About the Irish Family History Centre
As a local who's seen countless folks uncover their Irish roots right here in the Docklands, I can tell you the Irish Family History Centre is pure gold for genealogy buffs among the best museums in Docklands Dublin. Housed in the same epic CHQ Building as EPIC on Custom House Quay, it's a dedicated hub for tracing your ancestry with expert researchers, vast databases, and one-on-one consultations. No stiff lectures, just personalised digs into baptism records, ship manifests, and census data from Ireland's past.
It's the perfect companion to EPIC's emigration tales; imagine pivoting from broad stories to your own family tree amid the buzz of modern Docklands. The Liffey laps outside, gulls cry overhead, and the area's fusion of old warehouses and shiny IFSC offices reminds you of Ireland's resilient spirit.
What to Expect
Free self-service computers with subscription databases (Ancestry, Findmypast), expert consultations (€50/hour), and group talks. Exhibits blend seamlessly with EPIC, covering passenger lists and diaspora networks. Kids and beginners welcome with introductory sessions; serious sleuths can book private research days. Open daily, blending seamlessly with museum hours.
Insider Tips
Pre-book consultations online, slots fill fast, especially for North Americans chasing famine-era links. Bring any known names/dates; staff are wizards at filling gaps. Combine with EPIC ticket for full day (walk-ins for browsing). Lunch at CHQ's food hall, then Luas to city centre. Midweek quieter; Valentine's or St Patrick's see love stories unearthed. If Docklands museums are your vibe, this turns 'who am I?' into 'wow, that's my gran!' Essential for 10 days in Dublin heritage hunts.