Dublin: Murder Mystery at the National Wax Museum

Travelers looking for a distinctive way to spend an evening in Dublin might find the Murder Mystery at the National Wax Museum Plus an entertaining option. This isn’t your typical museum visit; it’s a chance to sharpen your detective skills while exploring one of Dublin’s quirky attractions. We’re here to give you a detailed look at what to expect, the pros and cons, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

The experience offers an immersive murder mystery that combines the fun of solving a crime with the charm of Dublin’s eclectic wax museum. Two things we particularly like? First, the interactive nature of the activity—it’s a rare chance to actively engage rather than just passively observe. Second, the inclusion of museum entry makes the ticket price a decent value. On the flip side, a common concern is the clue quality, as some reviewers found the clues insufficient or confusing, which could impact the overall enjoyment.

In terms of who this experience suits best, it’s ideal for adults who enjoy puzzles, quirky night-outs, or unique Dublin experiences. Keep in mind, it’s strictly for those over 18 and requires some basic tech (a charged smartphone) for the clues. If you’re after a straightforward museum visit, this might not be your best bet, but if you’re after something different, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Interactive Night Out: Combines museum exploration with a detective-style game.
• Includes Museum Entry: No hidden costs for basic access.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups of up to 5 make for a personalized experience.
• Clue-Based Activity: No smartphones needed during the game, but your phone is necessary for accessing clues.
• Timing & Availability: Runs Thursday to Saturday from 5 pm, lasting about an hour.
• Age Restriction: Only for those over 18; not suitable for children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Murder Mystery Night

The Concept and Flow

This experience is designed as a one-hour evening activity that begins with check-in at the museum reception. Once you’re registered, you’ll receive an instruction pack that guides you through the murder mystery. The activity takes place at the National Wax Museum Plus, a lively and slightly eccentric venue that’s perfect for this kind of playful storytelling.

The main goal is to solve a fictional crime by sifting through clues and evidence. The clues are accessed via a smartphone—though no active use of the phone is needed during gameplay, it acts as your portal to the mystery. You will need a charged smartphone and internet access to access the clues through a dedicated app or website, so be sure to have those ready.

The Museum Itself

The Wax Museum is a notable attraction in Dublin, known for its collection of wax figures, quirky exhibits, and fun photo opportunities. Visitors often praise it as a great place to walk around and see some of Dublin’s most famous faces and curiosities. So, even if the murder mystery doesn’t turn out to be your thing, the museum’s collection can still entertain.

The Clues and Puzzle Quality

This is where reviews are mixed. Some feel the clues provided are not enough or lack relevance, making the puzzle less satisfying. As one reviewer succinctly put it, “there was not enough clues and the clues you did get were not enough; it needed more information, hints, and to make more sense as one of the main clues relevant to the solution was missing.” This means you might find yourself frustrated if you’re looking for a perfectly logical or challenging puzzle.

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The Atmosphere

The setting is a fun mix of the museum’s eclectic exhibits and the dark, mysterious tone of a detective game. Since the activity is strictly for adults, the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed, with a focus on fun and mystery rather than children’s play.

The Practicalities: Price, Timing, and Group Size

Cost and Value

At $26 per person, this experience provides entry to the museum plus the murder mystery activity. Considering an entry ticket alone might cost around that price, the added interactive element offers reasonable value, especially if you enjoy puzzles and themed nights. However, given some reviews about the clue quality, you might want to temper expectations about the challenge level.

Duration and Availability

The activity lasts around one hour, with available start times from 5 pm Thursday through Saturday. It’s an evening activity, which makes it a good addition to a day of sightseeing or a night out in Dublin.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to small groups of 5, the experience fosters a more intimate and personalized feel. This is ideal if you enjoy working closely with others and prefer a more exclusive, less crowded setting.

Additional Offerings and Extras

While included in your ticket is museum entry and the instruction pack, extras such as souvenir photos can be purchased at extra cost. Also, note that wax hands are not available after 6 pm, so plan accordingly if you’re interested in that activity.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

While many enjoy the novelty of the experience, some have voiced disappointment. As Amanda noted, “The museum was good to walk round and see what there was and good for kids to see but the murder mystery was shameful; there was not enough clues and the clues you did get were not enough.” This highlights an important point: the experience’s success heavily depends on the quality of clues and puzzle design.

Others might find the concept fun and engaging, especially if they love solving mysteries or enjoy quirky museums. The fact that no smartphone is needed during the game might be a relief for some, but the necessity of internet access to access clues could be a minor inconvenience for others.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This murder mystery night is best suited for adults who enjoy puzzles, detective stories, or unique Dublin experiences. It could also appeal to those interested in a relaxed, fun evening activity after a day of sightseeing. If you’re traveling with children or prefer a more traditional museum visit, this activity won’t be ideal.

Since the experience is not suitable for children under 18 and requires some tech setup, it’s more tailored for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy interactive entertainment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Dublin looking for a different kind of night out, the Murder Mystery at the National Wax Museum offers a playful alternative to the usual dinner or pub crawl. The combination of museum exploration and puzzle-solving is a fun way to engage with Dublin’s quirky side, especially if you’re not expecting a tightly plotted detective story but rather a light-hearted, interactive experience.

The value depends on your expectations—if you’re after a challenging puzzle, you might be disappointed. But if you want to enjoy a night of light-hearted fun with friends or a partner, this could be a memorable addition to your Dublin itinerary.

Keep in mind the clue quality issues some reviewers mention, but also appreciate the small group setting and the chance to see the museum’s exhibits. Remember, it’s an evening activity with a relaxed pace, perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing or adding some mystery to your Dublin trip.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, it’s strictly for participants over 18, and the experience is geared toward adults who enjoy puzzles and mystery stories.

Do I need a smartphone during the activity?
You don’t need to actively use your phone during the game, but you will need a charged smartphone with internet access to access the clues.

How long does the activity last?
It lasts about one hour, with available start times from 5 pm Thursday to Saturday.

What does the ticket include?
Your ticket covers entry to the museum and the murder mystery instruction pack. Extras like souvenirs or wax hands are available at additional cost.

Is the group size small?
Yes, groups are limited to 5 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in your planning.

What if I want a more detailed or challenging puzzle?
Some reviewers felt the clues could be improved for clarity and challenge, so your experience might vary depending on expectations.

To sum it up, the Dublin Murder Mystery at the National Wax Museum offers a playful, quirky way to enjoy an evening, especially if you’re a fan of interactive puzzles and offbeat attractions. It’s best suited for those looking for a fun, relaxed experience rather than a high-stakes detective challenge. If you’re okay with some potential puzzle imperfections and enjoy small-group activities, this could be a memorable addition to your Dublin adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: