Museum of Curiosities

Curated by local performer Monsieur Pompier, the museum has its roots in an online archive of uncanny images and curios, gradually evolving into a physical destination. Now, it presents a lovingly assembled cabinet of strangeness that straddles performance art, outsider history, and macabre intrigue.

This is not a conventional museum visit. The atmosphere is dark, theatrical and strangely playful, encouraging you to lean in and examine each item closely. Whether you’re drawn by a fascination with the morbid or simply in search of something unexpected, the Museum of Curiosities offers an unforgettable escape from the everyday.

Opening Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–7pm
Website: museumofcuriosities.ie

Hurdy Gurdy Museum

Founded by the late Pat Herbert, a lifelong collector and enthusiast, the museum is as much about his passion as it is about the objects themselves. Herbert spent over six decades collecting these pieces, which chart the history of sound and signal from the 1840s to the modern day. Volunteers who worked alongside him continue to maintain the museum and share his infectious enthusiasm.

The name “Hurdy-Gurdy” comes from a quip by Seán Lemass in the 1950s and adds a touch of Irish humour to the experience. A visit here is full of nostalgic charm, historical surprises, and a genuine appreciation for invention and craft.

Opening Times: Seasonal opening, check website for details
Website: hurdygurdyradiomuseum.wordpress.com

Little Museum of Dublin

The guided tours are legendary – fast-paced, funny, and full of surprising insights. You’ll learn about everything from Queen Victoria’s visit to the meteoric rise of U2. Exhibitions vary throughout the year, touching on everything from Dublin pubs to the city’s musical legacy. The museum doesn’t try to tell every story, but what it does share, it does brilliantly.

Small but packed with personality, the Little Museum captures the quirks, contradictions and charm of the city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s something here to make you look at Dublin in a new light.

Opening Times: Daily, 9.30am–5pm
Website: littlemuseum.ie

Chester Beatty

Its galleries are a quiet, contemplative haven. Inside, you’ll find ancient manuscripts, religious texts, miniature paintings, rare books and decorative art from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. From early biblical papyri to intricate Persian calligraphy and Japanese scrolls, the breadth and beauty of the collection is remarkable.

Two main exhibitions, “Sacred Traditions” and “Arts of the Book”, explore global faith and visual culture in rich detail. Temporary exhibitions often borrow from international institutions, keeping the displays dynamic and fresh.

This free-to-visit museum is ideal for those seeking calm, insight and an encounter with the world’s shared cultural heritage.

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday, 9.45am–5.30pm; Sunday, 12pm–5.30pm
Website: chesterbeatty.ie

Wax Museum

It’s part museum, part interactive playground. One moment you’re walking through a spooky mirror maze, the next you’re meeting Bram Stoker or rubbing shoulders with superheroes. There’s a strong focus on Irish heritage, with displays highlighting inventors, scientists and artists, while younger visitors will enjoy the children’s area and augmented reality features.

The museum walks the line between silly fun and genuine curiosity. It’s not trying to be high art – and that’s exactly why it works. Whether you’re visiting with kids or just want a surreal experience in the city centre, the Wax Museum is a cheerful detour from the usual sights.

Opening Times: Daily, 10am–7pm
Website: waxmuseumplus.ie

Leprechaun Museum

Described as a “storytelling house”, the National Leprechaun Museum invites you to explore Irish folklore from the inside out. Guided tours lead you through oversized furniture, optical illusions and shifting scenery as you encounter tales of tricksters, banshees and changelings.

This is not a museum with static displays – it’s an immersive, theatrical experience that changes depending on the time of day. During daylight hours, it’s family-friendly and full of whimsy. By night, the tone shifts into darker mythology with adult-only storytelling tours that delve into the eerie and unsettling side of Irish legend.

It’s playful, atmospheric and rooted in oral tradition. Whether you’re a believer in the little people or just intrigued by Irish folklore, the Leprechaun Museum offers something different from the usual historical fare.

Opening Times: Daily, 10am–6.30pm (later for evening tours)
Website: leprechaunmuseum.ie

MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland

Housed in a former university building where James Joyce once studied, MoLI is part museum, part literary sanctuary. It combines original artefacts – such as the very first copy of Ulysses – with contemporary installations that explore the evolution of Irish writing.

Unlike more traditional literary museums, MoLI is immersive and forward-thinking. Touchscreens, audio exhibits and films bring the city’s authors to life, while the tranquil gardens and café invite lingering. The museum celebrates not only Joyce and Yeats, but also living writers and the broader traditions of Irish storytelling.

Whether you’re a devoted reader or simply curious, MoLI is a beautiful, calming space that invites exploration.

Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–6pm (last admission 5pm)
Website: moli.ie

National Print Museum

Set in a former garrison chapel, the National Print Museum showcases Ireland’s printing heritage through live demonstrations, working machinery and an impressive collection of artefacts. It’s a hands-on, tactile experience where you can watch traditional letterpress techniques in action and try your hand at composing type.

The museum places printing within a wider social context, highlighting its role in politics, education and Irish independence. There are also rotating exhibitions on everything from typography to design, and family-friendly workshops throughout the year.

It’s a rare place that makes industrial heritage feel creative and alive. Ideal for those interested in craft, design or Irish history told through ink and paper.

Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12pm–4pm
Website: nationalprintmuseum.ie

Sweny’s Pharmacy

Sweny’s is more than a preserved Victorian chemist – it’s a living homage to James Joyce. Made famous by its appearance in Ulysses, the pharmacy still sells lemon soap, just as Leopold Bloom once did. Today, it’s run by volunteers who keep both the shop and Joyce’s legacy alive.

The interior remains much as it was in the 19th century, with glass jars, dark wood counters and apothecary drawers. Visitors can pop in for a reading, a photo or a chat with the passionate team who maintain the space. It’s a tiny, joyful pocket of Dublin that mixes literature with local charm.

You don’t need to be a Joyce scholar to appreciate it – just curious enough to step through the door.

Opening Times: Check website or social media for current hours
Website: sweny.ie

Natural History Museum

Affectionately known as the “Dead Zoo”, the Natural History Museum is home to thousands of taxidermy animals displayed in their original Victorian cabinets. It’s a snapshot of 19th-century scientific curiosity, with everything from Irish wildlife to exotic beasts on view.

While parts of the museum are currently closed for refurbishment, its ground floor remains open, offering a nostalgic and slightly eerie glimpse into zoological display from a bygone age. Giant deer loom overhead, glass cases line the walls, and the atmosphere feels untouched by time.

It’s not interactive or modernised – and that’s its charm. A visit feels like stepping into a diorama of Dublin’s past, complete with creaking floorboards and a faint sense of mystery.

Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 1pm–5pm
Website: museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Natural-History