Dublin City Hall – The Story of the Capital
Domed former Royal Exchange on Dame Street with a free exhibition in its vaults on Dublin’s history from Viking times to today.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Dublin City Hall was built between 1769 and 1779 to a design by Thomas Cooley as the Royal Exchange, a place where merchants traded and met. It is one of the city’s finest Georgian and neoclassical buildings, with a domed rotunda at its centre. In the mid-19th century it became the municipal building of the city, and Dublin City Council still uses it today.
The exhibition “The Story of the Capital” is in the vaults on the lower ground floor. It traces Dublin from its Viking and Norman origins to the modern city, using video and newsreel footage, objects, interactive software and text panels. Items on show include the city charter of 1172, and visitors are told to allow about an hour. The building is also a popular venue for weddings and events, which can affect public opening.
Dublin City Council has had City Hall accredited as an autism-friendly building by the charity AsIAm. Staff are trained to support visitors with autism or other neurodivergent needs.
Highlights
- Exhibition in the vaults from Viking Dublin to the present
- Dublin city charter of 1172 on display
- Domed rotunda of the former Royal Exchange
- Autism-friendly building with sensory supports
Permanent exhibition
- Dublin City Hall – The Story of the Capital – A permanent exhibition in the vaults that follows Dublin from its Viking and Norman beginnings to the modern city, with film, objects and interactive displays.
- Operated by
- Dublin City Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry to the rotunda and the exhibition in the vaults is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A lift serves the lower ground floor, where the exhibition is, and accessible toilets are available. The building is certified autism friendly: a sensory map is at the main entrance, sensory kits can be borrowed from staff, and a quiet space can be arranged on request. There are three entrances, from Dame Street, Castle Street and Barnardo Square.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
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Getting there & parking
By public transit
Jervis (Luas Red Line)
Dublin Bus routes 27, 54A, 56A, 77A, 123 and 150 stop nearby. The Red Luas line stops at Jervis or The Four Courts, the Green Luas line at St Stephen’s Green, and DART stations are Tara Street and Pearse Street.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
City Hall has no car park of its own; nearby car parks are Jury’s Christchurch, St Andrew Street and Drury Street.
City Hall is at the junction of Dame Street and Parliament Street, a five-minute walk from Trinity College Dublin.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
City Hall is used as a venue for weddings and events.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The exhibition is self-guided and takes about an hour. |
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