Glasnevin Museum and Tours

GLASNEVN CEMETERY, FINGLAS ROAD, GLASNEVIN, DUBLIN 11

Glasnevin Museum and Tours

Opened in 1832, Glasnevin Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Ireland and is the resting place of many men and women who shaped Irish history over the last two centuries. The museum and tours explore the diversity of Irish life since 1800 through the experiences of the famous (and not so famous) people buried here. Tours are available for schools, booked groups and the general public.

Historic Tours for Primary and Secondary Schools

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum offers exciting and engaging education programmes for students of all ages. Through guided tours and interactive exhibits students can learn about events and personalities which shaped the course of Irish history. Visit the graves of Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins, Charles Stewart Parnell, James Larkin and Countess Markievicz, plus many more. Learning packs and resources are sent ahead of your visit to help students prepare, all of which are linked to specific elements of the curriculum. Explore Ireland’s History Carved in Stone!

Follow this link to get a glimpse of what is offered on our school tours!

Transition Year Tour Guiding Programme

This one of a kind Transition Year Tour Guiding Programme is designed to give students an experience of the real life world of tour guiding, the tourism industry and customer service.

During this two part programme, students develop skills in research and public speaking, while also building self-confidence. A Certificate of Achievement is presented to all students who complete this programme. Our TY Tour Guiding Programme was featured on RTE’s documentary ‘The Family Project’ in 2014.

Transition Year Genealogy Workshop

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum offers TY students the opportunity to delve into family history and learn the skills of a genealogist. Students will visit Glasnevin Cemetery Museum where our resident genealogist will guide them through an on-site workshop. Teachers will receive lesson plans to aid the research process. Students will send their findings back to Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Tour Descriptions for Public Tours

General History Tour

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum offer many options for an entertaining and engaging family day out! Our History Tour will take the entire family on an exciting journey through Irish History over the last two centuries. Visit Daniel O’ Connell’s crypt, the grave of Charles Stewart Parnell, the cemetery’s watchtowers and monuments to those killed in the World Wars. Learn about the men and women who shaped Ireland’s past and even spend a while climbing to the top of Ireland’s tallest round tower! (T & C apply to tower climbs)

Children’s Tours

We offer a bespoke family tour where we encourage children and adults to engage, learn and share in the history of Glasnevin Cemetery and the stories of the not so famous people buried here. The Children’s Tour caters for a younger audience and is different to our general historical tour. These tours are held during the midterm and summer school holidays. Please go to our website to find out specific dates and times.

Dead Interesting Tour

This tour takes in an alternative view of the varied heritage that Ireland's largest cemetery holds and the history within its walls.
You will learn of its sculpture, symbolism, architecture, art, sporting heroes, natural life and much more. With lesser known stories of extraordinary lives and extraordinary events this is a tour that is for both the well acquainted with the cemetery and those who have never visited before- the secret history of Ireland’s most well-known cemetery.
•   The man who opened Sydney Harbour Bridge – when he wasn’t meant to!
•   The woman who died once and was buried twice!
•   The vault that held secrets during the War of Independence.
•   The stones and monuments that make Glasnevin Ireland’s outdoor Art Gallery.

O’ Connell Tower
Visitors can now climb the O’Connell Tower – Ireland’s tallest round tower for the first time in over 45 years. As you pass through the ornate crypt of Daniel O’Connell, you begin the journey to the top of the monument built in his honour. After a comprehensive restoration programme, the staircase in the tower is now accessible, complete with an exhibition about the legendary figure himself and the fascinating history of the tower.
Once at the top, you will enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the sprawling grounds of the cemetery, the city of Dublin, Wicklow and the Irish Sea.
Please note - age restrictions apply for tower climb – see website for more details.

Opening Times, Ticket Prices and Tours

Please check the website for opening hours/tour times before your visit as these may be susceptible to change.