Frequently Asked Questions

Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly at weekends, during school holidays, and around major cultural events. While walk-in admission is available subject to capacity, pre-booked visitors are guaranteed entry at their selected time slot. Online booking also allows you to choose a specific entry time, which helps distribute visitor numbers throughout the day.

Tickets may be cancelled up to 48 hours before your visit for a full refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the visit are non-refundable, but tickets may be rescheduled to a future date subject to availability. Group bookings have a 14-day cancellation policy. Please contact the museum directly for cancellations and reschedules.

Yes. The museum has a dedicated children's interactive trail suitable for ages 4 to 12, and children under 12 are admitted free of charge. The trail is available in both English and Irish. Pushchairs and prams are welcome throughout the museum, and baby-changing facilities are available on the ground floor. The heritage garden also provides a safe outdoor space for children to explore.

Yes. Guided tours are available in both English and Irish. Tours in Irish must be requested at the time of booking. The museum also offers thematic tours focusing on specific aspects of the Gaelic language and its literary tradition. Please see the guided tours section for more details.

The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with lifts serving all three floors and accessible toilet facilities on each level. Large-print exhibition guides are available at the information desk. Audio-described tours can be arranged in advance. Quiet hours are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 09:00 to 11:00. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the museum. For specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before your visit.

Personal photography is permitted throughout the museum, with the exception of certain temporary exhibitions where photography may be restricted for copyright reasons. Flash photography is not permitted anywhere in the museum. Tripods require prior arrangement with museum staff. Commercial photography and filming require a separate permit; please contact the museum for details.

Yes. Paid parking is available on-site at a rate of €3 for up to 2 hours and €6 for a full day. Spaces are limited, and the car park can fill quickly during peak periods. We recommend using public transport where possible. Secure bicycle parking is available free of charge at the main entrance.

Yes. The museum café serves a range of hot and cold food and drinks, including traditional Irish dishes and locally sourced produce. The café is open during museum hours. A picnic area is available in the heritage garden for visitors who prefer to bring their own food. Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the museum galleries.

We welcome all feedback, both positive and constructive. Complaints and feedback can be submitted via the contact form on this website, by email to [email protected], or by telephone at +353 42 890 1234. We aim to acknowledge all complaints within 2 working days and provide a full response within 10 working days. See the visitor policies page for our full complaints procedure.

Yes. The museum offers a comprehensive range of curriculum-linked education programmes for primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education institutions. Programmes are available in English and Irish and are aligned with both the Irish and UK national curricula. Teachers accompanying school groups are admitted free of charge. For details and booking, please contact our education team.

Lost property should be reported to the museum's information desk on the day of your visit. Items found after your visit can be enquired about by contacting the museum directly. The museum retains lost property for 30 days before donating unclaimed items to charity. We recommend labelling personal belongings and keeping valuables with you at all times.

Yes. Members of certain heritage organisations, including the National Trust, English Heritage, and equivalent Irish bodies, may be eligible for discounted or complimentary admission. Please bring your membership card and enquire at the admissions desk. Discounts are subject to reciprocal arrangements and may change without notice.