GLASNEVIN CEMETERY MUSEUM
Since 1832, more than 1.5 million people have been interred in Glasnevin. Located just 2.5km from Dublin’s city centre, Glasnevin Cemetery covers 124 acres of glorious parkland with plenty to appreciate – perfect for those interested in exploring the legacies of Ireland’s heroes.
A hauntingly gorgeous Victorian Garden cemetery each guide is passionate about sharing their love of heritage and history, telling the stories of Ireland’s complex and fascinating history through daily walking tours turning a learning experience into a period of magic with a careful balance of passion, sensitivity and even fun.
NEW "DEAD INTERESTING" TOUR AT GLASNEVIN
The new tour of Glasnevin Cemetery will give an alternative view of the varied heritage that Ireland’s largest cemetery holds and the history within its walls. Visitors will learn of its sculpture, symbolism, architecture, art, sporting heroes, horticulture, natural life and much more.
They will visit the graves and hear the stories of little known figures such as;
- Maria Higgins, a woman who died once yet was buried twice in Glasnevin
- James 'Skin the goat’ Fitzharris, who drove the getaway vehicle for the Phoenix Park Murders in 1882 (ironically the crime was planned in Glasnevin Cemetery)
- Right-wing agitator Francis De Groot upstaged the 1932 opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and sliced through the ceremonial ribbon
- An Irish chaplain who witnessed the liberation of Bergen Belsen concentration camp
- The last Irish winner of Wimbledon
- The vault that held secrets during the Irish War of Independence
- And many more
A tour that is for those both well acquainted with the cemetery and those who have never visited before, the secret history of Ireland’s most well-known cemetery.
Visitors will also learn about the harsh realities of life in Dublin in bygone times, hear the stories of gravediggers and grave robbers, cholera epidemics, and world wars. The natural beauty of the grounds merges with a who’s who of Irish history through which experienced, knowledgeable, and entertaining guides take visitors on a memorable journey through the impeccably preserved Victorian cemetery.
Glasnevin is truly both the guardian and storyteller for over 1.5 million people. Glasnevin’s mission strives to showcase the fascinating stories, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, of those laid to rest in the cemetery. Beautiful to stroll around or engage on a guided tour, there is an enviable collection of statues and headstones from the simplest to the magnificently ornate, including Daniel O’Connell’s crypt.