Dublinia

Costumed actors playing Vikings and medieval Dubliners bring the city's early history to Dublinia, a living history museum that invites visitors to join in rather than simply watch. The exhibition is housed in the Synod Hall, part of Christ Church Cathedral, and focuses on Dublin's Viking and medieval past.

Alongside the reenactments, the museum recreates buildings from both periods, including houses and street scenes, so that visitors can walk through settings modelled on the early city. The hands-on, participatory approach suits anyone who prefers to experience history rather than read about it behind glass.

Dublinia opened in 1993 and was redeveloped in 2010 at a cost of two million euros. By then it was drawing more than 125,000 visitors a year.