There was a time when a continuous cacophony reigned over Dublin’s famous Docklands. Back then, the port area was dominated by massive maritime industries. But change has been in the air for a long time. The ships still come into Dublin in large numbers, and trucks roll off and on with staggering precision. But the wider Docklands area, which straddles both banks of the River Liffey, has been transformed into a vibrant business and tech hub.

The Docklands have also become a thriving cultural centre. North Wall Quay has long been home to the 3Arena (formerly the Point Depot), a state-of-the-art concert venue that has proudly stood Liffeyside for over 30 years. In that time, it has hosted an array of legendary performers, from Frank Sinatra to Nirvana, Elton John and U2.

Closer to the city, Custom House Quay is home to one of the top-rated visitor attractions in Dublin. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is an interactive showcase of how the Irish diaspora made such a big impact on the world, with adventure, adversity and triumph featured in hi-tech galleries.

An absolutely fascinating and engrossing experience, EPIC provides an incredible insight into Ireland’s cultural heritage and the remarkable influence its citizens have exerted around the world. With loads to see, hear, touch and read, the interactive EPIC exhibition offers an unforgettable look at the unique achievements of Ireland and its people.

It’s just one of the many gems in an area that continues to grow in popularity. Indeed, the docklands are filled with an exciting range of activities and attractions just waiting to be explored.

EPIC MUSEUM

EPIC, a fully digital museum covering the history of the Irish diaspora, was crowned Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction three years in a row in 2019, 2020 and 2021. We head to the Docklands to discover just why the state-of-the-art museum stands out.

Tucked away in the vaults beneath Dublin’s bustling Docklands is one of Europe’s most acclaimed, innovative museums. Beating out the likes of the Acropolis, Buckingham Palace and the Colosseum, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum has become the first visitor attraction to be named Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction three years in a row at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Since opening its doors in 2016, EPIC has already wowed hundreds of thousands of local and international guests, including the likes of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Through creative technology and immersive displays, EPIC has designed an experience that allows us to trace the journey of the Irish diaspora, and to explore the far-reaching impact the 10 million emigrants, who left our small nation, have had on the wider world.

Armed with an EPIC passport, to be stamped at each stop along the journey, we travel down into the historic vaults, to explore the story of Irish emigration through a series of themed galleries. Our first port of call is an exploration of how Irish people have left their homeland through the ages, from travels on currachs to Boeing 737s.

Instantly captivated by immersive projections and sound effects, as well as some seriously Instagram-worthy displays, we set to work, using interactive touch-screens to trace the journeys of real-life emigrants throughout history.

While the technology and installations are take-your-breath-away excellent, particularly in the stunning scientific discovery room, the moving tale of Irish emigration remains at the centre of the experience throughout. With projections of Barack Obama’s inspiring speech on College Green in 2011, and archival footage of passengers bidding loved-ones a last goodbye before boarding the boat to England, EPIC pushes human stories and emotions to the fore.

The expansive music and dance section is a particular favourite, covering Irish connections to everything from country music to Rihanna. Unsung heroes also take centre stage, as we learn about Irish-born Chicago police chief, Francis O’Neill, who saved hundreds of years of traditional Irish music with his transcribed collections in the early 20th century.

EPIC is a brilliantly unique account of the Irish emigrant experience. Only a 10-minute walk from the city centre, and a few feet from the Luas Red Line’s George’s Dock stop, we reckon that a day out at EPIC should be on everybody’s bucket list – tourists and Irish people alike.

• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, located inside the CHQ Building on Custom House Quay, is open seven days a week from 10am to 6:45pm.

epicchq.com | Tel: (01) 906 0861