Irish Jewish Museum

About Irish Jewish Museum

Opened in 1985 by Irish-born former president of Israel, Dr. Chaim Herzog, during his visit to Ireland.

At one time over 5,000 Jews lived in Ireland, though the number declined after WWII & is a bit over 1,000 at present. You can explore the Irish Jewish Museum, located in Portobello, which was once called "Little Jerusalem". The Museum is located in what was once a synogogue on the site. There you will discover details of their large contribution to Irish society in areas of politics, law, medicine, academia, art, music & culture. Its library & exhibits preserve artefacts relating to the history of the Jews of Ireland, as well as their wider history, culture, heritage, religion & Holocaust experience. The original kitchen recreates a typical Sabbath meal setting of the early 1900s. The Museum was opened in 1985 by Irish-born President of Israel Chaim Herzog, and the museum also houses memorabilia relating to the Herzog family. Lectures are offered through the year - check the website calendar of events. Open in Summer, May - mid September on Sunday -Thursday 11.00am - 3.00pm. In Winter, Sundays only, 10.30am to 2.30pm Groups of 10 or more must have a reservation by emailing [email protected] Though many of the Jewish businesses no longer exist in the area, you can still find Bretzel Bakery & Cafe (est 1870), a Kosher bakery, on Lennox Street nearby. It is considered a Dublin institution. Their signature breads are baked in the original brick ovens. While in the area take a stroll along the Grand Canal. On Bus 16 route.

Opened in 1985 by Irish-born former president of Israel, Dr. Chaim Herzog, during his visit to Ireland. The first Jewish settlers arrived in Ireland in 1660 and the community grew within the years. Irish Jewish is a small, but vibrant museum, situated in once highly populated Jewish area of Portobello, Dublin 8 and was known as little Jerusalem. In the museum you can learn about Jewish culture, Jewish religion and history which is part of Irish life and history. It’s very traditional and common to look at Ireland in terms of Catholic and Protestant traditions so learning about the tiny Irish Jewish roots is a good experience and could be an eye opening. It’s one of the free things to do in Dublin and to hear tons of historical information about relatively small, but strong Irish Jewish community in Dublin and to check out newspapers, mementos, photographs clippings, plaques, religious artifacts and see original, old synagogue.