The Steam Museum
Museum in Straffan with large 19th-century stationary steam engines run in steam on Sundays, early engineering models and an 18th-century walled garden.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Steam Museum at Lodge Park in Straffan was founded in 1988 by Robert C. Guinness. Its main hall, the Michael Owens Power Hall, is a Victorian Gothic building that once served as a place of worship for railway engineers at the Inchicore railway works in west Dublin. When it fell into poor condition, the founder proposed to Dublin Corporation that it be moved to Straffan, where it now stands.
The hall houses six large 19th-century stationary steam engines that are run in steam on certain days by volunteers. The museum states that it is the only place in Ireland where visitors can see, hear and smell stationary engines working under steam. There are also demonstrations of steam-powered electric lighting, equipment from a Dublin laundry driven by its original belt and line shafting, a Cornish boiler and several smaller engines.
The Model Hall shows early inventors' models, scientific engineering models and works of mechanical art, with portraits of engineers of the steam age. The Halpin Collection includes samples from the first transatlantic cable, laid between Valentia Island and Newfoundland. The visit can be combined with the 18th-century Lodge Park Walled Garden next door and the Barista Bike Café.
Highlights
- Six stationary steam engines run in steam on Sundays and bank holidays
- Michael Owens Power Hall, a Victorian Gothic building moved from Dublin
- Early inventors' models in the Model Hall
- Halpin Collection with samples of the first transatlantic cable
- Lodge Park Walled Garden of about two acres
- Founded
- 1988
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Seniors over 65 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children under 16 go free (stated for 2026). |
| Seniors | €7Over 65, Saturday without steam. |
| Groups (21+ people) | €7 per personGroups of more than 20; €10 per person on steam-up days. |
| Museum, adult on steam-up days (Sundays and bank holidays) | €15 |
| Museum, senior on steam-up days | €10 |
| Museum and garden, adult without steam | €15 |
| Museum and garden, adult on steam-up days | €20 |
| Museum and garden, senior without steam (Saturday) | €10 |
| Museum and garden, senior on steam-up days | €15 |
| Garden only, adult | €7 |
| Garden only, groups of more than 20 (per person) | €5 |
The regular price is the museum ticket for a Saturday without steam; prices are higher on steam-up days. Tickets can be bought on arrival or online in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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
The museum describes wheelchair access everywhere, with an accessible toilet near the car park.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
Children under 16 enter free in 2026. The walled garden has paths and garden rooms that children like to explore.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
A car park is available, with the accessible toilet close to it.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The Barista Bike Café is open daily from about 09:30 to 16:00 and serves breakfast and lunch. The shop has a small selection of souvenirs. Dogs on leads are welcome in the café only.
Events & venue rental
Group bookings are welcome at any time, and private steaming for special occasions can be arranged.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours are arranged by request, usually as part of a group booking, and are charged. The museum suggests at least one hour each for the museum and the garden. Dogs are not allowed in the museum or garden. |
