TRANSFORMING DUBLIN INTO a more vibrant cultural capital is the aim of a new initiative which gets underway this evening, with twelve museums and galleries opening their doors to visitors until late.

The extended opening hours are part of Dublin by Dusk, a new night-time economy drive aimed at bringing a co-ordinated programme to Dublin City centre on the last Thursday of each month.

The initiative is by Dublin City Council in cooperation with Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Culture, and Dublin Town – the businesses collective for Dublin City centre. 

It will see selected cultural venues, visitor attractions, retail and hospitality businesses opening until late, offering new events and experiences.

At the National Museum of Ireland, visitors are invited to join professional guided tours this evening. Organisers say the tours will discuss the stories around some of Ireland’s most famous objects, including the Tara Brooch, as well as some of the venue’s less well-known gems.

The initiative also provides the opportunity to check out one of Ireland’s great literary spaces, including the National Library of Ireland’s famous Reading Room, usually reserved for researchers.

To mark Poetry Day Ireland 2026, the National Library’s exhibition ‘Yeats: The Life and Works of William Butler Yeats’ will remain open until 8.30pm.

For those who want to hear the songs and stories of old Dublin, IMMA will take you on a musical trip through the North inner city with the screening of ‘North Circular: A Musical Trip Through Inner-City Dublin’ directed by Luke McManus. The screening at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham will be preceded by a live overture performed by cellist Kevin Murphy. The event is free, but booking is required.

There is also an opportunity to experience Dublin from a whole new perspective by taking a sunset cruise with Dublin Bay Cruises. Visitors can watch the sun setting on the Capital while cruising around Dublin Bay aboard the St. Bridget.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Night-Time Economy Adviser with Dublin City Council Ray O’Donoghue encouraged people to try “a little bit of everything”.

As well as the late opening of museums, O’Donoghue said there were many different experiences on offer.

“You’ve everything from painting in the dark, a pawn shop on Dame Street, to vinyl DJs playing, and vintage stores,” he said.

For those taking public transport into and out of the capital, O’Donoghue said there are 15 24-hour bus services and 12 Nightlinks in operation.