Name: National Transport Museum
Rating: 5.0

National Transport Museum

National Transport Museum, Howth Demesne, Dublin, Ireland

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The National Wax Museum Plus is a quirky, multi-sensory attraction that brings historical figures and modern celebrities to life in the heart of Dublin. As one of the best things to do with kids in Dublin City Centre, it offers a mix of education and entertainment through various themed zones like the Science & Discovery Area and a fantasy forest in the Kids Zone. It is much more than a standard gallery, providing a hands-on journey through Irish history and pop culture that is specifically designed to feed young imaginations.

Prices start from €4.00 for children and €5.50 for adults, with further discounts available for families and students. For those looking for the best value, group rates and memberships are also on offer, and kids under 5 go free.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers something for every age, this museum is a top choice. Whether your children want to meet moving dinosaurs, crawl through tunnels in the Children’s World, or experience the thrills of the Chamber of Horrors, it provides a reliable indoor adventure regardless of the unpredictable Irish weather.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

Interactive Learning: The Science & Discovery Area allows children to learn about scientific principles through fun, engaging exhibits.
Educational Day Out: The Time Vaults offer a deep dive into Irish history, featuring figures from the 1916 Rising and historical leaders.
Sensory Play: The Mythical Forest provides an immersive, fantasy-themed environment for younger visitors to explore.
Creative Experiences: At the Wax Factor studio, kids can record their own songs or superimpose themselves into music videos.

Top 5 Highlights

The Kids Zone: A fantasy-themed world where children can meet storybook characters and wander through a magical forest. It’s a highlight for younger visitors who enjoy the whimsical atmosphere and child-sized tunnels.
Chamber of Horrors: Located in the basement, this area is home to spooky icons like Dracula and Hannibal Lecter. It’s a thrill for older children and teenagers, though there is a bypass for those who prefer to skip the scares.
Grand Hall of Fame: This is where you can snap selfies with A-listers such as Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, and even Gollum. Kids love seeing how they measure up next to their favourite film stars and global icons.
The Science & Discovery Zone: An interactive space that explores the wonders of the physical world. It’s perfect for budding scientists who enjoy hands-on puzzles and learning about how things work.
Jurassic Jungle: A virtual reality and physical exhibition where moving dinosaurs greet you at the entrance. It is a firm favourite for any dinosaur-obsessed child looking for an immersive experience.

Facilities

Food & Drink: While there is no on-site café, the museum's location on Westmoreland Street means hundreds of family-friendly eateries are right on the doorstep.
Toilets: Available for visitors within the building.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Beat the Crowds: Visit on weekday mornings right at opening (10:00 am) to have the interactive exhibits mostly to yourself.
Combo Savings: Check for VIP Combo tickets or use a Dublin Pass to save money if you plan on visiting other nearby attractions like the Guinness Storehouse.
The Spooky Factor: If visiting with small children, ask staff about the bypass for the Chamber of Horrors to avoid any mid-tour frights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the National Wax Museum Plus worth it for toddlers? Yes, the museum is very welcoming to toddlers, especially since kids under 5 enter for free. Younger children will particularly enjoy the Kids Zone with its fantasy forest and storybook characters, though parents should skip the Chamber of Horrors to avoid scaring little ones.
How long does a visit to the National Wax Museum Plus take? A typical visit lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours. Because the museum is located in the city centre, it's an ideal "filler" activity that can be easily slotted between lunch and a visit to other nearby Dublin landmarks.
Where is the best place to park for the National Wax Museum Plus? The most convenient parking is the Fleet Street Car Park, located just a few minutes' walk from Westmoreland Street. For a cheaper option, some visitors use the Collins Barracks pay-and-display parking and take the Luas directly to the museum’s doorstep.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Dublin City Centre for kids? The National Wax Museum Plus is a great value indoor option, especially when using a Family Ticket which brings the cost per person down significantly. It provides over an hour of entertainment that covers everything from Irish history to virtual reality dinosaurs, all for a single entry fee.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Variety of Themes: Families appreciate the mix of history, fiction, and pop culture, which keeps different age groups engaged.
Interactive Fun: The mirror maze and the "Wax Factor" music recording are frequently cited as the most enjoyable parts for kids.
Central Location: Its position "bang in the centre of town" makes it a perfect stop-off during a day of city sightseeing.

What Visitors Don't Like

Wax Work Quality: Some visitors feel that certain figures are less lifelike than expected or appear a bit rundown.
Length of Visit: Some find the experience a bit short for the standard entry price, often taking only 30-60 minutes to complete.
Disjointed Layout: A few parents noted that the transition between zones (e.g., from rock icons to Spongebob) can feel a bit random.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Historical Figures: Wolfe Tone, Michael Collins, Éamon de Valera, and Mary McAleese.
Literary Icons: Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and James Joyce.
Music Megastars: Phil Lynott, U2, David Bowie, and Michael Jackson.
Pop Culture: The Simpsons family set, Star Wars (Qui-Gon Jinn vs Darth Maul), and Batman (The Joker).
Kids' Favourites: Bob the Builder, Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Flintstones.
The Popemobile: The original vehicle used by Pope John Paul II during his 1979 visit to Ireland.
Mirror Maze: A mind-bending corridor of reflections that kids love to navigate.

Beyond the Main Attraction: The museum is centrally located near Temple Bar, which is full of restaurants and cultural spots. A short walk across the Liffey takes you to GPO Museum for more history, or you can head to Stephen’s Green for some outdoor playtime in one of Dublin’s most beautiful parks.
New for 2026: For the 2026 season, the museum has enhanced its virtual reality adventures, adding new immersive scenarios to the Jurassic Jungle. Keep an eye out for seasonal Murder Mystery nights, which have been expanded to include family-friendly "junior detective" sessions during school holidays.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: €5.50
Children, Seniors and Students: €4.00
Family: €12.00

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltransportmuseum.ie/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The opening hours are from 2pm - 5pm. Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays.

Address: National Transport Museum, Howth Demesne, Dublin, Ireland

Post Code: IE

Council: Dublin

County: Dublin

By Luas (Tram): Take the Green Line to the Westmoreland Street stop, which is just seconds away from the entrance.
By Bus: Numerous city centre routes stop at College Green, a 1-minute walk from the venue.
By Car: Public parking is available at nearby multi-storey car parks like Fleet Street or Trinity Street, though rates vary.