The new CEO of Dublin’s Dublinia Viking Museum, Heather Dowling Wade has extensive experience in the museums and visitor attractions sector. With a background in interior architecture and cultural heritage management, she specialises in design, development, and master planning for attractions of various scales both in Ireland and abroad.
The last thing I saw and loved… I recently saw Wicked for the first time at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, and it was such a fantastic evening out. We sat by Grand Canal Dock, enjoyed dinner al fresco in the sunshine, and then headed to the show. Dublin is truly blessed with a vibrant cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and a wonderful atmosphere.
The book I keep coming back to… one of the best books I’ve read in the past few years is I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. As a busy, working mum of a toddler and four dogs, reading feels like a luxury these days. But when I do get the chance, I need something that grabs my attention right from the start. I’ve also loved Graham Norton’s novels – they’re easy to read, and the characters are so relatable.
I find inspiration in… observing people, their interactions, and behaviours. I’ve spent years designing and implementing visitor experiences, and it’s always fascinating to see how people engage with different forms of storytelling. In my role as CEO of Dublinia, I love walking through our space and watching our visitors connect with our stories.
My favourite film is… CODA. I’ve watched it at least three times. It’s such a beautiful story, really well told. A close second would be Mrs Doubtfire – it never fails to bring a smile to my face.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… I’m an avid radio and podcast listener. I love popping my headphones in and going for a walk with my dogs and a good podcast. When I need to focus while working, I’ll switch between Newstalk radio and my work’ playlist on Spotify, which has everything from Hozier to Hans Zimmer.
The last show I recommended is… I’m currently glued to Disclaimer on Apple TV with Cate Blanchett. It’s clever, fast-paced, and you really can’t take your eyes off it for a second.
I never leave the house without… right now, all my coat pockets have a soother and dog waste bags! A staple in my handbag is Poco Beauty Lip Oil. It’s a fantastic product, and I have multiples – one in my make-up bag, the car, and by my bedside.
The performance I still think about is… Les Misérables. I saw it with my mum in London years ago, and it was such a special experience. We had a wonderful time and both shed a few tears at the music. I lost my mum earlier this year, so it’s a very cherished memory for me. I’ll always associate Les Mis with her.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten… “Everything passes.” My grandmother had a tough life – raising my mum and aunt on her own, running her own business, and facing many challenges. She always reminded me during difficult times that “everything passes.” I find myself repeating this to myself now when things get tough. And she was right; everything does pass, both the good and the bad.
The art that means the most to me is… at the moment, my favourite part of the day is sitting down with my daughter at bedtime and reading her a story. It means so much to me, and I love how she engages and enjoys books. My dad always told us stories and read to us growing up, so it’s a tradition that’s very important in our home.
My favourite thing about the Mystic Dublin – Modern Echoes of Medieval Magic exhibition is… I love how it contrasts medieval and modern times, revealing how many of our superstitions, beliefs, and behaviours have deep historical roots. I’m especially fond of our interactive Rag Tree, which invites visitors to leave a message about what magic means to them.
Mystic Dublin – Modern Echoes of Medieval Magic is a new exhibition running at Dublinia until May 2025. You can find out more information and plan your visit here.
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