Step-by-Step Visit Process
Planning a visit to Gaulish Antiquities Hub is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure you have the best possible experience:
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Do
Review our services page to understand your options. Consider whether you want a self-guided visit, a guided tour, or participation in an educational program. Think about how much time you have and what aspects of Gaulish history interest you most.
Step 2: Check Availability and Hours
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-18:00 and Sunday 12:00-17:00. We're closed on Mondays and major holidays. For guided tours and programs, check availability by contacting us at [email protected] or calling +353 53 234 5008.
Step 3: Make a Booking (If Required)
General admission doesn't require booking - just arrive during opening hours. For guided tours, educational programs, or research access, book in advance through our contact page, by phone, or by email. We recommend booking at least one week in advance for tours and four weeks for educational programs.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit
Review our preparation checklist (below) to ensure you're ready. If you're bringing a group, confirm final numbers 48 hours before your visit. For school groups, distribute pre-visit materials to students. For researchers, gather your credentials and research proposal.
Step 5: Arrive and Check In
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time (or anytime during opening hours for general admission). Check in at our reception desk. If you've booked a tour or program, our staff will direct you to the meeting point. Store any large bags or prohibited items in our free lockers.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Experience
Explore our galleries, participate in your tour or program, and engage with our exhibits. Feel free to ask questions - our staff are here to help. Take your time and make the most of your visit.
Step 7: Visit the Gift Shop and Café (Optional)
Before you leave, browse our gift shop for books, replicas, and educational materials. Enjoy refreshments in our café. Both are located near the exit.
Step 8: Provide Feedback
We value your feedback! Complete our visitor survey (available at reception or online) or share your thoughts via email. Your input helps us improve our services.
Preparation Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for your visit:
Before Your Visit
- ☐ Review our website to understand what we offer
- ☐ Book in advance if required for your chosen service
- ☐ Check opening hours and plan your travel
- ☐ Review our policies regarding photography, food, and accessibility
- ☐ Prepare questions you want to ask our staff
- ☐ If bringing children, discuss museum etiquette with them
- ☐ If you're a researcher, prepare your credentials and research proposal
- ☐ Check weather and dress appropriately (our building is climate-controlled but you'll need to travel to us)
- ☐ Arrange parking or public transport in advance
- ☐ If you have accessibility needs, contact us to make arrangements
- ☐ Bring student/senior ID if applicable for discounts
- ☐ Confirm your booking 48 hours in advance if you made one
What to Bring
- ☐ Valid ID (especially if claiming student/senior discounts)
- ☐ Booking confirmation (if you made an advance booking)
- ☐ Payment method (we accept cash and cards)
- ☐ Notebook and pen for taking notes (pencils only in research areas)
- ☐ Camera (non-flash photography permitted in most areas)
- ☐ Water bottle (refill stations available)
- ☐ Comfortable shoes (you'll be walking and standing)
- ☐ Light jacket (building is climate-controlled at 18-20°C)
- ☐ Any medications you might need
- ☐ Packed lunch if desired (eating areas available)
What NOT to Bring
- ☐ Large bags or backpacks (use our free lockers)
- ☐ Food or drinks for consumption in galleries
- ☐ Flash photography equipment
- ☐ Tripods or professional photography equipment (without permit)
- ☐ Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
- ☐ Pets (except registered service animals)
- ☐ Strollers in certain gallery areas (baby carriers recommended)
What to Expect During Your Visit
Here's what a typical visit looks like:
Arrival: You'll enter through our main entrance where you'll see our reception desk. Staff will greet you, process your admission, and provide a visitor guide with a map of the galleries. If you have bags, you'll be directed to our locker area.
Galleries: Our five permanent galleries are arranged in chronological order, but you're free to explore in any sequence. Each gallery has clear signage, interpretive panels, and interactive displays. Seating is available throughout. Most artifacts are behind protective barriers, but some hands-on displays allow careful touching.
Guided Tours: If you've booked a tour, you'll meet your guide at the designated time and location (we'll tell you where when you check in). Tours are interactive - questions are encouraged. Your guide will lead you through selected galleries, highlighting key artifacts and themes.
Facilities: Restrooms are located on each floor. Our café is on the ground floor. The gift shop is near the exit. A quiet reading room is available if you need a break from the galleries.
Duration: Most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours with us. Guided tours have set durations. You're welcome to stay as long as you like during opening hours.
Special Considerations
Visiting with Children
Children are welcome! We recommend our family programs for the best experience with young visitors. Please supervise children at all times. We have activity sheets available for different age groups. Strollers are permitted in most areas but baby carriers are recommended for crowded times.
Accessibility
Our facility is fully wheelchair accessible. We provide wheelchairs for loan (first-come, first-served). Assistive listening devices are available for tours. Large-print materials can be requested. Service animals are welcome. If you have specific needs, please contact us in advance.
Photography
Personal photography (no flash) is permitted in most areas for non-commercial use. Some special exhibitions may have photography restrictions. Tripods and professional equipment require a permit. We ask that you be respectful of other visitors when photographing.
Group Visits
Groups of 10+ must book in advance. We can accommodate groups up to 50 people (larger groups will be divided). Group leaders receive complimentary admission. We provide group rates and can customize experiences for your group's interests.
After Your Visit
We hope your visit inspires continued learning! After your visit, you can:
- Access our digital resources and online exhibitions
- Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new exhibits and programs
- Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content
- Consider becoming a member for unlimited visits
- Share your experience and photos (tag us!)
- Recommend us to friends and family
- Return for our special events and lectures
Questions about the visit process? Contact us - we're here to help!