glasnevin cemetery tour duration

Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin: Where You’ll Discover The Stories Of 1.5 Million People

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

A visit to the historic Glasnevin Cemetery is one of the most popular things to do in Dublin .

Almost 200 years old and acting as the final resting place of 1.5+ million people, the stories Glasnevin holds within its walls would stretch across the Atlantic.

There are multiple tours to choose from, including, The Irish History Tour, The O’Connell Tower Tour, The Self Guided Tour and the Extra-Ordinary Lives Tour (info on each below).

In this guide, you’ll find everything from the history of Glasnevin Cemetery and its opening hours to what to see while you’re there.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin

Photo by Yulia Plekhanova (Shutterstock)

Although a visit to Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Lying around 3km north of the city centre, you can take either the 40 or 140 bus from O’Connell Street which will drop you right outside the entrance on Finglas Road.

2. Admission + opening hours

Wander through the cemetery and enjoy its serenity every day from 9am until 5pm. The opening hours for the visitor centre are every day from 10am to 5pm. The various tours are priced differently. You’ll find info on each below.

So, there’s a parking at Glasnevin Cemetery for up to 30 cars. You’ll also have to pay €2 (price may change). There’s more parking across the road ( here on Google Maps – across from the Tower Cafe).

4. The tours

One fascinating thing about Glasnevin is the breadth of tours on offer that really showcase Irish history at its most illuminating. We’ll get into the details of them a little later, but definitely consider booking on to one of them during your time there!

5. The stories of 1.5 million people

Almost 200 years old, the stories Glasnevin holds within its walls would stretch across the Atlantic. From political struggle to inspired poetry, there are some serious tales to be told by icons of Irish history! Not only that; they’re also the stories of the ordinary folk who’ve made Dublin what it is today.

The history of Glasnevin Cemetery

Photo ©Tourism Ireland via Ireland’s Content Pool

The history of Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin is an interesting one, and it’s arguably best discovered on one of the tours (info later in the guide).

Now, I just want to emphasise that the history of Glasnevin Cemetery outlined below is a brief one, and I won’t do it justice in just a few paragraphs.

The need for a Catholic burial ground

Before the founding of Glasnevin, Catholics in Dublin had had no cemeteries of their own in which to bury their dead. The regressive Penal Laws had placed restrictions on Catholics over the course of a couple of centuries, including the public performance of their own services and funerals.

When a Catholic priest attempted a limited version of a funeral mass in 1823 provoked a public outcry, things started to get heated and Daniel O’Connell launched a campaign pushing for the opening of a burial ground in which both Irish Catholics and Protestants could give their dead dignified burial.

Nine years later, Glasnevin Cemetery was consecrated and opened to the public for the first time on 21 February 1832

The opening and its early years

The following day, the cemetery’s first burial took place in a section of the cemetery known as Curran’s Square and it was that of eleven-year-old Michael Carey from Francis Street in Dublin.

The plot of land used for Glasnevin was quite large (originally 9 acres but has now swelled to 124 acres) and, perhaps inevitably, it became a significant place of burial for those who lost their lives during the Great Famine of the 1840s.

In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 800,000 people are buried in Glasnevin in unmarked mass graves due to the famine and a later cholera epidemic.

A whole host of famous names

While Glasnevin contains the burial records of almost 1.5 million people, one of its undeniable attractions is the number of well-known Irish national figures who are also buried there.

Prominent political figures buried at Glasnevin include nationalist leader Michael Collins, third president of Ireland Éamon de Valera, Catholic politician and campaigner Daniel O’Connell, and nationalist MP Charles Stewart Parnell.

From the art world, there are the graves of Dubliners musician Luke Kelly, poet and novelist Brendan Behan and writer and painter Christy Brown.

The different Glasnevin Cemetery tours

Photo left: Alexebb. Photo right: David Soanes (Shutterstock)

The Glasnevin Cemetery tour is well worth doing. And there are 4 different types to choose from, depending on how you like to explore.

You can book tickets for each of the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and ground tours online (see links under each tour below).

1. Irish History Tour

There are plenty of famous names buried at Glasnevin, but what gives them such significance? Take Glasnevin’s Irish History Tour to learn a whole lot more about the people and the events that contributed to Ireland’s turbulent last couple of centuries.

Expert tour guides will explain the 1916 Easter Rising and the Civil War, all while taking you around the graves of famous protagonists such as Michael Collins and Countess Markievicz.

The tour also includes a stop at the ornate crypt of cemetery founder Daniel O’Connell and you’ll hear insights into the intricate monuments and Celtic crosses that populate the grounds. Public tours are €13 (concession €11) while family tickets are €35 (2 Adults + up to 4 Children). You can book them online .

2. The Extra-Ordinary Lives Tour

With 1.5 million people buried within the grounds of Glasnevin Cemetry, you can only imagine the incredible lives that many of these people lived. 

Join an experienced tour guide to learn about some of the incredible achievements and extra-ordinary lives of Dublin’s dead. You’ll visit the final resting place of writer Brendan Behan and learn more about the man who once famously described himself as a “drinker with a writing problem.” 

Make your way through the cemetery, hearing about the life of poet and novelist Rosa Mulholland before heading back in time to the opening of Glasnevin and visiting its first inhabitant, Michael Carey, who was buried here in February 1982.

The tour runs every Saturday at 1 pm. 

3. The O’Connell Tower Tour

While his name probably doesn’t have the same emotional resonance as Michael Collins or Luke Kelly, Daniel O’Connell is the most important name at Glasnevin, as the cemetery wouldn’t even exist without him.

Fittingly, his burial spot is grander than the others and the O’Connell Tower Tour will explain all about his significance. When you visit his ornate crypt, you’ll find out why he was known as ‘The Liberator’ and how the famous Tower came into existence.

Speaking of the Tower, are you willing to climb all 198 steps to the top? If so, you’ll be treated to some deadly panoramic views over Dublin from the not-insignificant height of 55-metres!

4. The Self-Guided Tour

If you’d prefer to go around Glasnevin by yourself, then of course, you’re welcome to do just that on the self-guided tour .

For €8, you’ll get an audio guide and a Glasnevin Cemetery map that’ll help you explore the ‘key graves’ within its walls.

Each tour ticket includes admission to a new indoor visitor experience which boasts a wide variety of exhibits, archives and interactive displays.

Things to do near Glasnevin Cemetery

One of the reasons that a visit to the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is one of the most popular day trips from Dublin City is due to the volume of things there are to see and do.

Below, you’ll find places to visit a stone’s throw from the Glasnevin Cemetery tour, from one of the oldest pubs in Dublin to the brilliant Botanic Gardens.

1. National Botanic Gardens

Photo left: kstuart. Photo right: Nick Woodards (Shutterstock)

Situated next door to Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens offer the chance for further leafy peaceful solace but this time without all the dead people! Founded in 1795, they house approximately 20,000 living plants and many millions of dried plant specimens across 48 acres.

2. Croke Park

Photos via Shutterstock

Nearby Glasnevin lies Croke Park , Dublin’s iconic Gaelic football stadium. Don’t forget, there doesn’t need to be a game happening to enjoy a visit there! Take a Stadium Tour to learn about Croke Park’s interesting history and then get a cracking view of Dublin from above on the Skyline Tour!

3. Endless attractions in the city

Photo by Mike Drosos (Shutterstock)

Head back down south towards the city centre but stop by at Parnell Square to celebrate some of Dublin’s finest literary artists at the Dublin Writers Museum or the James Joyce Centre. Continue on down O’Connell Street if you want to see Trinity College and Temple Bar . Staying north of the Liffey, the Jameson Bow St Distillery is just a 15-minute walk from Parnell Square.

4. Food and trad pubs

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

You can’t spend time in Glasnevin without going for a pint at the legendary ‘Gravediggers’ pub, otherwise known as John Kavanagh. This no-nonsense pub does arguably the best Guinness in Dublin .

FAQs about the Glasnevin Cemetery tour

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Can you walk around Glasnevin Cemetery?’ (you can) to ‘Is there parking at Glasnevin Cemetery?’ (there is).

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is the Glasnevin Cemetery tour worth doing?

Yes. The history of Glasnevin Cemetery is a long and fascinating one, and the tours are delivered by energetic and experienced guides.

How much are tickets for the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum?

Ticket prices vary, depending on the type of tour you choose (there are 4). Each ticket also gives you admission to the new indoor Glasnevin Cemetery Museum/visitor experience.

Where do you get parking at Glasnevin Cemetery?

So, there’s parking at Glasnevin Cemetery for up to 30 cars. You’ll also have to pay €2. There’s more parking across the road (across from the Tower Cafe).

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Experience Glasnevin: Ireland's National Cemetery

• Family friendly
• Cloudy days

Experience Glasnevin: Ireland's National Cemetery is located just 2.5km from Dublin City centre. Glasnevin is a Victorian garden cemetery and covers 124 acres with plenty to appreciate. You will find the largest collection of Celtic crosses in the world here. The interactive visitor centre has award winning exhibits including "The City of the Dead" and numerous photographs from the cemetery's history. You can also search for your family surname in the computer database to possibly learn more about your ancestors. The visitor centre has a beautifully stocked gift shop and the Tower Café is located next door.

One of the best ways to explore the cemetery is on a guided walking tour. Each tour guide is very knowledgeable and passionate about the cemetery, revealing stories of Ireland’s history through daily tours. Your guide leads each tour with a careful balance of sensitivity and fun, while also tailoring the tour to your interests.

General History Tour:

This tour gives an overview of the history of Glasnevin Cemetery and visits the graves of Ireland’s heroes, including Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins, Roger Casement, Charles Stewart Parnell and Countess Markievicz. Hear stories of rogues and rebels, the famous and the infamous, gravediggers and grave robbers.

Dead Interesting Tour:

Hear the stories of the lesser known, but equally interesting personalities buried at Glasnevin. Dead Interesting tells some of Glasnevin's secrets such as the story of Maria Higgins, a lady who died once but was buried twice and Francis de Groot, who opened the Sydney Harbour Bridge by accident. You will learn about the sculpture, symbolism, architecture, art, sporting heroes, natural life and much more. Glasnevin Cemetery is considered an outdoor art gallery.

The O’Connell Tower:

Climb 198 steps to see spectacular views over the sprawling grounds of the cemetery, Dublin City, Wicklow and the Irish Sea. It is Ireland’s tallest round tower and stands at almost 55m. Built in 1854, it is the tombstone of the great liberator, Daniel O’Connell, who lies in an ornately decorated crypt at the base of the tower.

A gate located within the cemetery grounds will lead you through to the magnificent National Botanic Gardens.

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Everything about tourist attractions

Glasnevin Cemetery – tours, Museum, O’Connel Tower, hours, what to see

Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum is an award-winning Dublin attraction and gets more than half a million visitors annually.

Tourists visit Glasnevin to hear fascinating stories of those laid to rest in the Cemetery, see the stunning collection of statues and headstones, and to understand the history of modern Ireland.

It is one of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in the whole country.

In this article, we share everything you must know before booking your Glasnevin Cemetery tour.

Top Glasnevin Cemetery Tickets

# General History Tour # Dead Interesting Tour # Dublin Pass

Table of contents

How to reach glasnevin cemetery, glasnevin cemetery hours, how long does glasnevin cemetery take, general history tour, dead interesting tour, glasnevin cemetery free entry, city of the dead, the milestone gallery, the prospect gallery, o’connell tower, michael collins’ grave, the cross of sacrifice, gravediggers pub, national botanic gardens, glasnevin cemetery facts.

Glasnevin Cemetery is on the Finglas Road, 2.5 km (1.5 Miles) from Dublin’s city center.

Bus to Glasnevin

Bus Numbers 4, 9, 40, 83, and 140 can take you to Glasnevin Cemetery Museum.

If you are traveling from Dublin City Center, board one of these buses from  O’Connell Street .

There is a bus every 8 to 10 minutes. 

By Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

You can also use the Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off tour bus to get to the Glasnevin Cemetery.

Between the  City Sightseeing’s bus tour  and  Big Bus Open-Top bus tours , we recommend the latter because of their better ratings. 

In Dublin, these HOHO buses usually start at 9 am and continue till 6 pm. With a lot of coaches, the frequency is every 15–20 minutes.

Car to Glasnevin

Glasnevin Cemetery Car Park has 80 slots for cars and six for coaches. 

Usually, there is no shortage of parking slots because right across the road is St. Paul’s Car Park.

They have 40 more spaces, including four reserved for persons with disabilities.

The parking fee is 2 Euros per hour.

To Glasnevin by train

The Dublin Area Rapid Transit system (DART) is an electrified commuter rail railway network serving the coastline and city center of Dublin. 

Drumcondra  is the DART station closest to the cemetery. 

A brisk 20-minute walk can help you cover the 1.6 Kms (1 Mile) distance from the Station to the Cemetery.

Back to Top

From April 1 to September 30, Glasnevin Cemetery opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm every day, and from October 1 to March 31, it continues to open at 10 am but closes early at 5 pm. 

Exceptional Timings

On a few days in a year, Glasnevin follows different opening hours – 

St Patricks Day: 10 am to 6 pm Easter Monday: 10 am to 6 pm May Day: 10 am to 6 pm June Holidays: 10 am to 6 pm August Holidays: 10 am to 6 pm October Holidays: 10 am to 5 pm

Every year, the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum remains closed on three days – New Year’s Day (January 1), Christmas (December 25), and St Stephen’s Day (December 26). 

Visitors need at least two hours to explore Glasnevin Cemetery – ninety minutes for the public walking tour of the Cemetry and approximately thirty minutes to explore the Glasnevin Museum. 

If you plan to climb up the O’Connell Tower, you will need half an hour more.

Some visitors are known to walk around the greens of the cemetery for hours to take in the beautiful views. 

Glasnevin Cemetery tours

Since Glasnevin Cemetery is massive (124 acres!) with lots of graves, decorative sculptures, Celtic crosses, and stunning flowers & trees, a guided tour is the best way to explore this tourist attraction. 

Even when visitors do not know Irish history, the well-trained guides weave a story so good that it becomes a world-class experience for everybody.

Check out the video to get a sense of what to expect on a Glasnevin Cemetery tour – 

Glasnevin Cemetery offers two kinds of tours – 

• The General History tour
• The Dead Interesting Tour

Entry to the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is part of both these tours. 

A climb up the O’Connell tower is not part of these tours, but while booking your tour tickets, you can include the Tower climb by paying a little extra. 

Since both these tours are timed, you must reach the cemetery’s reception at least 15 minutes before.

We explain both the tours in greater detail below – 

More than 95% of the visitors opt for the General History tour, making it the most popular Glasnevin Cemetery tour. 

During this 90-minutes tour, the guide takes you to the graves of people who shaped the course of Irish history. 

Here are some of the highlights of the tour – 

• Crypt of O’Connell, the Irish political leader
• Burial place of Michael Collins, the most famous grave in the cemetery
• The Republican plot, where combatants or members of various Irish republican organizations have got buried 
• Graves of James Larkin, Maud Gonne, Grace Gifford, and many more famous Irish figures
• A re-enactment of Pádraig Pearse’s famous speech ( video ) delivered in 1915 at the graveside of Jeremiah O’Donovan-Rossa. This re-construction happens at the same spot every day at 2.30 pm.

This experience is an every day tour, and you must choose from two slots – 11.30 am or 2.30 pm. 

You can upgrade the General History tour and add a climb up the O’Connell Tower, which is a half an hour experience. 

Ticket price (without Tower climb)

Adult ticket (18 to 64 years): 14.5 Euros Seniors ticket (65+ years): 12 Euros Child ticket (5 to 17 years): 12 Euros Student ticket (with valid ID): 12 Euros

Ticket price (with Tower climb)

Adult ticket (18 to 64 years): 22 Euros Seniors ticket (65+ years): 17 Euros Child ticket (5 to 17 years): 17 Euros Student ticket (with valid ID): 17 Euros

Ticket price (Family of 2 adults & 2 kids):  40 Euros

During this tour, you won’t visit the graves of acclaimed Irish politicians or revolutionaries but instead, check out the burial spots of lesser-known people who lived extraordinary lives. 

This tour is ideal for visitors who have already been on the ‘General History tour’ or those who want to get an alternative view of the varied heritage that Ireland’s largest cemetery has to offer. 

The highlights of this tour are: 

• The grave of the man who opened Sydney Harbour Bridge – when he wasn’t supposed to
• Burial spot of the woman who died once but got buried twice
• The tomb that held IRA’s secrets during the War of Independence
• Exploring the sculpture, symbolism, architecture of Glasnevin, which makes it Ireland’s outdoor Art Gallery

The Dead Interesting Tour is only available on weekends and Bank holidays and starts at 1 pm. 

This ticket also gets you a 10% discount at the Tower Cafe.

*If you prefer, you can book the Tower Climb at the venue.

If you have the Dublin Pass , it is possible to explore the Museum and go on a guided tour at Glasnevin Cemetery for free.

Whichever tour the visitors opt for – the General History Tour or the Dead Interesting tour – they join for free. 

The Dublin Pass holders also get 10% off in the Tower cafe.

Besides Glasnevin Cemetery, this Dublin City Pass gets you free entry to 32 other attractions in the city.

What to see at Glasnevin Cemetery

There are lots of unique attractions to see in the sprawling Glasnevin Cemetery. 

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum has received numerous awards.

It has three permanent exhibitions, which all visitors can explore – 

The City of the Dead exhibition narrates the history of the cemetery. 

As you explore this exhibition, you get to learn about the people buried in the cemetery, what they owned, and what was sacred and dear to them. 

Visitors also learn about the massive archive, dating back to the 1800s, that the Glasnevin Trust maintains.

Don’t miss out on the section about grave-robbing which was once quite prevalent in the city.

The ‘Religion Wall’ displays the different beliefs every religion has about the concept of ‘after life.’ 

The Milestone Gallery houses special exhibitions on key historical figures from Ireland, starting with Daniel O’Connell, who is also known as ‘The Liberator.’

Interactive Timeline

The 10-meter (33 feet) long Interactive Timeline is part of the Milestone Gallery and was launched in 2009.

The Timeline’s interface allows visitors to browse through a selection of 200 influential figures in Irish history. 

Touching one of the personalities gives you a short bio, after which you can go on to know more about them by reading the full biography.

The Prospect Gallery has many photos of the most famous funerals and historical events at Glasnevin Cemetery. 

You will also get to see funerary monuments and historic graves.

O’Connell tower is a tribute to Daniel O’Connell, the Irish political leader from the first half of the 19th century. 

Standing at 55 meters (180 feet), it is Ireland’s tallest round tower.

In 1971, a bomb detonated at the base of the Tower, after which it got closed down. After decades, the iconic landmark reopened to the public in April 2018.

Today, the Tower hosts an exhibition narrating the life of Daniel O’Connell and the history of the majestic Tower built in his honor.

Visitors can book a climb on this Tower, which takes approximately 30 minutes.  Jump to the tickets section

Once you climb the 198 steps and reach the top, you get to enjoy stunning views of the Glasnevin Cemetery, the city of Dublin, Wicklow, and the Irish Sea.

Important:  Kids younger than 8-year-olds aren’t allowed to go up the O’Connell Tower. An adult must accompany children aged 8 to 12, at all times. 

Michael Collins was an Irish revolutionary and a major force in the early-20th-century Irish struggle for independence.

He was assassinated in August 1922 and buried at this cemetery. 

Michael Collins’ is the most visited grave in Glasnevin.

The Cross of Sacrifice is a Commonwealth war memorial designed in 1918 by Sir Reginald Blomfield for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. 

As a practice, this memorial is present in Commonwealth war cemeteries containing 40 or more graves of soldiers. 

Cross of Sacrifice was unveiled in Glasnevin Cemetery in July 2014 and ever since has become an attraction. 

This pub was set up by John Kavanagh in 1833 and is built into the wall of Glasnevin Cemetery, in the picturesque Prospect Square.

Over the centuries, gravediggers have come to this pub for a few pints and some food after a hard night’s digging. 

Today the John Kavanagh pub, which is also referred to as the ‘Gravediggers Pub,’ is being run by a seventh-generation Kavanagh, and tourists step in to get a feel of the old. 

The National Botanic Gardens is a 19.5 hectares garden situated between Glasnevin Cemetery and the River Tolka, where it forms part of the river’s floodplain.

From the Glasnevin Cemetery, you can get to the Botanic Gardens for a stroll. 

The linking gate is along the wall at the far side of Glasnevin Cemetery, Prospect Square entrance.

The Tower Cafe at Glasnevin is also known as the gateway between Glasnevin Cemetery and the National Botanic Gardens.

It is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm everyday and offers breakfast, quick bites, fast food, etc. Download Menu

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, and visitors choose to either dine-in or take out.

Even though the restaurant’s capacity is 70, it gets a bit crowded at lunchtime.

Tip: Some tourists believe that food is expensive at the Tower Cafe.

1. Since the Glasnevin Cemetery opened in 1832, more than one and a half million people have been interred (buried) there. Before the Glasnevin, Irish Catholics had no cemeteries in which to bury their dead.

2. Glasnevin Cemetery Museum was opened in 2010 and is the world’s first cemetery museum. 

3. Glasnevin Cemetery is home to one of the largest collections of Celtic crosses in the world. A Celtic crosses are unique in two ways – they have a ring of stone encircling the arms of the cross itself, and Christ gets displayed at the center of the stone circle.

4. Glasnevin Cemetery is officially known as Prospect Cemetery. This the Cemetery is surrounded on most sides by a Town named Prospect.

5. Maria Higgins was buried twice at Glasnevin Cemetery. The first time she was ‘buried’ as part of a scheme to get her inheritance, and her coffin only had bricks and sand. The second burial happened many years later when she actually passed away. 

6. Father Francis Browne , the person because of whom we know how Titanic looked like, is buried in the Glasnevin Cemetery. Just before it set sail, Father Francis took lots of photographs of the cruise ship, its crew and passengers. 

7. In 1911, one of the Glasnevin Cemetery guards spotted something colorful in the trees, and to scare it, shot in the general direction. As luck would have it, a beautiful bird fell to the ground with a thud. The same day a man called the Cemetery enquiring if anyone had seen his very valuable and rare macaw. When he came to know what happened, he sued the Cemetery for 100 pounds.

8. 1890 was the year of the Irish at Wimbledon (even though back then, Ireland was part of Great Britain). That year, the Irish tennis stars won the Ladies Singles, Men’s Singles, and the Men’s Doubles titles. Frank Stoker was the Men’s Doubles title winner along with Joshua Pim, and he would go on to win once again in 1893. This man, who besides playing tennis, was also an Irish international rugby player, and a dentist is buried in the Glasnevin Cemetery. 

9. In 1879 Glasnevin Cemetery’s entrance was moved from Prospect Square to Finglas Road. Before they moved the access, they had to buy all the land opposite the cemetery because they didn’t want any businessman to open a pub. The cemetery was already facing issues with mourners being late for the funerals and landing up drunk. 

10. Fr Michael Morrison, the man who witnessed the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, is buried at this cemetery. During his stay at the camp, he witnessed unbelievable horrors, including cannibalism and mass graves. He missed meeting Anne Frank at the camp by a few weeks.

11. During the Irish War of Independence, the IRA used a coffin inside a Glasnevin Cemetery vault to store their weapons. They had to move former occupant Ann Hodgens to make room for the guns.

12. In 1932, Sydney Harbour Bridge was ready for inauguration, and a local Australian politician was selected to do the honors. But Irishman  Francis de Groot felt only a member of the British royal family must open the bridge for the public. An upset and angry de Groot put on his Army uniform, borrowed a horse, and blended in with the cavalry guard of honor. At the right opportunity, he drew his sword, charged towards the red ribbon, and cut it, all the while shouting, “I declare this bridge open in the name of the decent and respectable people of New South Wales!” 

De Groot was laid to rest at this Dublin Cemetery.  

Sources # Dctrust.ie # Visitdublin.com # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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Vaibhav Raj is a hyper-dramatic cinema romantic, and it is his life's mission to touch all the memorable landscapes that his favorite movies breathe in, be it a meeting in Montauk from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a walk along Before Sunrise's Vienna, a hideout in In Bruges' Bruges, or frolicking across the lush Swiss landscapes of Yash Chopra. Favourite Cities: Barcelona, Kyoto, and Bruges.

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Glasnevin Cemetery Tour in Dublin

• Guided tour of Glasnevin Cemetery - Ireland's National Cemetery
• Professional, articulate and approachable guides
• Admission to the museum's immersive exhibits - discover more about the history of Glasnevin Cemetery
• Re-enactment of Patrick Pearse’s speech at the grave of O’ Donovan Rossa (subject to availability)
• Select discounts in the museum shop - home to a terrific collection of gift items and mementos
• Private transportation
• Experience Glasnevin - Ireland's National Cemetery, Finglas Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin, D11 H2TH, Ireland The starting point for the tour is from the museum reception. After check-in visitors will be directed to the starting point and will be met there by their guide.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Patrick pearse - influencing the nation! Re-enactments of Patrick Pearse's famous speech take place at the grave of O-Donovan Rossa seasonally at 2:30pm. See website for availability.
• The O'Connell Tower is now open to the public - you can now climb Ireland's largest round tower and experience heritgage at a height! Please enquire at reception for more information regarding booking and admission rates. (Tower admission can be purchased as an add-on to your tour on site)
• Most travelers can participate
• The museum and cemetery grounds are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of Daniel O'Connell's crypt (10 steps). An audiovisiual film is available in the museum's 'City of the Dead' exhibit which shows the interior of the ornate crypt.
• Meet the Ancestors! Glasnevin Trust's burial records, 1.5 million of them (and counting), date back to 1828 many of which are available to access anywhere at any time on our online database. Resident Genealogist, Lynn Brady MGSI is on site from 10am - 5pm, Monday - Friday. She has helped people from all corners of the globe to delve deeper into their Irish heritage.
• The Easter 1916 Rising Tours return to Glasnevin Cemetery! This Easter, Glasnevin will hold guided tours of the graves of combatants and civilians involved in, and affected by the 1916 Rising, telling the story of the dramatic events of over a century ago that shaped Ireland as we know it today. These tours will run at 3:00pm daily from Good Friday, April 10th to Easter Monday, April 13th. Visit our website for more information.
• If you have developed a taste for researching your family history or have a passion for genealogy, you do not want to miss out on Glasnevin’s next Genealogy Seminar taking place on Saturday, April 18th from 9:30am – 4:30pm. This promises to be an exciting event with a range of presentations from specialists on the day and information hubs dedicated to various records. There will be handouts and research packs full of hints and tips for you take away!
• Visit our website to learn more about the range of experiences, tours and workshops available.
• Visit the museum shop, home to a terrific collection of Irish crafts, jewellery, mementos, historical books, and other interesteing gift items.
• Stop for a bite to eat at the Tower Café - a popular pit stop for locals and visitors alike!
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Hotelfoodie79 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Family Trip to Glasnevin! So impressed! A wonderful afternoon out for the history tour. Tour guide was super can’t remember his name but he’s a distant cousin of Daniel O’Connell! He was extremely informative and an excellent storyteller. We were a family including 4 children as young as 7 and we were kept entertained. The exhibition inside is also great. Was much more than we had been expecting. Well worth a visit if in Dublin. One of the best tours we have done in Ireland. Very impressed! Read more Written April 27, 2024
• emermoll 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 1.5 hour Irish History Tour Really enjoyed the Irish history tour with Kate. Very informative and interesting anecdotes. Would highly recommend Read more Written April 27, 2024
• Seaside757942 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Marvelous and informative tour fantastic tour. really recommend it. informative, enjoyable, and moving. a must for anyone who is interested in the history of Ireland. and very worthwhile even for those of our party who had no previous knowledge about Irish history. Shane was a great tour guide, funny and knowledgable. really made the past come alive, and we all had a marvelous time. don't forget to stop at the GraveDigger pub for the best pint of Guinness in Dublin. you can get there from inside the cemetery, it's right by the back gate... Read more Written April 25, 2024
• Mary D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Tour by Ultan We had an excellent day and a very informative tour guide , Ultan It was the Historic Tour which lasted 2..5 hours . Such a beautiful day and I would be happy to revisit again . Well worth a day out to learn our Irish History Read more Written April 23, 2024
• paulhJ4764GY 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Day out with youngest son What a fantastic day. The knowledge of the staff is second to none. We were blessed with the weather as it was a wonderful sunny day Read more Written April 22, 2024
• Yvonne M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Go on the tour. Thanks Gráinne! Great tour by Gráinne. Brilliant visit to hear some history of Ireland and the struggle for Catholic rights championed by Daniel O'Connell. The second oldest cemetery in Ireland, with some very famous guests of all religions and no religion. The grave of Michael Collins is a highlight. Very informative and friendly tours available twice per day. We got the 2:30 slot, learnt much more when guided than we would have on a solo walk, it's a massive site so the tour is worth waiting for. Gráinne was a great ambassador for the site, helping strangers with directions along the way and answering all the questions with kindness and good humour. Made the effort to know where tourists were from to point out graves of interest to them. Thanks Gráinne. Read more Written April 19, 2024
• aileeno315 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Historic tour Kate the tour guide was very knowledgeable but witty and comedic with it. Very worthwhile tour. The weather helped thankfully. Read more Written April 18, 2024
• Blustez 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must visit if you are in Dublin Absolutely beautiful kept cemetery with fine examples of Celtic crosses and different types of tombstone. Our tour guide Niamh was fantastic She was passionate about the history of Ireland with a bit of humour as well which made the tour extra special. Read more Written April 15, 2024
• Kityayma 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles One of the most interesting places we visited in Dublin Glasnevin Cemetery, also known as Ireland's National Cemetery, is located a few kilometres out of town and next door to the National Botanic Gardens (also worth a visit). It's one of the most interesting places we visited during our four days in Dublin. The cemetery has been the resting place for locals of all denominations since it opened in 1832. It also holds the graves and memorials of several notable figures including patriots Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins and Countess Marckievicz, English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins and Irish folk singer Luke Kelly. But it's the unknowns in the Angels Plot that moved me the most. Established in 1968 as a resting place for stillborn infants, the Angels Plot is now the burial place of over 16,000 babies and infants. For many years Glasnevin was one of the few cemeteries that allowed stillborn and unbaptised babies to be buried in consecrated grounds. Reading some of the inscriptions here, including those which hint at multiple stillbirths within single families is heartbreaking. Other areas of note in the cemetery are the Republican plot where many of those killed or executed during the fight for independence were interred, and the Commonwealth Plot, with memorials to Irish service personnel. If you are walking around the outer pathway, look out for the watchtowers on the boundary. The towers were erected in the mid 1850s to prevent bodies being snatched from the cemetery for anatomical use in medical schools! The cemetery is a tranquil place to walk around and the blossoms now out on the ornamental trees add a softness to the grey, stone graves. You could spend quite a bit of time here reflecting on the lives of those laid out before you in graves simple, elaborate and, in many cases, unseen. Read more Written April 9, 2024
• Anne_MarieB911 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles One of the best tours I have done in years We visited as a family 19,16 and 10 yr old children on Tuesday 2nd April. Firstly, I had got my dates wrong and had actually booked the Monday ,but they were so accommodating and let us join the same tour on the Tuesday. So I was immediately impressed. We visited the tourist information area first, well presented and interesting. Our tour guide was Ultan. He was simply excellent. Strong voice carried well. Great story telling. Enthusiastic. Fun. It was simply fantastic. I studied 19th century Irish history for A level so to revisit the history of O’Connell and Parnell was evocative. But what pleased me most was how enthralled my children were in hearing the stories from our history. The tour was a real mix of young and old and I could see everyone was enjoying the experience. It helped that the sun was shining. Glasnevin is beautifully tended. It is quite powerful to know that it is still a fully functional graveyard, indeed the throes of You’ll Never Walk Alone was echoing from a funeral as we asked around . I have been to visit Dublin many times, but this was my first visit to Glasnevin . The 5 star reviews here are all worth it. Even if you are not a history lover, you can’t help but get reeled in by the story telling. Thank you Ultan, you brought history to life. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• Teri D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Take this tour! Unbelievably beautiful cemetery, unbelievably awesome tour guide. Our tour guide, Shane was passionate about the history of Ireland which made the tour extra special. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• V8174AClouised 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience with Kate Highly recommend this tour. Kate our tour guide was brilliant. Her knowledge and delivery of the content was so entertaining, interesting and humourous. Even the rain couldn't dampen our experience. Thank you Kate. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• roisinc961 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic! We had the most amazing morning listening to Kate! We literally felt transported through time and proud to be Irish I would highly recommend this tour to everyone Read more Written April 1, 2024
• janecL1381VJ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must go Was brilliant tour always wanted to do it , would highly reccomend , we went easter sunday are tour guide was Kate she was full of facts and stories and was great laugh , im a pretty big into Irish History so found it highly interesting, the tour also allowed us into the crypt and tower which were defo worth it , the views from the tower were amazing! Id highly reccomend this tour Read more Written April 1, 2024
• garymU9846AN 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent experience. Really enjoyable tour with Anna today. Highly recommended and I'll be returning in the future. Great stories told about the famous people buried there. Read more Written March 29, 2024

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Glasnevin Museum & Cemetery Tour

• See the final resting place of key Irish figures such as Michael Collins, Charles Stewart Parnell, Éamon de Valera, Countess Markievicz, Maud Gonne, Luke Kelly and Brendan Behan
• Visit the iconic O'Connell round tower, and see the O'Connell Crypt
• Discover great exhibitions at Glasnevin Museum, and explore the lives of the most influential figures in Irish history.

Glasnevin Cemetery - A Background

Glasnevin Cemetery was established by legendary Irish statesman Daniel O'Connell in 1832. Key figures from Irish history and culture have been laid to rest within these grounds such as: Michael Collins, Charles Stewart Parnell, Éamon de Valera, Countess Markievicz, Maud Gonne, Luke Kelly and Brendan Behan to name but a few. The impressive site just outside Dublin City spans 124 acres, boasting a vast array of ornate sculptures, Celtic crosses, stunning flowers & trees, and the famous O'Connell Round Tower.

A guided tour is the recommended way to get an insight into all the Glasnevin has to offer. Guides are dedicated and knowledgeable, and their passionate storytelling will ensure that you have a fantastic experience on your visit to Glasnevin Cemetary.

Glasnevin Museum

The interactive Museum on site contains award-winning exhibitions including "The City of the Dead" and numerous photographs from the cemetery's history. It is suitable for all ages. You can also search for your family surname in the computer database and possibly learn more about your ancestors.

Dead Interesting Tour

This award winning tour of Glasnevin Cemetery offers a unique overview of the cemetery’s varied sculptures, symbolism and architecture. Learn which sporting heroes rest here, hear about the horticulture and natural life that thrives among the dead, and pass the vault that was pivotal in the Irish War of Independence.

General History Tour

Let your guide regale the tales of colorful souls who shaped Irish history. Ulster Covenant, The First World War, The Easter Rising and The War of Independence will all be unearthed and dissected via enjoyable historical anecdotes. Plus, see the graves of Irish heroes including Eamon DeValera, Michael Collins, Countess Markievicz and more.

The O'Connell Tower

The O'Connell Tower in Glasnevin Cemetery is one of the most iconic round towers in Ireland, and one which offers breath-taking panoramic views of Dublin. The tower can now be explored despite being destroyed by a bomb in 1971 - after a lengthly restoration project. It is Ireland’s tallest round tower and stands at 180 feet. Built in 1854, it is the tombstone of the great liberator, Daniel O’Connell, who lies in an ornately decorated family crypt at the base of the tower.

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum Tickets

There are many ticket options available for Glasnevin Tickets - including museum / tower / and cemetery tour combination tickets. For full ticket details, please visit the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum website.

Getting to Glasnevin Cemetary Museum

Glasnevin Cemetery is located close the the stunning National Botanic Gardens . Croke Park Museum and Stadium Tour  is closeby also.

From O'Connell Street, you can take the the 4,9,40,83 or 140 to Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. Visit dublinbus.ie for full details, and to plan your journey.

There is a DART station in Drumcondra which is a 20 minute walk from Glasnevin Cemetery. Visit Irish Rail for details.

It's a great idea to cycle to Glasnevin, and you'll get there quicker than some other modes. There is plenty of space to securely park your bike at Glasneving.

There are fascinating walking trails to follow if you plan on walking from Dublin City. Visit Glasnevin Museum's website for full information.

How to be a Glasnevin Cemetery tour guide

The job’s yours with knowledge, passion and an ability to make people laugh and cry.

Eoin Butler: on a mission to inform, entertain and amuse. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

In One Million Dubliners , Aoife Kelleher's acclaimed documentary from last year, Glasnevin Cemetery 's resident historian, Shane Mac Thomáis, lays out his formula for conducting a successful tour of the place. Tell visitors something they already know, the late tour guide recommended. Tell them something they don't know. Say something that will make them laugh and something that will make them cry.

If you ever fancied taking him up on that advice, now is the moment. With the centenaries of the 1916 Rising, the 1918 general election, the War of Independence and the Anglo-Irish Treaty all looming, the number of visitors to the cemetery is surging, and management are hiring four new full-time guides.

According to Mac Thomáis’s successor Conor Dodd, a third-level qualification in history isn’t strictly necessary for prospective candidates. “Obviously, some historical knowledge is necessary. But what’s really essential is to have an interest in, and a passion for, the cemetery.”

The site covers 124 acres and is home to 1.5 million graves. Some stops are more or less obligatory. No recreational visit would be complete, for example, without seeing Daniel O'Connell's tomb, the cholera pit where Charles Stuart Parnell was laid to rest, or the grave of Michael Collins.

“Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t leave flowers on his grave,” says Dodd. “Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries . . . One hundred years from now people will still be coming to see him.”

For Dodd the most important quality a tour guide must have is an ability to improvise. “There’s no point in bringing a tour group out and just talking at them for an hour and a half. You’d lose their interest in about five minutes.”

Guides must tailor their content to the interests of the group. “If they’re music fans you mention Luke Kelly and [the opera singer] Margaret Burke Sheridan. If they ask about literature you talk about Christy Brown and Brendan Behan.”

Information and entertainment are of equal importance, says Dodd. But historical truth can be difficult to pin down. As we walk he points out the grave of a man whose epitaph says he fought at the Battle of Trafalgar. In fact the record shows that he did no such thing.

“If someone asks a question you need that depth of knowledge to be able to respond. That’s why it takes time to train new guides in here.”

At the museum a tour guide named Bridget Sheerin is attempting to train a group of transition-year girls on work experience from St Louis High School, in Rathmines in south Dublin, as tour guides. Sheerin emphasises content, body language, hooks – anecdotes, jokes or surprises – and projection.

Students tend to have good content, she says, but sometimes fall short in projecting their voices clearly and confidently. Each girl has been asked to choose a grave and deliver a short monologue about the person buried there.

Lauren has chosen Collins. Her research is excellent, but, two metres away, I can’t always quite make out what she’s saying.

Saoirse talks about the life of Grace Gifford. She’s concise and to the point.

Sorcha talks about Elizabeth O’Farrell, the woman who carried a white flag “of surrender but not defeat” at the end of Easter Week.

Theodora's presentation on Margaret Skinnider, a female sniper during the Easter Rising, is excellent. As is Princess's tribute to Countess Markievicz. Although if Markievicz really did spend the Rising running a soup kitchen with James Connolly, that's definitely news to me. (Princess may have meant the 1913 lockout.)

After lunch Sheerin invites me to speak in front of the paid-for tour group arriving at 2.30pm. The students had three weeks to prepare. I have less than 30 minutes.

I have an idea who I’d like to talk about, but I’m not even certain that he’s buried in the cemetery. I check the records and confirm the location of his grave.

The tour group is a mix of tourists and Irish people. One couple, from Castlerea, in Co Roscommon, tell me they're on their way home from holidays. They saw One Million Dubliners on the plane and decided to stop in on their way from the airport.

I lead the group to the grave of Ernie O’Malley, the Mayo-born medical student turned IRA commander, memoirist and intellectual.

Sheerin gives me a much more effusive introduction than I would have liked, telling the audience that I’m writing a piece about tour guiding for the newspaper, and promising that I will inform, entertain and amuse them.

Actually, I’ve hastily cobbled most of what I’m about to say from Wikipedia, where jokes are at a premium. I ad-lib along the lines that, as a Mayo man and a rebel, O’Malley was likely descended from Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen, who was a thorn in the side of Elizabeth I.

I have no idea if he was or wasn’t. But as information it seems at least as reliable as saying that Connolly and Countess Markievicz spent Easter Week making sandwiches.

As per Sheerin’s instructions I divide the group in three – left, right and centre – and direct my attention to each section in turn.

In terms of keeping the audience’s attention it certainly doesn’t hurt that O’Malley tended to find himself engaged in epic gun battles on a near-daily basis.

I’m a little nervous, which is to be expected. What’s more surprising is how emotional I begin to feel speaking about O’Malley. A man who could have had a comfortable life as a GP but who chose instead, like so many others buried here, one of service and hardship. A man who faced danger without flinching, who endured torture but never gave up his friends, just so that ordinary gobshites like me might have a fairer shake of a life.

Remembering him here, even if it’s only for a few minutes, even if there are only 20 or so gathered at his graveside, is a moving experience.

I conclude by inviting questions. Only one hand is raised: “When is this going to be in the paper?”

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100% refund if you cancel 24 hours before tour departs.

Gain a unique insight into Dublin’s atmospheric Victorian burial place and visit the award-winning Glasnevin Cemetery Museum!

Over 1.5 million people are at rest in the moving Glasnevin Cemetery. Take a  General History  tour and travel deep into Dublin’s past, 100 years after the Easter Rising. Or visit the graves of Irish heroes and learn the meaning of the cemetery’s symbolism and architecture on the  Dead Interesting  tour.

Choose one of these hot, historical tours, add in a trip to the museum and it’s clear that to leave Dublin without visiting Glasnevin would be a  grave  mistake. (Sorry).

Dead Interesting Tour

This brand new tour of Glasnevin Cemetery promises a grand overview of the cemetery’s varied sculpture, symbolism and architecture. Learn which sporting heroes rest here, hear about the horticulture and natural life that thrives among the dead, and pass the vault that was pivotal in the Irish War of Independence!

General History Tour

Let your guide regale the tales of colorful souls who shaped Irish history. Ulster Covenant, The First World War, The Easter Rising and The War of Independence will all be unearthed and dissected via enjoyable historical anecdotes. Plus, see the graves of Irish heroes including Eamon DeValera, Michael Collins, Countess Markievicz and more.

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

Step inside this award-winning museum; the world’s first cemetery museum, no less. Exhibitions cover the cemetery history, funeral monuments and there’s even an impressive touchscreen table containing 200 life stories of important Irish figures, spanning almost 200 years.

Address Glasnevin Cemetery, Finglas Rd, D11 PA00, Dublin

Opening times

Monday to Sunday 8am to 6pm

How to book?

Go to their website HERE

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Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Moscow Metro Underground Small-Group Tour - With Reviews & Ratings

Moscow metro underground small-group tour.

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 3 Hrs
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 10:00 AM
• Departure Details : Karl Marks Monument on Revolution Square, metro stop: Square of Revolution
• Return Details : Metro Smolenskaya
• If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
• Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda , then hear soviet stories from a local in the know. Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.

Know More about this tour

We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality — the walls depict plenty of Propaganda , with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas(grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.

Local English-speaking guide

Pancake snack and drink

Additional food and drinks

Tickets for public transport

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for the guide

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Traveler Reviews

This tour exceeded our expectations. Nikolai (Nick), our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, thorough, and has a great personality. He didn't take shortcuts and really covered everything that was on the agenda in great detail. We saw beautiful metro stations and learned the history behind them, including many of the murals and designs.

We did the tour with Anna her knowledge and understanding of the History surrounding the metro brought the tour alive. Well done Anna!

This tour was amazing!

Anna was a great tour guide. She gave us heaps of interesting information, was very friendly, and very kindly showed us how to get to our next tour.

Amazing beauty and history.

An excellent tour helped by an absolutely amazing guide. Anna gave a great insight into the history of the metro helped by additional material she had prepared.

great tour and guide - thanks again

great will do it again, Miriam ke was very good as a guide she has lived here all here life so knew every interesting detail.a good day

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