The building begun in 1795 and completed in 1827 was designed to house law students. This was the last major public project of James Gandon, and the dining room is the only interior of his to have survived. The west front overlooks a large park.

The old church was founded by the Anglo-Normans who dedicated it to Saint Audoen. The west door dates from the 12C; the 13C nave is lit by 15C windows.

The display of wax figures combines fantasy and reality. The tableaux on the upper floor illustrate traditional fairy tales and the ground floor depicts figures of national importance such as O'Connell, the heroes of the Easter Rising, Irish presidents, heads of the Church, poets, writers, politicians, actors, sportsmen and pop stars.

This museum was inaugurated in 1991 and exhibits 20C Irish and international art, as well as putting on associated live performances of theatre and music. The aim is to establish a permanent collection of modern art. The museum is housed in the old Kilmainham hospital (1684), the earliest surviving classical building in Ireland. The chapel, with its attractive baroque ceiling, and the Great Hall can be visited.