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Plan your visit to World of Illusion

How to visit World of Illusion

Step into a playful world where perception is challenged and reality bends. World of Illusion spans three floors packed with over 70 mind-bending optical illusions and interactive exhibits. You’ll want at least 45–75 minutes to explore rooms like the vortex tunnel, Ames Room, and kaleidoscope installations. Booking ahead helps avoid crowding and secures your preferred time slot—especially during peak afternoons and weekends.

Key logistical considerations

Orientation overview

This centrally located attraction in Temple Bar is easy to navigate, but plan your flow: start with immersive rooms on the ground floor and work your way up through increasingly interactive exhibits.

Getting your bearings

The experience spreads across three interconnected floors—each with its own set of illusions that loop back toward the exit. Pick up a venue map at reception to orient yourself and avoid backtracking.

Entry and flow

Go early in the day for the clearest photos and fewer bottlenecks at popular exhibits like the vortex tunnel and gravity room. Allow extra time if you’re visiting in a group or with kids.

How to make the most of your time

Quick visit (45–60 mins)

Start with the ground-floor vortex tunnel → Ames Room → Gravity Room.

Focus on the most iconic interactive illusions for a compact experience.

Standard visit (60–90 mins)

Ground-floor highlights → Infinity mirrors → Large Kaleidoscope → Gift shop.

Ideal for curious visitors who want memorable photos without rushing.

Extended exploration (>90 mins)

All exhibits at leisure → revisit favourite setups → take time for photo booths.

Perfect for families or groups who love detailed play and photos.

Handy tips

  • Reserve ahead: Tickets sell out at peak times—online booking secures your slot.
  • Best times: Visit early morning or later afternoon to avoid busiest windows.
  • Photo ops: Many illusions are designed for stunning pics—bring a camera.
  • Timing: Allocate at least 45–75 minutes; some visitors stay ~90 mins.
  • Suitability: Great for all ages, though some exhibits can feel disorienting.

Explore the World of Illusion

At World of Illusion Dublin, you’ll move through immersive rooms and interactive zones designed to challenge perception, spark curiosity, and create unforgettable photo moments.

Infinity Room

A mirrored chamber that creates the illusion of endless space, surrounding you with repeating reflections in every direction.

What to look out for: Infinite light reflections and depth-distorting mirrors

Anti-Gravity Room

A disorienting space where floors, walls, and ceilings blur, making it appear as though gravity no longer applies.

What to look out for: Slanted room perspective and upside-down photo angles

Ames Room

A cleverly constructed room where people appear to grow or shrink dramatically depending on where they stand.

What to look out for: Forced-perspective corners and size-shift photo effects

Vortex Tunnel

A rotating tunnel that tricks your balance and senses as you walk across a stable bridge.

What to look out for: Spinning visual panels and motion-induced illusions

Before you get there

Timings

See peak hours & closures

Getting there

Metro, bus & walk routes

Book World of Illusion tickets

  • While tickets are available at the door, popular time slots, especially weekends and school holidays, can sell out in advance, leading to limited entry availability later in the day.
  • Standard entry tickets provide access to all illusion rooms and interactive exhibits, and typically allow 60–90 minutes to explore at your own pace. Pre-booking online is the safer option if you’re visiting during peak hours, as it secures your preferred time slot and avoids waiting for walk-in availability.
  • Some ticket options bundle admission with photo experiences or group access, which can be useful if you’re visiting with friends or planning content creation. World of Illusion is fully indoors, so ticket demand remains steady year-round, particularly on rainy days and evenings.

World of Illusion timings & best time to visit

Monday–Sunday: 9:30am to 9:30pm

Last entry: 8:30pm

Best time to visit World of Illusion

Weekday vs weekend

Weekdays are generally quieter, especially before noon and in the late afternoon. Weekends and school holidays see higher footfall, with late mornings and early afternoons being the busiest. Visiting mid-week allows more time in popular rooms without waiting for photo turns.

Peak season vs low season

Visitor numbers rise during summer months and festive periods, while January–March is typically calmer. As an indoor attraction, World of Illusion is especially popular on rainy days year-round.

Takeaway: Visit on a weekday morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and easier access to interactive rooms.

​Check opening hours

Where is World of Illusion located?

Address: 2 Central Plaza, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 T0X4, Ireland

This city-centre location places you in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar district, within walking distance of Trinity College and Dublin Castle.

How to get there

By public transport

  • Bus: Routes 15, 27, 56a, 77a, 123 stop near Central Plaza (short walk).
  • Tram: Green/Red Line stops at Trinity College (5–7 min walk).
  • Train: Pearse Station is ~10 min on foot.
Blue parking sign with arrow pointing right.

By foot/bike

Central Dublin is highly walkable with Dublin Bikes stations nearby.

By car

Limited parking; public transport is recommended.

Facilities

  • Lockers are available on-site for storing small personal items during your visit.
  • Restrooms are located within the attraction for visitor convenience.
  • Staff members are stationed throughout the venue to assist with directions and safety.
  • The attraction is fully indoors, making it suitable in all weather conditions.

Accessibility

  • World of Illusion Dublin is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access throughout most exhibit areas.
  • Some illusion rooms may create visual or balance disorientation, which may not be suitable for all visitors.
  • Visitors with sensory sensitivities should note that certain rooms use mirrors, lighting effects, and moving visuals.
  • Assistance animals are permitted inside the attraction.

Visiting with family

  • World of Illusion Dublin is suitable for children, with many exhibits designed for hands-on interaction.
  • Younger children should be supervised, especially in rooms that affect balance or depth perception.
  • Strollers may need to be parked outside certain rooms due to space constraints.
  • The experience typically lasts 60–90 minutes, making it manageable for children with limited attention spans.

Rules and restrictions 

  • Visitors must follow staff instructions inside illusion rooms for safety reasons.
  • Running or climbing on exhibits is not permitted.
  • Flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to preserve visual effects.
  • Food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

Where to shop

  • World of Illusion Gift Shop: Unique puzzles, illusion-themed souvenirs right inside the attraction. 

Where to eat

Burger and green smoothie in a cafe setting.
  • Bunsen (2-minute walk): Popular for high-quality burgers and quick meals.
  • Elephant & Castle (5-minute walk): Casual dining known for chicken wings and comfort food.
  • Fade Street Social (6-minute walk): Modern Irish cuisine, ideal for a sit-down meal.
  • Queen of Tarts (7-minute walk): Café-style spot for desserts and light bites.

Where to stay

World of Illusion Dublin sits in the city centre, making it a convenient base for sightseeing, dining, and nightlife. The area is safe, walkable, and well-connected, though accommodation prices tend to be higher due to its central location.

  • The Clarence Hotel (3-minute walk): 4★ boutique hotel overlooking the River Liffey.
  • Arlington Hotel (5-minute walk): Mid-range option near Temple Bar with easy transport access.
  • Jurys Inn Christchurch (10-minute walk): Comfortable and family-friendly 3★ hotel.
  • Generator Dublin (15-minute tram): Budget hostel with private and shared rooms.

If you prefer quieter nights or better value, consider staying near St. Stephen’s Green or Smithfield, both well connected by tram.

Insider tips

  • Beat the crowds: Arrive right at opening (9:30am) or mid-afternoon for uninterrupted time in high-demand rooms like the Infinity Room.
  • Photo timing: Take pics early before equipment shadows grow.
  • Plan sequence: Start with popular exhibits to avoid waiting later in peak times.
  • What to wear: Wear solid colours rather than busy patterns for clearer illusion photos.
  • Where to start: Start with the Vortex Tunnel while your senses are fresh; it’s more disorienting later in the visit.

Frequently asked questions about visiting World of Illusion

Advance booking is recommended during weekends, holidays, and rainy days, as walk-in availability can be limited.

More Reads

About World of Illusion

Timings

Getting There