Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum, located on Finglas Road in Dublin, County Dublin, is a premier visitor attraction known as Ireland’s national cemetery and the world’s first cemetery museum. Spanning 124 acres, it is the final resting place of over 1.6m people, including iconic figures like Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins, and Éamon de Valera. Managed by the Dublin Cemeteries Trust, it combines rich history, award-winning exhibitions, and scenic parkland, earning accolades like the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Founded in 1832 by Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator,” Glasnevin was Ireland’s first non-denominational cemetery, ensuring burial rights for all regardless of religion. Previously catholic funerals had been disrupted and sometimes attacked with violence when they were carrying out burials in the established cemeteries, which were officially owned by the Episcopalian church.
Glawnevin has since become a repository of Irish history, housing the graves of political leaders, revolutionaries, artists, and ordinary Dubliners who lived through events like the Great Famine, cholera epidemics, and tenement hardships. The museum, opened in 2010, is the world’s first cemetery museum, telling Ireland’s social, political, and cultural story through the lives of those interred.
- Notable Figures: Visitors can see the graves of Michael Collins (Irish revolutionary), Éamon de Valera (former President), Countess Markievicz (first woman elected to England’s Parliament), Charles Stewart Parnell (nationalist MP), Luke Kelly (Dubliners musician), Brendan Behan (playwright), and Maud Gonne (activist). The cemetery’s non-denominational ethos offers a cross-section of Ireland’s diverse society.
- Cultural Impact: The museum’s interactive exhibits and genealogy services make it a vital resource for tracing Irish heritage, with records dating back to 1828. Its storytelling, through tours and displays, captures Ireland’s turbulent history, from the 1916 Easter Rising to world wars, making it a recommended visit for history and genealogy enthusiasts.
Key Features and Activities:
- Guided Tours: The museum offers several guided tours (1–1.5 hours), led by passionate, knowledgeable guides who blend history, wit, and sensitivity:
- General History Tour: Covers Ireland’s history through the graves of figures like Michael Collins, Daniel O’Connell, and Countess Markievicz, including a visit to O’Connell’s ornate crypt.
- Dead Interesting Tour: Focuses on lesser-known stories, such as Maria Higgins (buried twice) and Francis de Groot (accidentally opened Sydney Harbour Bridge). Available weekends and Bank Holidays at 1:00 PM (1:30 PM July–August).
- 1916 Easter Rising Tour: Highlights combatants and civilians of the 1916 Rising, visiting graves like those of Michael Collins and Harry Boland. Offered around Easter.
- Women of Glasnevin Tour, Military Tour, Literary Tour, and Religions Tour: Explore themes, such as influential women or religious diversity. An International Tour is in development, focusing on globally significant figures.
- Irish Language Tour: Free tours as Gaeilge on March 14–15 at 1:30 PM, visiting graves of Irish language advocates, with complimentary O’Connell Tower access (registration required).
- O’Connell Tower: Ireland’s tallest round tower (55 meters/180 feet), built in 1854 as Daniel O’Connell’s tombstone, was restored and reopened in 2018 after a 1971 British bomb blast. Visitors can climb 198 steps for panoramic views of Dublin, Wicklow, and the Irish Sea. The climb takes ~30 minutes and includes an exhibition on O’Connell’s life. Children under 8 are not permitted; ages 8–12 require adult supervision (1:1), and ages 12–16 need an adult (1:3). A reasonable fitness level is required.
Museum Exhibitions:
- City of the Dead: An immersive basement exhibit exploring burial practices, religious beliefs (via the “Religion Wall”), and the lives of 1.6m people. Interactive displays include a scrolling screen of names (10-hour loop) and re-enactments of gravediggers’ work.
- Milestone Gallery: Features a 10-meter interactive timeline detailing 200 influential figures, from Daniel O’Connell to modern icons, with biographies and connections. Temporary exhibitions highlight key individuals.
- Prospect Gallery: Showcases photos of historic funerals and events at Glasnevin, including grave-robbing history.
- Extra-ordinary Lives: Highlights unique stories, like a lion tamer killed by a lion and Maria Higgins’ double burial.
- Genealogy Services: The museum’s meticulous records since 1828 allow visitors to trace family history via an online database or staff assistance. A Genealogy Seminar on April 18, 2025 (9:30 AM–4:30 PM), offers presentations and research packs for enthusiasts. A €5 genealogy voucher is included with Dublin Pass tickets.
- Grounds and Art: The 124-acre cemetery features the world’s largest collection of Celtic crosses, ornate sculptures, and historic headstones, earning it the title of Ireland’s “outdoor art gallery.” High walls, built to deter grave robbers, add historical intrigue. Visitors can wander freely or follow guided trails.
Amenities:
- Tower Café: Run by The Caterers, it offers fresh cakes, scones, salads, and artisan sandwiches, with indoor and outdoor seating. Dublin Pass holders get a 10% discount.
- Gift Shop: Stocks exclusive souvenirs, including books and memorabilia.
- Facilities: Toilets are outside the Visitor Centre (10:00 AM–5:00 PM). The museum and most tour routes are wheelchair-accessible, except O’Connell’s crypt (steps). Free audio guides are available in English, Irish, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Polish, and Mandarin when downloaded to personal devices.
- A visit lasts 1.5–3 hours, including a tour (1–1.5 hours), museum exploration (30–60 minutes), and optional tower climb (30 minutes). Self-guided wandering can extend the visit.
- Cost: General History/Dead Interesting Tour tickets are €14.50 (adults), €12 (seniors 65+, children 5–17, students with ID). O’Connell Tower climb is €9 (adults) or €7 (concessions). Combined museum/tour/tower tickets are available. Dublin Pass holders get free museum entry, tour, or tower climb (or tower at €7.50/€5 with a tour). Online booking is essential.
- The Visitor Centre and most tour paths are wheelchair-accessible; coach and car parking (€2 for 30 cars) are available. Dublin Bus routes 4, 9, 40, 83, or 140 from O’Connell Street reach the cemetery (every 8–10 minutes). Cycling is viable, with bike stands provided.
- Atmosphere and Appeal: With a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (2018) and Thea Award (2011), Glasnevin is praised as a recommended visit for its engaging tours, interactive exhibits, and serene grounds. Visitors highlight the guides’ storytelling, the tower’s views, and genealogy resources. Some note the somber topic may not suit young children, but the balance of history, humor, and beauty appeals to adults, families, and what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”.
- Criticisms: Some visitors find ticket prices high for families, and the crypt’s inaccessibility disappoints those with mobility issues. The somber nature may not appeal to all.
- Location and Getting There: At Finglas Road, Dublin 11 (D11 XA32), 2.5 km from Dublin city center, it’s accessible via Dublin Bus from O’Connell Street or a 30-minute walk from Drumcondra DART station. A connecting gate to the National Botanic Gardens enhances combined visits.
- Nearby Attractions: Pair with the National Botanic Gardens (adjacent), John Kavanagh’s “The Gravediggers” pub (famous for Guinness), Croke Park Stadium (10-minute drive), or Dublinia (15-minute drive) for a full day.
What’s New:
- The museum and cemetery are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry). Tours run daily, with Dead Interesting Tours on weekends/Bank Holidays at 1:00 PM (1:30 PM July–August). The Irish Language Tour (March 14–15) and Easter Rising Tour (around Easter) are confirmed.
- Genealogy Seminar: A new Genealogy Seminar on April 18, 2025 (9:30 AM–4:30 PM) offers presentations, research packs, and tips for tracing family history, building on the museum’s 1828–present records. Booking is required.
- International Tour Development: The museum is finalizing an International Tour, focusing on globally renowned figures buried at Glasnevin and their international connections. While in development, it may launch, augmenting the tour lineup.
- O’Connell Tower Following a 2024 visitor experience upgrade, the tower climb remains a highlight, with its exhibition on Daniel O’Connell’s life and 360-degree views.
- Continued Recognition: The museum’s awards (e.g., Thea Award 2011, Irish Tourism Industry Awards 2015) and its role in the documentary Onem Dubliners (2014) sustain its prominence. The 2024 Lonely Planet designation of Donegal as a top region may indirectly boost Dublin tourism, including Glasnevin.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Getting There: Take Dublin Bus (4, 9, 40, 83, 140) from O’Connell Street or cycle (bike stands available). Walk from Drumcondra DART (1.5 miles) or drive (30-car parking, €2). Use GPS (D11 XA32).
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for tours and climbing; bring a camera for views and Celtic crosses. The café covers dining, but picnics are an option in the grounds. Face coverings will be required indoors per HSE guidelines.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for quieter tours; spring (e.g., April for the Genealogy Seminar) or March for Irish Language Tours. Book online to secure spots, especially for tower climbs.
- Tips: Book tours via www.glasnevinmuseum.ie to avoid disappointment (essential for groups). Dublin Pass holders get free entry and discounts. Check weather for outdoor tours; the museum is ideal for rainy days.
- Combine with Other Sites: Visit the National Botanic Gardens (via connecting gate), The Gravediggers pub, or Croke Park for a full day. Temple Bar or Dublinia are 15–20 minutes away.
- For the latest 2025 updates, contact Glasnevin Cemetery Museum (+353 1 882 6550, booking@dctrust. ie) or visit www.glasnevinmuseum.ie.
