National Transport Museum

oksana osiniene ★★★★★

After visiting National Transport Museum of Ireland, I left with very mixed but deeply meaningful impressions. This is not a polished or modern museum — it feels more like a collection of large sheds filled with giant pieces of history rather than a fully equipped, safe exhibition space. And yet, that is exactly what makes it special. The collection itself is incredible: real buses, trams like Hill of Howth Tram No. 9, fire engines, and working vehicles that tell the story of everyday Ireland. You can even buy unique postcards featuring different transport machines — a lovely and authentic souvenir. What truly stands out is the people. The museum is run entirely by volunteers, with no real government support, and it shows both in its limitations and its heart. These enthusiasts are the reason this place still exists, preserving history piece by piece. Helpful tips: don’t expect luxury facilities, but do expect passion. Take your time, talk to the volunteers, and look closely — many gems are easy to miss. It’s a short visit, but one that stays with you. This is not just a museum, it’s a labour of love.

4 months ago · via Google

Justin Meighan ★★★★★

I remember going here when I was a kid in the mid 80s. It offers the same nostalgia power trip every time I return! The museum is located beside the Castle in The Deer Park. There is plenty of parking in the yard outside. There are 2 old army APC carriers outside to view for free, Irish army's finest! The museum is in 2 warehouses. Note it's run by very friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. Make sure you ask some questions! As you would expect, it's a mix of buses, trucks and trams. The theme is clearly civil transportation once inside. They have everything from an old horse drawn sludge pump to the last trams to venture up the hill of Howth! The history of The Great Southern railway becoming Irish Rail is explained! Old ESB vehicles are scattered throughout the place. The highlight for me was the very well preserved trams. They are really beautiful machines, they just don't make things like that anymore! Our kids loved exploring tge maze of vehicles. Definitely worth a visit. Short walk up from the dart if you want to leave the car at home and enjoy a stroll up deer park hill after the museum.

10 months ago · via Google

Sebastian Schwoshuber ★★★★★

Okay Guys This Museum is lovely for Transport nerds, Kids interested in old cars and for everyone who enjoys old Maschinery and craftsmanship. It is really only a warehouse with a lot of old Busses, fire engines, trams, etc. in it and has some nice Post cards and Info plates on every vehicle. The employee was also happy to tell us more about the vehicles. Especially the tram (retro fitted to Look Like it would have in i believe 1911) was really lovely to see. In my opinion these vehicles deserve more of a Location and Presentation But It is appreciated nonetheless. Depending on how deep you are Into technical Things and History you can spend between an hour and an entire day here.

10 months ago · via Google

K. Peake ★★★★★

This was a superb museum to visit, with many different types of vehicles from Ireland on display! Army vehicles are shown alongside old emergency services ones, it is impressive how long these fire trucks were. Delivery vans and lorries can be witnessed across varied sizes and colours, buses are a lot fresher compared to modern ones. Double decker trams are wonderful with the stories of how they originated and engines next to them, marked a contrast from having rode on the city's modern trams as good as they were!

a year ago · via Google