VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at the little museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin, located at 15 Saint Stephen’s Green in an 18th-century Georgian townhouse, is a celebrated local history museum chronicling Dublin’s 20th-century story through a unique collection of over 10,000 artifacts, most donated by the public. Known for its immersive storytelling and theatrical flair, it has welcomed over onem visitors since opening in 2011 and is ranked #12 among Europe’s top 25 attractions on Tripadvisor. After a €4.3m renovation, the museum reopened on June 4, 2025, with Lord Mayor Emma Blain officiating.

Famous Dublin Welcome Tour: The signature 29-minute guided tour (€15 adults, €13 seniors/students, €35 family ticket for two adults and up to three children) is a highlight, offered every 40 minutes from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily (last tour at 4:00 PM). Guides like Emma, Sean, or George deliver a humorous, fast-paced narrative covering Dublin’s history from the Viking era to modern times, including figures like James Joyce, U2, and JFK. The tour, held in a single room packed with eclectic memorabilia (e.g., a 1920s lamppost, U2 exhibit), is described as a “comedy gig and history lesson” with singing, audience participation, and a warm Dublin welcome. It’s engaging for all ages, though younger children with limited English may find it less accessible. Booking in advance via littlemuseum.ie is essential due to high demand.
Exhibition Spaces: The ground floor features a new bookshop and the “Golden Age of Dublin” exhibition, exploring the city’s 1790s splendor through James Malton’s artwork, set against its post-1800 Act of Union decline. Upstairs, expanded galleries showcase Dublin’s 20th-century life through artifacts like vintage posters, photographs, and everyday objects, with dedicated exhibits on U2, influential women, and aviation. The collection’s eclectic nature—described as a “love letter to Dublin”—offers a quirky, intimate perspective not found in larger museums.
City of a Thousand Welcomes: This free programme connects first-time visitors with local ambassadors (historians, teachers, or residents) for a complimentary tea or pint, showcasing Dublin’s hospitality. Over 1,000 ambassadors share insights on lesser-known attractions, making it a unique way to experience the city. Applications are available online at littlemuseum.ie.
Walking Tours: The museum offers several walking tours (€15–€20), including The Official Walk of Shame, The Soccer Walking Tour, and The Freedom of Dublin, exploring Georgian Dublin and its colorful history. These 60-minute tours, led by engaging guides like Ffion, are packed with anecdotes and run daily, with limited spaces (book online).
Atmosphere and Facilities: The museum’s restored Georgian townhouse exudes charm, with a new reception area, a sun-trap patio for relaxing, and a gift shop offering Irish souvenirs, books, posters, and toys. The compact size ensures an intimate experience, ideal for a 1–2-hour visit. Staff are noted for their friendliness, and the museum’s theatrical vibe makes it a “must-do” for visitors seeking fun and history. It’s located a 2-minute walk from Grafton Street, near Saint Stephen’s Green, with easy access to buses, trams, and nearby attractions like Dublin “‘Castle and Temple Bar.
A new discreetly integrated lift improves access for those with mobility issues, though some areas may still involve stairs. The museum is pram-friendly, and brochures in French are available, but guided tours are primarily in English with clear, accessible diction.
Practicalities: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with guided tours every 40 minutes. Tickets (€15 general, €13 concessions, €35 family) are available online at littlemuseum.ie, where booking is strongly advised due to limited capacity. The museum is at 15 Saint Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 CV08, easily reached by Dublin Bus or Luas (Green Line, Saint Stephen’s Green stop). Combine with nearby dining at F.X. Buckley or shopping at Saint Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre for a full day out.

What’s New:

Following its closure for a €4.3m renovation, funded by Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and private donors, the Little Museum reopened on June 4, 2025, with significant upgrades. Here are the new features:
Expanded and Reimagined Exhibition Rosse: The historic townhouse has been transformed with expanded exhibition spaces, offering more room for the museum’s 10,000+ artifacts. New displays and improved interpretation enhance storytelling, with a focus on Dublin’s 20th-century history, including refreshed exhibits on U2 and influential figures.
New Reception Area and Patio: A modernized reception welcomes visitors, and a sun-trap patio provides a relaxing outdoor space, ideal for post-tour reflection or private events.
Improved Accessibility: A discreetly integrated lift ensures better access to upper floors, making the museum more inclusive for visitors with mobility challenges.
Youth Education Space: A dedicated space for school groups and young visitors offers interactive workshops and resources, enhancing educational outreach for Dublin’s history.
New Daily Walking Tour: The Little Walking Tour of Saint Stephen’s Green, launched daily at 2:15 PM, explores the park’s history and nearby Georgian landmarks, adding a fresh outdoor experience to the museum’s offerings. Tickets are available at littlemuseum.ie.
Enriched Artifact Collection: The museum has added new items donated by Dubliners, enriching its eclectic collection and offering fresh stories, from everyday objects to significant historical pieces, curated to reflect the city’s vibrant past.

Practical Information

15 Saint Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 CV08.
Contact: +353 (0)1 661 1000, www.littlemuseum.ie.
Tips: Book tours online to avoid disappointment, as capacity is limited. Arrive early for check-in. Dress for Dublin’s variable weather, especially for walking tours. The museum is ideal for a quick, engaging visit (1–2 hours). Check littlemuseum.ie for tour schedules and special events, like potential summer season activities tied to the reopening.

The Little Museum of Dublin promises a revitalized experience with expanded exhibits, improved accessibility, a new patio, and a fresh walking tour, all while retaining its award-winning storytelling and hospitality. For the latest details, visit www.littlemuseum.ie.