It was a sunny October morning when Woman’s Way visited EPIC, The Irish Emmigration Museum. Having walked past it numerous times, always saying, ‘We should go there,’ it was about time we did. And it was brilliant. Located in the CHQ building on Custom House Quay, itself full of historical significance, Neville Isdell, former Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola, purchased the building in 2013 with the intention of developing it as a must-visit destination.

EPIC opened in 2016 and has since attracted millions of visitors, all of whom there to understand the impact of the 10 million people who left Ireland. It is an interactive museum, the best we’ve been to, which begins when you are given your passport to be stamped at each of the 20 stations. Originally designed for children, my mum and myself enjoyed ensuring we had stamped our passports as we left each section – and we weren’t the only adults doing so.

It was only 10am when we arrived (the museum opens daily, 10am-6.45pm) but already there were many visitors, all ready to soak up the information the museum provides. Each section is carefully and sensitively curated: visitors can swipe headlines from 19th century newspapers relating to emigration and the Famine; they can attempt a piece of Irish dancing while watching a rather famous performance called Riverdance; they can learn about the country’s sporting prowess; meet those lucky enough to have good lives upon leaving Ireland, and watch some of the country’s most historical moments.

From someone who grew up in Belfast, and whose parents were around at the beginning of the Troubles, watching the signing of the Good Friday Agreement was surprisingly moving. In fact, there were many points during the exhibition where I had to pretend I wasn’t crying.

EPIC’s Discovering Gallery

EPIC allows you to become immersed in history and there’s almost a magical quality to it. I particularly loved the section where we learned about the innovators and creators, the men and women who designed products that we often take for granted.

At the end of the exhibition, you can add the surname of anyone in your family who emigrated and it appears on the screen on the Emigrant Wall. A lovely moment, and picture perfect. A great, timely way to ensure their legacy is honoured. The entire museum has so much to offer, the attention to detail is exquisite and I was continuously impressed when going through each section.

Once you leave the museum, you can visit the Irish Family History Centre, where a consultant from EPIC’s genealogy service will help you with a search. We spoke with Gerard and he went above and beyond in providing information for our queries.

Tickets for EPIC start from €8 (children under age five go free) for children, €15 for students, €16.50 for adults and €15 for those over 65. There are family and group tickets available.

For Christmas, there’ll be a Santa’s Grotto and prices include admission to the grotto, the museum and a gift. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information see https://epicchq.com/