The Little Museum of Dublin has been named one of the top tourist attractions in the world, ranking seventh in Europe and 12th globally in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The popular non-profit museum placed ahead of major cultural landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and the Van Gogh Museum, and sits just two spots behind the Eiffel Tower in the European rankings. The awards are based on reviews and ratings submitted by visitors over the past year.
Located opposite St Stephen's Green, the museum has consistently proven popular with tourists, having been ranked the number one thing to do in Dublin on Tripadvisor for five consecutive years.
Founded in 2011, the museum offers a unique look at Irish life and history through its collection, which is entirely made up of items donated by members of the public. Its well-known 29-minute guided tour highlights key moments in Ireland’s past, blending everyday stories with major national events such as the Easter Rising.
Among the artefacts on display are the rosary beads worn by former president Mary McAleese at her communion, a telegram from playwright George Bernard Shaw, and a ration book dating back to 1948.
Curator Dr Daryl Hendley Rooney said the museum’s strong public reviews reflect its distinctive approach. “We’re a museum that thinks it’s a theatre,” he said. “We lean into theatricality. It’s like a performance.”
He added that the recognition goes beyond the institution itself. “This ranking is not just a good news story for the museum, it’s also a good news story for the people of Ireland. It puts us on an international stage.”
Highlighting visitor feedback, he noted: “We often hear people say, ‘my partner dragged me here and I hate museums, but I loved this’. We focus on the three Hs — history, humour and hospitality.”
The museum welcomed 115,000 visitors in 2019 and reopened last June following a €4.3 million redevelopment, further enhancing its offering for both local and international visitors.
