Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum Of Vintage Radio — Attraction in Fingal

An absolute hidden gem and the highlight of our day in Howth! We stumbled upon the Vintage Radio Museum by pure chance, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable and heartwarming experiences of our trip. The museum itself is fascinating — it’s packed with beautifully preserved radios, gramophones, early transmitters, televisions, transistor radios, radiograms, and vintage music boxes. It’s a true treasure trove of communication history.

What truly makes this place special is the wonderful person who welcomed us and shared his passion for the history of sound and signals. We heard a real gramophone playing for the first time and even got to tap out an SOS message on one of the earliest transmitters, from before the era of radio.

It was such a magical, unexpected, and educational moment — full of warmth, charm, and genuine human connection. Highly recommended for visitors of all ages — it’s the kind of place that leaves you smiling long...

On my first domestic vacation in east Ireland last summer (I surprised by the fact, that they have - keep old radios since the 17 century or so (I don't remember now), + TV's. The guide guy who showed me all these amazing stuff, (God bless him for his courage). He really told me for stuff, where, as south EU citizen. Is hard enough to recall in my memory. Despite the fact, that, everything I have hear so far. Is through documentaries or movies! When, I first saw that building, I thought directly that is some abandonment Castle (but the surprise strike me like lightening after I read the sign, that is museum!!). They did, and keep doing a pretty good job over there, by keeping the Irish history and European - American history alive, for the generations to come. The knowledge of history both people (guide guys) they have, must not...

This place truly feels like stepping into a Time Machine – yet, sadly, not many people know about it. Hidden away inside a Martello Tower in Howth, it’s filled with the history of communication: from early telegraph equipment to working radios that are nearly a century old. You don’t just look at the exhibits – you can hear them, see them in action, and even feel the hum of history.

It’s a place where passionate volunteers keep the past alive, and where you can still listen to the crackle of Morse code sent out into the world.

Honestly, a treasure like this deserves far more visitors. If it were relocated to Dublin city centre, I’m sure it would attract the audience it deserves. Until then, it remains one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets – and one well worth discovering...