Description
The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) is an outstanding, creative destination situated in the heart of Dublin, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Dublin for families seeking an interactive cultural experience. Housed in the beautiful, historic UCD Newman House, this modern literary museum brings Ireland’s rich storytelling heritage to life using vibrant, child-friendly multimedia elements. Rather than focusing solely on dusty manuscripts, the space connects young minds to the power of words, illustration, and creative expression.
General admission tickets are very reasonable, with prices starting from €12 for adults, while children under 12 can enter completely free of charge. This makes the attraction a highly budget-friendly option for families exploring the capital's cultural landscape. Special guided experiences, private tours, and annual family memberships are also available to book directly from the main website.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that perfectly balances educational discovery, hands-on fun, and tranquil outdoor play, this destination delivers on every level. With dedicated children's exhibition spaces, free activity sheets, and a historic garden that opens directly into the park, it provides an inspiring afternoon out that will keep both toddlers and older kids thoroughly entertained.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Sensory Play & Storytelling: The museum features dedicated, walk-through literary spaces where children can touch, play, and interact directly with the physical elements of famous children’s books.
- Interactive Exhibits: Children can engage with dynamic soundscapes, digital displays, and creative drawing stations designed to spark their inner writer and artist.
- Educational Day Out: Designed as a museum for everyone, the family learning programme ensures that children pick up literacy, history, and art concepts in a highly relaxed environment.
Detailed Highlights
- 'What I Like Most' Family Exhibition: Step inside the enchanting world of Mary Murphy’s beloved children's storybook. This stunning walk-through installation transforms Zhu Cheng-Liang’s beautiful illustrations into a giant three-dimensional adventure where toddlers and kids can reenact moments from the book and contribute their own art to the gallery walls.
- Copy No. 1 of Ulysses: For older kids and teenagers studying Irish history, seeing the priceless, absolute crown jewel of the collection—the very first printed copy of James Joyce's masterpiece—is a historic bucket-list experience.
- The Riverrun of Language: Walk through an incredible, immersive audio installation that surrounds you with the gentle river of the spoken word. It showcases different accents, poetry readings, and voices from across Ireland, turning listening into an exciting sensory game for little ones.
- A City of Words Collection: Culled from the historic Dublin Writers Museum collection, this section allows families to check out unique personal items, historic first editions, and specially-commissioned bronze busts of legendary literary figures.
- The LitLab Creative Workshop: A dedicated space where children are invited to take part in creative experiments, writing games, and drawing activities designed to help them find their own creative voice.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- The Readers Garden: Located directly behind the historic house, this peaceful, hidden city oasis features the actual historic ash tree that James Joyce was photographed against during his 1902 graduation. Kids love exploring the winding paths and spotting the protected Killarney Strawberry tree.
- Iveagh Gardens Secret Gate: The museum's courtyard garden connects directly to the beautifully tranquil Iveagh Gardens. After finishing inside the museum, you can walk straight out into this magnificent public park to let the kids run around, spot the waterfall, and enjoy a family picnic.
- Newman University Church: Located right next door to the museum, this historic building features stunning, detailed interior carvings, colorful plaques, and gorgeous stained glass windows that are well worth a quick look.
0.36 miles
