Name: Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio
Rating: 5.0

Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio

Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio, Martello Tower #2, Spanish Parade, Howth

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio is a charming, independent museum located in a historic Martello Tower overlooking Howth Harbour. It houses an extensive collection of communication equipment, including early radios, gramophones, and televisions. It is one of the best things to do with kids in Howth if you want an educational and quirky look at how we communicated before the internet and mobile phones.

Admission is very affordable, with adults paying €5.00 and students/seniors €3.00. Best of all, children can enter for free, making it an excellent budget-friendly stop during a family trip to the seaside.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines history with a unique setting, this museum is a fantastic choice. The building itself is a piece of history, built in 1805 to defend against invasion, and it later served as the landing point for the first underwater telegraph cable to Ireland.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Educational Day Out: Children can see the physical evolution of technology from massive wooden furniture sets to portable devices.
Historic Location: Being inside a Napoleonic-era Martello Tower adds a sense of adventure to the visit.
Interactive Exhibits: Knowledgeable volunteer guides often demonstrate working equipment, such as a Tesla Ball or old gramophones.
Sea-Side Setting: Its location on a hill overlooking the harbour makes it easy to pair with a walk or a meal in Howth.

Top 5 Highlights

The Tesla Ball: A favourite for younger visitors, this device uses high-voltage electricity to create glowing arcs of light. It’s a great way to talk about the "magic" of early science.
Edison Phonograph: Seeing how music was played from wax cylinders over a century ago is a world away from modern streaming apps.
Art Andia Parrot Speakers: These quirky speakers are shaped like colourful parrots. They show that tech design has always had a sense of fun and personality.
Wallace and Gromit Radio: This specific item often catches the eyes of children because it features beloved characters in a "retro" style.
The Spark Transmitter: This exhibit demonstrates the raw, noisy beginnings of wireless communication through electric sparks.

Facilities

Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the Martello Tower, the museum is not wheelchair or pushchair friendly.
Food & Drink: No café on-site, but the tower is surrounded by the many cafes and restaurants of Howth.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Talk to the Guides: The museum is staffed by passionate volunteers who love to show how the equipment works. Ask them for a demonstration to make the visit more engaging for kids.
Combined Trip: Since the museum visit usually takes about an hour, plan it as part of a larger day out at the seaside.
Limited Hours: The museum is primarily open on weekends, so check the schedule before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hurdy Gurdy Museum worth it for toddlers? The museum is better suited for children aged 5 and up who can navigate the stairs and understand the history. For toddlers, the small space and lack of changing facilities make it less ideal, although they may still enjoy the lights of the Tesla Ball.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend roughly one hour exploring the tower. Because the collection is so dense, you can see a lot in a short amount of time before heading back out to the harbour.
Where is the best place to park? There is public parking nearby at Howth Harbour. However, on sunny weekends, spaces fill up fast, so taking the DART is often a much more stress-free option for families.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Howth for kids? The Hurdy Gurdy Museum is one of the most affordable indoor options in the area, especially since children go free. It is a perfect way to keep the family entertained for an hour if the weather turns grey.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Engaging Tours: Parents often praise the volunteers for bringing the dry history of radio to life with stories and working gadgets.
The Building: Kids enjoy the novelty of exploring a "fort" with thick walls and spiral stairs.
Great Value: The "kids go free" policy makes it an easy "yes" for families on a budget.

What Visitors Don't Like

Steep Stairs: The stairs can be a bit tricky for very small children or those with mobility issues.
Crowded Space: The tower is small and packed with items, which can feel a bit cramped during busy periods.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The collection contains over 1,000 exhibits. Key items include:
HMV Monarch Gramophone: A classic piece of music history.
E.K. Cole & Co. Round Ecko Radio: A famous circular bakelite radio set.
Paris Aerial: A historical piece of broadcasting equipment.
BBC Marconiphone: An early radio model used for receiving the first national broadcasts.
Seraphone: A vintage reed organ or music box style device.
Mickey Mouse Statue Radio: A branded radio that demonstrates how electronics were marketed to families in the mid-20th century.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The museum is located in Howth, which offers plenty of other family activities. You can take the Howth Cliff Walk for stunning sea views or visit the bustling harbour to see the resident seals. Howth Castle and its gardens are also nearby for more history and space to run around.

New for 2026:

For the 2026 season, visitors can check out expanded displays related to the 20th anniversary of the museum's opening. The volunteer staff continue to update the working Amateur Radio Station (EI0MAR) located within the tower.

Events: There are many events happing you can explore here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: €5.00
Student / OAP / Unwaged: €3.00
Children: FREE

Pricing URL: https://howthradiomuseum.rezgo.com/details/277725/ye-olde-hurdy-gurdy-museum-of-vintage-radio

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not list specific party packages. For private group visits or educational enquiries, you can reach out via the contact form on their website or call 086 815 4189.

May to October - 7 days a week: 11am to 4pm
November to April - Saturdays and Sundays only.

Address: Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio, Martello Tower #2, Spanish Parade, Howth

Post Code: IE

Council: Howth

County: Dublin

By Train: Take the DART north to Howth Station. From there, it is a 10-minute uphill walk to the Martello Tower.
By Bus: The H3 bus from Dublin city centre stops nearby.
By Car: Use postcode D13 V099. There is some parking available in the vicinity, though it can get busy on weekends.