Dublin: City of Culture

Culture Night returns (Sept 20th 2024)

By Niamh Byrne

Believe it or not, it’s that time of year again! The days are getting shorter. Woolly jumpers are coming back out of the closet. The return of school is just around the corner. However, we do have something to brighten your day as Culture Night comes round again. Friday the 20th of September holds many exciting events, all for free for us to enjoy. Something for free in Dublin? Can you imagine!  Here’s a look at some of the top things to enjoy on Culture night, whether you’re a history fanatic or an Irish alcohol expert (aren’t we all!) or just looking for something different to do on a Friday night on the town, NewsFour has got you covered. 

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied prisons in Europe. It was built in 1796, replacing Dublin’s former county prison. The Gaol was used to hold political prisoners during Ireland’s struggle for independence. It was closed in 1924 by Ireland’s Free State government and was reopened as a museum in 1971. Access to the Gaol is by guided tour only. The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and allows you entry to the museum. 

Whiskey Museum 

After plenty of research, in 2014, the Irish whiskey museum finally opened their doors to the public.

Irish whiskey museum bottles & tasting glasses

Housed in a historic building in Dublin’s city centre, the museum consists of an extensive whiskey bar, historic exhibits, a tasting room and its own shop filled with whiskey and souvenirs. Working with over 30 brands of Whiskey across Ireland and Northern Ireland, portraying the different distillation methods and styles of whiskey. The average price for an adult entry ticket to the museum starts at €23 per person, so is a great option for culture night. 

EPIC Museum 

At EPIC, we get to honour Irish emigrants by hearing about their stories and keeping their memoirs alive. It’s a chance to give your ancestors the recognition they deserve by acknowledging them, their journeys and their achievements. As you travel back in time through the museum’s 20 galleries, make sure to stamp your very own souvenir EPIC passport as you go. This historic, interactive experience is fun for all the family and the best thing about it is, you don’t have to book tickets in advance for culture night, you can just walk straight in! 

National Print Museum 

Attention locals! This museum is perfect for you as it is located on our very own Haddington Road!

National Print Museum

The National Print Museum tells the historical and contemporary story of printing in Ireland and not only its relationship but also the impact on the stories of Irish people and Ireland itself. It features fully operational letterpress printing equipment, laid out like a traditional print shop, giving visitors the chance to get a hands-on experience of Ireland’s print heritage in its truest form.

Wax Museum Dublin 

Craggy Island at the Irish Wax Museum

Embark on a journey of lifelike wonders and Iconic figures at Dublin’s wax museum. Pose with your favourite celebs and step into your favourite tv show sets.

This museum is a very unique one indeed, re-creating our very own Father Ted’s sitting room with wax figures of the famous characters Ted and Dougal. With interactive experiences, providing visitors with not only an entertaining but also an educational journey through Irish history, heritage and culture.

Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council; it is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day.  It is delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages and rural locations as well as online and through our media partners. All activities will be available to the public free of charge.