Historical Guided Tour at National Print Museum in Dublin
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45-60 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required, suitable for all ages
Overview
Discover Ireland’s print history through an interactive tour at the National Print Museum. View original artifacts, print your own poster, and enjoy a cozy café experience—all in Dublin’s lively city center.
Guided Historical Tour
Daily • For all ages • 1 hour
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Discover the transformative power of the printing press in this engaging 45-60 minute tour. View an original 1916 Proclamation and interact with a working collection by printing your own personalized poster. Enjoy a cozy café experience with homemade delights, making this visit both educational and memorable.
Duration: 45-60 minutes Please note that tour availability opens 1 month in advance.
About
Learn how the printing press, invented in 1439 by Johannes Gutenberg, changed the world. View an original 1916 Proclamation, Ireland’s most important historical printed document, and marvel at the artefact’s fascinating story of production. Your guide will demonstrate how printing was done throughout most of the last few centuries. The main collection is not behind glass or rope, but is instead an example of a working collection. Interact with this collection by composing your own name in type and printing a personalised poster to take home.
Highlights
- An Original 1916 Proclamation
- Print a personalised poster
Accessibility
This tour is conducted on the ground floor, where visitors will also find the Reception, Museum Shop, permanent exhibition, toilets, and Café. The ground floor is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Entry for wheelchairs is via the Café.
The Museum welcomes guide and service dogs.
Café
Press is an independent café located in the National Print Museum. All the food is lovingly homemade using fresh ingredients from Irish suppliers. Try one of the daily chalk board specials or a cup of delightful Cloud Pickers coffee, roasted and pressed in Dublin. Escape under the archway into a cosy enclave for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon treat on week days. A restorative rustic brunch menu is served on weekends.
Adventure Tips
Arrive early
Getting there 15 minutes before your scheduled tour ensures a relaxed start and time to browse the collection.
Dress comfortably
Wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a hands-on experience and indoor activities.
Book in advance
Tours can fill quickly, so secure your spot ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Bring a friend
Sharing this interactive experience makes printing your poster even more memorable and fun.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons in the city streets
- Seagulls near the River Liffey
History
The Print Museum highlights Ireland’s print history, which played a critical role in the country’s national awakening during the early 20th century.
Conservation
The museum actively advocates for preserving Irish printing heritage and promotes sustainable practices in maintaining its collection.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Dublin
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
You’ll be walking through exhibits and standing during the tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Notebook or camera
Capture your experience and take notes during the interactive printing session.
Light jacket
Dublin’s indoor and outdoor temperatures vary, so a light jacket helps keep comfortable.
winter specific
Cash or card for café
Enjoy homemade treats afterwards by having cash or a card ready to purchase at the café.