Dublin for the Curious

Dublin is known for its rich history and culture all over the world, as well as for its green scenery. The Irish capital attracts a large number of tourists every year, with the most diverse interests and profiles

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We would like to inform you about the current seasonal activities hosted at the EPIC Museum, in case you’re visiting the Irish capital during the Winter Break:

- Will the real Santa please stand up? (family activity): in this actvity, families will have to go on a hunt for the real Santa and face some of his imposters. This is a unique adventure that the youngest visitors will cherish forever.

- Looking East: Ireland and India (exhibition): this exhibition is included in the general ticket and it explores the connection between Ireland and India in the last 3 centuries

Make sure to check EPIC’s website to obtain more information on the availability, prices and more

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum | Home

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin, a museum experience like no other! Winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019, 2020 & 2021

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What does it mean to be Irish? While this question might have a different answer that will differ depending on who you ask, your visit to the EPIC Museum will make you realise that being Irish is not limited to Ireland’s borders thanks to the stories of artists, politicians and others all over the world.

It is known that emigration has shaped Ireland’s history as a country, with many leaving the nation to find better opportunities and bring their skills elsewhere. Did you actually know that all of Ireland’s emigrants and their descendants would make up for over 70 million people in the world? That sounds insane if you think about Ireland’s current population!

The museum has 20 interactive galleries that showcase the adventures and adversities of different people, and if you’re an Irish native you can learn more about your ancestors at the Irish Family History Centre, which counts with genealogy experts and online and physical sources to track your ancestors.

We highly recommend visiting the EPIC Museum!

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After our last post you might be wondering… who was Sir Alfred Chester Beatty? Here we will tell you about him.

Chester Beatty was a mining magnate and philanthropist, that was nicknamed “the King of Copper” because of his wealth, and who became an Irish naturalised citizen in 1957 🇮🇪

When he moved to London he started his great collection, after being mesmerised by the national art pieces of his trips to Egypt and Asia, where the obtained some of the rarest pieces

On the professional field, he worked as an engineer and even helped in cancer research, founding the Chester Beatty Research Institute in London in 1936.

He was even knighted in 1954!

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Overwhelmed by Dublin’s prices? We completely understand, so today we are offering a free option, The Chester Beatty Library. This museum-library hybrid was built in 1953 to display the collection of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, a greatly successful American-British businessman. Did you know that this was even named European Museum of the Year in 2002?

It counts with three collections from different regions of the world: the Western, Islamic and East Asian collections. In all of them we will find hidden gems, from manuscripts to books and art pieces.

We are sure you will love it!

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Summary

We are pleased to inform you that during this week, the National Gallery will be hosting several public tours:

- Irish History

- Architecture

- Highlights of the Collection

As of today, 10th of December, there will be an introductory online talk that will provide information on a new exhibition at 12pm, as well as a pop-up talk that will look at Stanley Royle’s The Goose Girl at 1.15pm

There will be a Sign Language Tour as well as a Family Tour, so don’t hesitate to click on the link provided above to find out more information about the upcoming events so you don’t miss out! 🖼️☘️

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Did you know that the word ‘aesthete’ is used to describe a person who loves and appreciates art? If you believe that this description resonates with you, you should check the National Gallery of Ireland on your next trip to Dublin!

The Gallery was opened in the 19th century and it houses the national collection of Irish and European art. In fact, can you believe that it started with just 112 paintings and now houses around 14000 artworks?

Make sure to check it out!

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Tickets for individuals or small groups can be purchased online in advance for Marsh's Library.

Use this link to purchase your tickets for your visit to Marsh’s Library. Keep in mind that there are joint tickets that include a visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral for a discounted price!

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Is this face familiar to you? It might not be, but his name will certainly ring a bell. He is Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels. He was a frequent user of the library, along with other authors like Bram Stoker and James Joyce.

His body is buried in St Patrick’s Cathedral, and legend says that his ghost goes to Marsh’s Library to visit his wife Stella!

But this is not the only supernatural visitor that is said to be around the library… It is said that the ghost of an elder walks around the library at night, and this is the Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, who founded the library.

Apparently, his niece Grace fell in love with a man whose uncle did not approve of. However, she decided to run away with him and left a note for the Archbishop explaining her disappearance, and hid it somewhere in the library. He never found the note and he is trying to find it up to these days.

We hope that during your visit you don’t run into any ghosts!

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Are you interested in literature? If that’s the case, make sure that when you visit Dublin, you make time to stop at Marsh’s Library!

This is Ireland’s oldest public library, built in the 18th century and and still serves for its original purpose to this day. It consists of two galleries and a reading room.

It is located next to St Patrick’s Cathedral and it has a collection of… more than 25000 books!

Don’t miss out on it!

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Live Church Webcam - Whitefriar Street Church Dublin

If you are unable to attend mass in person, or you are currently abroad but would like to see the Church and feel the environment prior to your visit, you can watch a live streamed mass everyday 🤍

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Did you know that the relics of Saint Valentine can be found in Whitefriar Street Church?

This Carmelite church was consecrated in the 19th century and only £4000 were spent for its building, which proves how much can be done with a limited budget when there is taste and judgment!

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Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Book your tickets here to gain access to Kilmainham Gaol. Prices are under €10 and include a guided tour with an expert. We recommend booking in advance to avoid sold-out dates!

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Here is the song Grace, written in 1985, which tells the story of the marriage between Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett, which took place in Kilmainham Gaol, just hours before his execution in 1916.

This beautiful, yet heartbreaking love song, is filled with haunting lyrics, which serve as an icon of Irish culture and heritage.

Find out more about the background of the story and give a listen to the song at the link provided above!

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Kilmainham Gaol held prisoners for over a century, including some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history.

This is a must see in Dublin to understand Ireland’s profound background! 🇮🇪

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With this short video, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Cathedral and form an idea of what to expect prior to your visit. Enjoy!

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Obtain information about Christchurch Cathedral's opening hours, prices and more!

Visiting | Christ Church Cathedral

Buy Tickets Online Visiting Christ Church Cathedral Explore one of Ireland’s most historic and sacred places – Christ Church Cathedral. Loca

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Christchurch Cathedral, the 11th century Anglican cathedral that hides in its crypt the oldest working structure in Dublin!