What is EPIC?
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum tells the story of the 10 million people who left Ireland over the centuries and how they shaped the world, from St Brendan and the Famine emigrants to the scientists, politicians, writers, sports stars and musicians of the Irish diaspora.
It's fully interactive: 20 themed galleries with touchscreens, audio, film and music, and a "passport" you stamp as you go. It's in the vaults of the historic CHQ Building in Dublin's Docklands and has won major travel awards as one of Europe's leading tourist attractions.
Ticket prices
Check the official site for current prices. Booking online is cheaper and lets you skip the desk. The Irish Family History Centre, in the same building, offers genealogy consultations if you want to trace your own Irish roots. Book it separately in advance.
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How busy is EPIC?
Our crowd data shows EPIC is busy on every day of the week, with Friday and Saturday very slightly ahead. The real difference is the time of day: quiet in the first hour, then busy from about 11 am to 5 pm.
Because so much of EPIC is interactive, crowds matter: at busy times you'll wait for touchscreens and listening stations. Rainy days are especially busy.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Wednesday, 6-7 pm
How to skip the queues
- Book online for the lower price.
- Arrive at 10 am to enjoy the interactives without waiting.
- Arrive by 3 pm at the latest to give yourself time before the 5 pm last entry.
- Pair it with an outdoor sight on a dry day and save EPIC for when it rains, but go early, as rainy afternoons are busiest.
Getting there
EPIC is in the CHQ Building on Custom House Quay, in the Docklands. The Luas Red Line stops at George's Dock, right outside. From O'Connell Bridge, it's about a 10-minute walk along the quays.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving after 5 pm, when the last entry has passed.
- Paying the door price when online is cheaper.
- Rushing it in under an hour.
- Expecting to research your family tree on the spot without booking the Family History Centre.
Is EPIC worth it?
Yes. It's one of Dublin's most engaging museums, especially if you have Irish roots, and it explains why there are far more people of Irish descent abroad than in Ireland. Go at 10 am and give it a couple of hours.
🎟️ Included in the Dublin Go City Pass and the Dublin Go City Explorer Pass. Could a pass save you money? Compare Dublin tourist passes →
FAQs
How much does EPIC cost?
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About €19 for adults online, a little more at the door. Children, students, seniors and families pay less.
What are EPIC's opening hours?
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Daily from 10 am to 6.45 pm, with last entry at 5 pm. It's closed 24-26 December.
How long do you need at EPIC?
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About 1.5-2 hours for the 20 galleries.
When is EPIC least busy?
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In the first hour after opening, 10-11 am. It's busy from about 11 am to 5 pm every day. See our crowd forecast.
Can I trace my Irish ancestry at EPIC?
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The Irish Family History Centre, in the same building, offers genealogy consultations. Book them separately in advance.
Heading to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
Check live crowds →Sources
How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 1 November 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
