EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum 4

Introduction

Located in the heart of Dublin’s Docklands, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum offers visitors an immersive journey into the profound history of Irish emigration. Situated within the historic CHQ Building on Custom House Quay, this museum provides a captivating exploration of the experiences and contributions of Irish emigrants across the globe. For those keen to understand the far-reaching influence of the Irish diaspora, EPIC stands as an essential destination.​

About the Museum

Established in May 2016 by Neville Isdell, former chairman and chief executive of The Coca-Cola Company, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum was designed to honor the stories of the approximately 10 million individuals who departed Ireland over the centuries. The museum is housed in the CHQ Building, a restored 19th-century warehouse originally constructed in 1820 by John Rennie and completed by Thomas Telford. This historic structure, once a bonded customs warehouse, now serves as a fitting venue for the museum’s state-of-the-art exhibitions. EPIC is renowned as the world’s first fully digital museum, featuring 20 interactive galleries that delve into various aspects of the Irish emigration experience. Visitors can engage with touchscreens, motion sensor quizzes, and immersive video installations that bring to life the narratives of Irish emigrants and their global impact. The museum’s thematic sections cover migration patterns, motivations for leaving Ireland, and the significant influence of the Irish abroad in fields such as politics, science, arts, and sports.​

Interesting Facts

  • EPIC was voted “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction” at the World Travel Awards for three consecutive years: 2019, 2020, and 2021. ​
  • The museum’s founder, Neville Isdell, invested €15 million into the project, reflecting his commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the Irish diaspora. ​
  • EPIC’s exhibition was designed by Event Communications, the same firm responsible for the acclaimed Titanic Belfast attraction. ​
  • The CHQ Building, where the museum is located, is a listed building that underwent extensive restoration by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority in the early 2000s. ​
  • In its first year of operation, EPIC welcomed 120,000 visitors, highlighting its immediate popularity and significance.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +353 1 906 0861
Website: epicchq.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/epicmuseumchq/

Conclusion

A visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum offers a deeply engaging and educational experience that sheds light on the global journey of the Irish people. Through its innovative use of digital technology and thoughtfully curated exhibits, the museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by Irish emigrants. Whether you have Irish heritage or simply an interest in cultural histories, EPIC delivers an unforgettable exploration of the enduring legacy of the Irish diaspora.