Description
The Custom House Visitor Centre is a spectacular architectural marvel positioned directly on the northern quays of the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin city. Masterfully designed by architect James Gandon and completed in 1791, this neoclassical masterpiece has stood witness to over 230 years of political turbulence, rebellion, and restoration. Today, it is highly celebrated as one of the best things to do with kids in Dublin, providing an interactive, indoor gateway into Ireland's revolutionary past for families.
Prices start from £0, as children under the age of 12 can explore the historic exhibition rooms completely free of charge. For adults and older youth, admission rates depend on whether you choose a self-guided or an expert-led tour. Self-guided adult entry is priced at €6.00, while full guided tours cost €8.00 per adult, with family group bundle packages scaling down to €15.00 or €20.00 respectively. This versatile pricing structure makes it an exceptionally low-cost historical day out for parents seeking high educational value.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that pairs majestic riverfront views with tales of undercover rebellion and political scandal, this city-centre museum is an outstanding option. Children can stand inside the dramatic, reconstructed remnants of a palace that was completely engulfed in flames during the War of Independence in 1921. The brilliant combination of scale models, vivid video presentations, and spacious river-walk environments guarantees an engaging experience, rain or shine.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Top Features
- Masterful Neoclassical Architecture: Families can marvel at the magnificent grand atrium, decorative limestone columns, and outdoor statues that adorn this iconic waterfront landmark.
- Revolutionary History Lessons: The centre offers a detailed historical timeline perfect for school-age kids, exploring the 1916 Easter Rising and the dramatic War of Independence.
- The River Gods Collection: Children can view and learn about the famous 14 riverine heads—beautiful stone faces carved by sculptor Edward Smyth to represent Ireland's great waterways.
- Immersive Multimedia Rooms: The exhibition is divided into themed chronological spaces featuring custom video reels, high-resolution maps, and intricate historical models.
Highlights
- The Architectural Model: A highly detailed scale miniature of the massive Custom House complex, letting kids trace out the halls and hidden courtyards from above.
- The Burning Exhibition: A darker, deeply atmospheric media room that uses sound effects and moving imagery to recreate the fateful morning in 1921 when the building burned down.
- The Statue Galleries: Specialized exhibition rooms detailing how the majestic figures crowning the building's copper dome were meticulously crafted and later restored.
- The Imports & Exports Room: A fascinating interactive display showing children the unusual types of goods, spices, and items that moved through Dublin's busy shipping docks.
- The Scenic Atrium Walk: A soaring, brightly lit internal courtyard area where families can stand and appreciate the sheer scale of the building's inner masonry.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Because the venue occupies a premium central location along the River Liffey, it serves as a great starting point for a wider Dublin day out. Families can take a brief 5-minute stroll down the quay to visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an award-winning digital experience full of touch-screens and interactive games. The historic Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship replica is also situated just 600 metres away on the waterfront. For a bit of peace and quiet, parents can take a short 1-kilometre walk northwest to the Garden of Remembrance, a beautiful public memorial park perfect for a relaxing family breather.
0.42 miles
