The National Wax Museum Plus: Complete Visitor Guide

Located right in the center of Dublin on Westmoreland Street, the National Wax Museum Plus is an eccentric, interactive journey through Irish history, mythology, and global pop culture. If you are expecting the hyper-polished, corporate sheen of Madame Tussauds, you might be surprised. This museum has a distinctly local, sometimes campy, and highly entertaining charm.

It is a place where you can stand next to a wax figure of Liam Neeson, walk through a recreation of the 1916 Easter Rising, and get spooked in a basement dedicated to Dracula—all within the span of an hour. For travelers looking for a lighthearted break from heavy historical tours, or for families trying to keep kids entertained on a rainy afternoon, it serves a very specific and useful purpose in a Dublin itinerary.

This guide breaks down exactly what to expect, how to navigate the exhibits, and the most cost-effective ways to secure your entry tickets.

Is the Wax Museum Right for You?

Because this attraction leans heavily into interactive and sometimes quirky displays, it appeals to different types of travelers in different ways.

• Families with Kids: This is where the museum shines. Between the Science and Discovery Zone, the interactive green screen video studio, and the mythological creatures, children generally love the tactile nature of the exhibits. If you are building an itinerary with kids, this is a reliable stop.
• Budget Travelers: At around €19 for an adult ticket, it is moderately priced for a city center attraction. However, if you plan to visit multiple sites, the museum is included in the Dublin Pass, which can significantly lower your per-attraction cost.
• Time-Poor Visitors: You do not need half a day here. The layout is linear, and you can comfortably see everything in 60 to 90 minutes. Its location near Trinity College makes it an easy filler activity between major scheduled tours.

Historical Context: A Museum on the Move

The National Wax Museum has a surprisingly resilient history. It originally opened in 1983 on Granby Row, near Parnell Square. Founded by Donie Cassidy, a local politician and businessman, it quickly became a staple of Dublin school trips.

However, the museum lost its original home in 2005 when the building was slated for redevelopment (it is now a hotel). The wax figures were put into storage, and for a few years, Dublin was without its wax museum. It resurrected in 2009 in Foster Place, right next to the Bank of Ireland, before finally moving to its current, much larger premises on Westmoreland Street in 2017.

The “Plus” in the name was added to signify that it is no longer just static wax figures. The modern iteration includes augmented reality, green screen technology, and interactive science exhibits, making it a much more hands-on experience than its 1980s predecessor.

5 Deep-Dive Highlights Inside the Museum

The museum is structured as a one-way walk-through experience spread across multiple floors. Here are the five sections that stand out the most.

1. The Time Vaults (Irish History)

Located in the lower levels of the building, the Time Vaults offer a chronological walk through Ireland’s turbulent past. You will start with the Vikings and the Normans before moving into the more modern eras. The highlight here is the detailed recreation of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Good Friday Agreement. The figures of key historical leaders like Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera are displayed in dynamic dioramas that help contextualize the political history you will hear about on other walking tours.

2. The Writers’ Room

Ireland’s literary heritage is globally renowned, and the Wax Museum pays tribute to its heavyweights in a dedicated room. Here, you will find incredibly detailed figures of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. The room features audio elements and period-appropriate sets. It is a great visual primer if you are planning to visit the MoLI Museum later in your trip.

3. The Chamber of Horrors

Hidden away in the basement is the Chamber of Horrors. It leans heavily into the macabre, featuring figures like Hannibal Lecter and Frankenstein’s monster. Crucially, it also pays homage to Dublin-born author Bram Stoker with a dedicated Dracula display. Local Tip: The Chamber of Horrors is genuinely dark and features jump scares and loud noises. If you are visiting with young children or easily startled adults, there is a clearly marked “bypass” door that allows you to skip this section entirely.

4. The Grand Hall

This is the museum’s main event for pop culture fans. The Grand Hall features a mix of international celebrities, politicians, and Irish icons. You will find U2, Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, and Liam Neeson rubbing shoulders with international figures. The quality of the waxwork here varies—some are uncanny, while others are slightly off in a way that provides excellent comedic value for photos.

5. The Science & Discovery Zone

Aimed squarely at younger visitors, this area breaks away from wax figures to focus on interactive learning. It highlights the contributions of Irish scientists and inventors. Kids can play with optical illusions, learn about the invention of the submarine (invented by an Irishman, John Philip Holland), and interact with sensory exhibits.

Keep Planning: If your kids enjoy the interactive elements here, consider adding the Casino Model Railway Museum to your itinerary for another family-friendly outing.

Ticket Options and Pricing

You have a few choices when it comes to paying for entry. Because the museum is privately run, it does not receive the state funding that keeps places like the National Museum free.

Independent vs. Pass Entry

If you are only in Dublin for a weekend and plan to visit the Wax Museum alongside heavy hitters like the Guinness Storehouse and Christ Church Cathedral, buying a Dublin Pass is almost always the mathematically correct choice.

If you are just looking for a quick afternoon activity and aren’t doing a massive sightseeing blitz, stick to the standard Entrance Tickets.

Transit Directions: How to Get There

The museum is located at 22-25 Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2. This is arguably one of the most central locations in the city, sitting directly between the River Liffey and Trinity College.

• By Luas (Tram): Take the Green Line to the Westmoreland stop. The tram literally drops you right outside the front door of the museum. If you are on the Red Line, get off at Abbey Street and walk south across O’Connell Bridge (a 4-minute walk). Read our Luas guide for ticketing details.
• By Bus: Almost every major cross-city bus route passes through Westmoreland Street or neighboring D’Olier Street. Routes 16, 41, 46A, and 145 all stop within a two-minute walk.
• On Foot: If you are exploring Temple Bar, the museum is a 3-minute walk east. From O’Connell Street, walk south across the bridge and you are there.

Local Survival Tips for Avoiding Crowds

1. The Rainy Day Rush: As mentioned, this is Dublin’s premier “it’s pouring rain, let’s go inside” attraction for families. If it is raining, try to visit right at opening time (usually 10:00 AM) or after 3:30 PM when the school groups and early families have cleared out.
2. Cloakroom Logistics: The museum gets very warm inside, especially in the basement Time Vaults. There are lockers available near the ticket desk. Pay the small fee to stash your heavy coats and umbrellas; you will be much more comfortable navigating the narrow corridors.
3. The Green Screen Video: In the music section, there is a green screen booth where you can record a music video. It is hilarious, but it causes a massive bottleneck. If there is a line, skip it, finish the floor, and circle back.
4. Accessibility: While the museum is wheelchair accessible with elevators between floors, some of the historical dioramas in the basement have tight corners. If you are navigating with a large stroller, it can get tricky during peak hours.

Where to Stay Nearby

Westmoreland Street borders Temple Bar, Trinity College, and the North City Center. Staying in this area means you are in the absolute thick of the action. It is incredibly convenient, though it can be noisy on weekends.

If you want to be close to the museum but prefer a slightly quieter night’s sleep, look for accommodations just south of Trinity College near St. Stephen’s Green, or across the river near the Custom House.

Frequently Asked Questions