A crucial location during a pivotal period of Irish history, the GPO Museum offers an immersive view of the 1916 Rising.
Where once stood the fearless leaders of rebellion now stands a museum to their honour and story. The GPO Museum is in the same building in which the leaders of the 1916 Rising set up their headquarters.
Found on Dublin’s O’Connell Street, the GPO Museum allows visitors to learn all about this key moment in Irish history through an interactive and immersive experience.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting the GPO Museum:
- Allow yourself at least one hour to get through the self-guided tour.
- Guided tours are available but are restricted in number.
- Based on O’Connell Street, the GPO Museum couldn’t be more central. There is a Luas stop and a bus stop nearby. The Dublin sightseeing bus and some national coaches (including the Aircoach from Belfast) also stop at O’Connell Street.
- Ensure to catch the specially made film that puts the viewer at the heart of the action of the 1916 Easter Rising at the GPO and other key locations.
Interesting facts about the GPO Museum:
- The GPO is one of the historic sites of the 1916 Easter Rising, an important date in Irish history. It was the headquarters for the leaders of the rising.
- Pádraic Pearse read out the Proclamation of the Irish Republic outside the GPO on 24 April 1916. Copies of the document are on display at the museum.
- The building originally opened in 1818 and suffered damage during the Rising. It was rebuilt by the Irish Free State government in 1929.
- Up until 2013, An Post (Ireland’s postal service) still used the GPO as its headquarters. It has since moved to new premises at North Wall Quay.
- Today, the GPO Museum is an interactive, immersive, and educational experience on Irish history. It won the Micheletti Award at the European Museum Academy Awards and Best Cultural Experience at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards in 2017.
What’s nearby:
Food: There are many great restaurants near the GPO Museum, including Govinda’s (vegetarian), Ann’s House (Malaysian), Eatokyo (Japanese), and M&L Szechuan (Chinese). For a more relaxed setting with local fare, you might try Murphy’s Bistro Café, Póg, or Flanagan’s.
Drink: Close by to the GPO Museum, you’ll find Brannigans, Madigan’s, and the Celt. Popular amongst visitors to the city, Temple Bar is a mere ten-minute walk away from the GPO Museum.
Accommodation: Accommodation options nearby include The Gresham (four-star), Wynn’s Hotel (three-star), Arlington Hotel (three-star), and Clifton Court Hotel (two-star).
Other attractions: As mentioned, Temple Bar is close. You’re also within walking distance of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the Jeanie Johnston, the Irish Whiskey Museum, and Trinity College.
Your questions answered about the GPO Museum
How long does it take to do the GPO Museum?
The self-guided tour of the GPO Museum takes about one hour to complete.
What statue is in the GPO?
There are three statues at the GPO: Mercury, Fidelity, and Hibernia. The latter is the Latin for the island of Ireland.
How much is the GPO Museum?
Entry to the GPO Museum depends on age or student status. See below for a breakdown of the price.
Contact and more info
Address: O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2, Ireland
Phone: +35318721916
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gpowitnesshistory.ie
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm (last admission 4 pm)
Sunday–Monday and public holidays, closed
Admission: Adults €15, Child (over five years) €7.50, Students €12, Senior (65+) €12.00. Group rates are available by contacting the GPO.
IB4UD Dublin Guides:
READ: The Dublin Bucket List
