Experience Glasnevin - Ireland's National Cemetery

About

Experience Glasnevin – Ireland’s National Cemetery – is a living monument to the nation’s history, set on the Northside of Dublin in the historic suburb of Glasnevin. Established in 1832 as the first non‑denominational garden cemetery in Ireland, it opened its gates to the general public on 21 February 1832, and today it spans 124 acres (50 ha) of landscaped grounds, formal avenues, and memorials. The cemetery is the final resting place for over 1.5 million people, including leaders such as Daniel O’Connell, Éamon de Valera, and Michael Collins, as well as a wide range of poets, politicians, and ordinary citizens whose stories are committed to stone, metal, and bronze. Visitors are welcomed to explore the cemetery’s 50 ha of tranquil pathways for free, and can join one of the memorable guided tours offered by the Dublin Cemeteries Trust. These tours walk through the historic O’Connell Tower, the Angel’s Plot, the Crematorium, and the graves of Ireland’s most prominent figures. All tours are available online for booking and include well‑researched commentary, making them suitable for families, school groups, and history enthusiasts alike. The visitor centre, featuring the O’Connell Tower, the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, and a collection of historic photographs and artefacts, is open daily. The cemetery continues to receive visitors for commemorations, mass funerals, and special events such as the annual Ivy Day. Experience Glasnevin’s blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and immersive storytelling offers a uniquely moving way to understand Ireland’s past and the people who shaped its present.

Highlights

• O'Connell Tower
• Graves of National Figures
• Angels Plot
• Crematorium
• Visitor Centre and Museum

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes