Thursday 27th March 2025 marked the official inauguration of the brand-new Europa Experience in Dublin, an immersive and interactive space designed to educate visitors about Ireland’s place in the European Union.
Located on Chatham Street, just off Grafton Street in the heart of Dublin city centre, the Europa Experience first opened to the public via a soft launch last October. However, Thursday’s event saw the facility officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Fearghas Ó Béara, Head of Office at the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO) in Dublin; Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne; and Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland.
Among those in attendance were MEPs Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, representatives from various EU member state embassies, and a group of 20 students from St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush, one of the schools participating in the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) Programme. The students, including current and former Young EPAS Ambassadors and Politics & Society students, were honored to represent both their school and the EPAS Programme in Ireland at this prestigious event.
Although European Parliament President Ms. Roberta Metsola was unable to attend in person, she addressed the gathering virtually with a pre-recorded message, stating:
“This is your space, your European hub—to meet, share ideas, hold events, debate, and get involved in Europe. I hope you’ll make the most of it.”
“James Joyce summed it up best when he wrote: ‘To become deeply Irish, you must first become European.’ For me, this expresses the true potential of this space. Because to be European means to make your voice heard, to be engaged in your community, and to be connected to our shared continent.”
Minister Thomas Byrne also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the Europa Experience:
“The Europa Experience offers visitors the opportunity to explore the workings of the European Union from the heart of Dublin city. I encourage everyone to visit this free-of-charge exhibition and learn more about how our shared Union works in practice.”
A VIP Experience for St. Joseph’s Students
The students from St. Joseph’s were treated as VIP guests throughout the day. They engaged in discussions with MEPs Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, as well as European Parliament and Commission representatives. They also had the opportunity to ask questions following a keynote address by Minister Thomas Byrne.
Following the official proceedings, students enjoyed a networking lunch alongside MEPs, ambassadors, and political figures, while also capturing memorable moments through selfies and media interviews. The event was widely covered by TV cameras, adding to the excitement of the day.
Attending teachers, Ms. Irwin and Ms.McGuire , expressed their immense pride in the students, calling it an unforgettable experience.
“It was an incredible opportunity for our students to witness the workings of the European Union up close, while also representing our school and the EPAS Programme on such an important occasion.”
The event not only deepened the students' understanding of European affairs but also showcased St. Joseph’s as a leading EPAS school in Ireland.
What is the Europa Experience?
The Europa Experience is a state-of-the-art multimedia space designed to provide insight into how the European Union functions. First launched in Berlin in 2016, the project aims to establish interactive centres in every EU capital. Dublin’s Europa Experience is the 14th of its kind, offering visitors a free, hands-on look at how decisions are made at the European level.
One of its key attractions is an immersive Role Play game, allowing participants to step into the role of a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and understand how EU laws are developed.
Located at 11 Chatham Street, Dublin, D02 VP46, adjacent to Grafton Street, the Europa Experience is free to enter seven days a week and is fully accessible for visitors with limited mobility and hearing.
