Every Wednesday, we welcome schoolchildren from all over Ireland for a free visit to the museum. Our award-winning “I Love Dublin” education programme promotes a greater awareness of Dublin’s rich heritage and boosts civic pride. If you want more information about the programme, you’re in the right place!
At a time when young minds are sculpted by virtual realities, we offer them a time machine to the tangible – through objects and artefacts donated by the people of Dublin. The education programme is an imaginative and engaging exploration of our complex shared history. Our goal is to inspire a deeper empathy for the past and a better understanding of how it shapes the present.
There are two strands to the schools programme. Primary Schools (1st to 6th class) enjoy an imaginative exploration of the museum collection. Secondary School classes join our Famous Guided Tour.
Can I take my class to visit the museum?
Yes. Visits take place every Wednesday morning throughout the academic year. We can accommodate one class at a time. You can book your I Love Dublin experience for your class here. Select the “I Love Dublin” option and choose the appropriate entry time.
How much does it cost to visit?
Nothing. Class visits are free for Irish schools, thanks to our patrons in Dublin Port, which is proud to make our rich heritage more accessible to all the diverse communities across the country, thus enriching the connection between citizens and this great city.
What happens in an I Love Dublin experience?
Primary Schools (1st to 6th class)
Your students will be welcomed by a guide from our education team, who will invite them to explore the beautiful surroundings of the museum’s Georgian home. The students will act as little professors, uncovering details of Dublin’s past through the museum’s collection.
– Marvel at the weird and wonderful “Animals of Dublin” exhibit, a room that draws inspiration from the “Dead Zoo”.
– Search for Tara, a little fairy whose home is Tara’s Palace, one of the finest, and largest doll’s houses in the world.
– Visit the Drawing room and the Treasury, discover the chronological history of the city from the proclamation through to the origins of the Dart and the Dublin Millenium celebrations of 1988.
– Look at our Irish Times and U2 exhibitions before being awarded a special “Leaving Certificate” that will crown each student with the title of “Dubliner of the Year”.
The Little Museum is where nostalgia, curiosity and mischief mingle. The primary school offering is, at its heart, an invitation to be playful, using imaginative role play, museum based activities and storytelling to engage and inform.
For a more detailed overview of what you will see, download our visual story here.
Visit duration: 75 minutes
Secondary Schools
Secondary school students join the museum’s Famous Guided Tour, a crash course in the history of Dublin, using items in the museum’s collection as a touchstone.
This is not your average guided tour: it is full of humour and just a little irreverence, to help keep even the most distracted spectators engaged!
Students also have time to explore our self-guided exhibits, including Tara’s Palace, one of the world’s greatest dolls’ houses, as well as our exhibitions on U2 and The Irish Times.
Visit duration: 60 minutes
What is the maximum class size that can be accommodated?
30 students.
Are teachers required to supervise students?
Yes, teachers must supervise their students throughout their visit to the museum.
Do you have a place to eat?
No, but there are plenty of places to eat close to the museum – and St. Stephen’s Green is just across the road, just mind the seagulls don’t steal your lunch!
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Little Museum has an access lift at street level, and an internal lift. Please contact us in advance if there are more than a few guests who may require the lift.
Link to Visual Story
We can’t visit on a Wednesday. Can I bring my class at another time?
The I Love Dublin free schools programme is only available on Wednesday mornings, but guided visits for secondary school students can be arranged for the special academic rate of €375 for up to 30 students on Mondays or Tuesdays. Only one class visit per day is possible.
To book your I Love Dublin experience, click here.
If you have any other questions, email our Education Manager, Claire Jenkins, by clicking here.
