building on Custom House Quay, right along the River Liffey.

• By Luas (Tram): Take the Luas Red Line and get off at the George’s Dock stop. The stop is literally outside the front door of the CHQ building.
• By Bus: Several Dublin Bus routes stop nearby, but the most convenient is the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses, which have a dedicated stop for EPIC and the Jeanie Johnston.
• Walking: It is a flat, easy 15-minute walk from O’Connell Street or Trinity College. Just walk east along the north bank of the River Liffey.

Local Survival Tips for Avoiding Crowds

1. Avoid the 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Rush: This is when large coach tours and school groups typically arrive. Because the museum relies on touchscreens, a crowd means you will be standing behind people waiting to read or interact with the exhibits.
2. Check the Cruise Ship Schedule: The Docklands is near where smaller cruise ships dock, and EPIC is a primary shore excursion. If a ship is in port, the museum will be exceptionally busy.
3. Go Late: EPIC is open until 6:45 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM). Booking a 4:00 PM slot often means you get the galleries mostly to yourself as the day-trippers have left for dinner.
4. Eat Upstairs: The CHQ building above the museum has several good cafes (like Bakehouse) and a large food court. Eat lunch here before or after your visit rather than trying to find food in the immediate, corporate-heavy Docklands area.

Suggested Docklands Itinerary

Make a half-day out of your visit to the Docklands by combining EPIC with the surrounding historical sites.

Where to Stay Near EPIC

The Docklands area (often called the “Silicon Docks” because of the tech company headquarters) is a modern, clean, and quiet place to stay, though it lacks the traditional pub atmosphere of Temple Bar. It is highly convenient if you are attending a concert at the 3Arena or want easy access to the Luas Red Line.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more official information on public transport routes to the Docklands, check the Transport for Ireland website.