Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Finglas Road, Glasnevin, Dublin, D11 H2TH
This museum documents the story of Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery, which was opened in 1832 to serve as a multifaith burial place. Exhibits memorialize many notable Irish figures who are interred here, and tell the history of burial practices, religious beliefs about the afterlife, and even instances of body snatching.
The Basics
Guests pay to explore the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, and then wander around the graveyard at their leisure. For a more informative visit, join a guided cemetery tour, which includes entrance to the museum. On a general history tour, guides share tales about the cemetery and the prominent figures buried there; the Dead Interesting tour focuses on the sculptures and symbols, and secrets of the graveyard. Museum entrance is also included with select Dublin sightseeing passes.
Things to Know Before You Go
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is a must for history buffs.
Glasnevin Cemetery is a functioning graveyard so be respectful when burial ceremonies are taking place or people are visiting the graves of loved ones.
The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Glasnevin Cemetery is on Finglas Road, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of Dublin city center. Dublin Bus routes 40 and 140 travel to the cemetery from O’Connell Street in the city center. Some hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus routes also stop at the cemetery.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily and can be visited year-round. Summer is peak tourist season in Dublin, so you can expect to encounter more people at this time, especially on weekends. Try coming early in the morning or in late afternoon to beat the crowds.
Climb the O’Connell Tower
In addition to touring the graveyard and exploring the museum’s exhibits, it’s also possible to climb the O’Connell Tower. Set above a vault that holds the remains of Daniel O’Connell, a 19th-century Irish politician and campaigner for Irish sovereignty, the round tower rises to a height of 180 feet (55 meters) and offers excellent views over Dublin.
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