About Us
Since 1828, more than 1.5 million people have been interred in Glasnevin - rich and famous, paupers and politicians, artists, warriors and heroes, all resting side by side in this renowned Victorian Garden Cemetery.
Both the award-winning museum and the guided tours chart the fascinating history of this hallowed place, telling the stories of grave diggers and grave robbers, cholera epidemics, and world wars.
Key to Glasnevin’s success is the popularity of the tour guides whose enthusiasm is compelling. Brimming with banter and charm each tour guide is passionate about sharing their love of heritage and history. No two tours are the same with each guide giving their own personal interpretation. There is inspiration around every corner and at every grave, and with one and a half million stories buried in Glasnevin, there’s no shortage of tales to tell. Visitors gain a heightened sense of understanding of Irish history, and a deeper appreciation of Glasnevin’s never forgotten residents.
These are the stories that have captured the imagination of the visitors and it is these same people that have actively posted on the international Tripadvisor website, securing a winning place in the Traveller’s choice award for 2013 and 2014, as well as the Certificate of Excellence. Consequently, Glasnevin is now consistently listed as one of Dublin’s top 3 attractions. Known locally as “The Dead Centre of Dublin” Glasnevin is Ireland’s largest Cemetery.
Glasnevin Museum proudly tells the story of modern Ireland through interactive exhibitions, dramatic re-enactments, lectures and daily walking tours visiting many of the renowned figures that shaped the country we live in today including Charles Stewart Parnell, Eamon De Valera, Michael Collins, Constance Markievicz, Michael Cusack, Brendan Behan and Luke Kelly and Daniel O’ Connell. This is a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of Ireland’s complex and fascinating history. Here the social, political and historical timeline of this great city is carved in stone and Glasnevin is home to the largest collection of Celtic crosses in the world
A visit inside Daniel O’Connell’s Celtic Romantic designed Crypt and iconic tower, the tallest in Ireland, forms part of the tour. If you are interested in tracing your family history, there is a comprehensive genealogy research area, where access to the extensive online records can be accessed. The age old tradition of recording deaths in large registry books is still maintained but equally all 1.5 million records are now online. There is a museum shop, home to a terrific collection of Irish crafts, jewellery, mementos, historical books, and other interesting gift items. The Tower Café is open daily and is fast becoming a popular coffee and lunch stop for visitors.
A pedestrian gateway between the world famous National Botanic Gardens and the Cemetery is open making it the second largest green space in Dublin with over 200 acres of mature parkland, and home to the largest collection of protected structures in the State.
Glasnevin aims to preserve and honour the heritage of past generations, serve and respect the needs of the present generation, and provide a legacy for future generations. Glasnevin Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Ireland and was first opened in 1832. It was established by Daniel O’Connell as a place where people of “all religions and none” could bury their dead with dignity; the cemetery has grown to become a national monument and is a vital part of the Irish Heritage story. The exhibitions show the social, historical, political and artistic development of modern Ireland through the lives of the generations buried in Ireland’s Necropolis.
Glasnevin is located within easy access of Dublin city centre and the M50. Regular buses operate from O’Connell Street and Dublin City Sightseeing’s red hop on Hop off service operates every half hour from Guinness Storehouse. With pedestrian links into the Botanic Gardens there’s more than one good reason to visit this intriguing place
Celebrating history, heritage and culture, join this intriguing journey through Ireland’s past.
