Review: The Little Museum of Dublin

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
The Little Museum of Dublin is as quirky and eccentric as the city itself. Set in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse on the periphery of St. Stephen’s Green, this museum will take you on a path through the last century in Dublin. It’s far from a lackluster historical lecture—U2, and the puppets Podge and Rodge, are given as much billing as James Joyce. The tour guides are enthusiastic (and, in some cases, delightfully bonkers), and they seem to know everything there is to know about the city.

What can we expect?
As entrance is by tour only, there’s a very specific route. You'll start in a traditional drawing room that commemorates 1900s Dublin (with talk of tenements and the 1916 Easter Rising), then move on to the modern history section, which is filled with memorabilia (including a letter from Samuel Beckett to the boy who lived in his childhood home). When the tour is finished, you can dive into the U2 room or the Editing Room, a re-creation of an Irish Times office from the first half of the 20th century.

Great! Are there temporary exhibits?
Yes; the ground floor is home to a rotating exhibition that changes four times a year; recently, there was "Ireland’s Fashion Radicals," a look at the bold designers of the 1950s, and "What’s She Doing Here?" which highlighted trailblazing women. In fact, the museum as a whole has a decidedly feminist bent; you can take a Women's History of Ireland Tour on Wednesday mornings.

What did you make of the crowd?
Tours are often sold out, so things can feel a little cramped—in a manageable way. There’s usually a solid mix of visitors from both Ireland and around the world; it's great when older Dubliners chime in with their own memories.

On the practical tip, how were facilities?
It couldn’t be easier to get around; the space itself is small and the tours lead the way. The old building might be difficult to maneuver for visitors with mobility issues, but assistance is available for wheelchairs.

Any guided tours worth trying?
Unless you're a member, the only way to access the museum is on a guided tour, which start every hour on the hour. Tour guides are animated, extremely knowledgeable, and lots of fun.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
A teeny gift shop sells memorability and books by Irish writers.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
Museum visitors get a 10 percent discount at Hatch & Sons, the small basement café, even though it isn't officially affiliated with the museum. It is, however, one of the best places in the city to get a blaa, a soft white-bread roll from Waterford that's stuffed with goat cheese, roasted root vegetables, and beet relish.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
Each tour lasts an hour, so you’ll likely be out in 90 minutes. If you want to take your time, though, you’re welcome to do so.