City: Northern Ireland
Top Things to do in Northern Ireland
The 10 Best Museums in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the United Kingdom (green)
Restaurants in Northern Ireland
1. Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Open Tuesday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm. Closed bank holidays. Free admission to museum. Fermanagh’s railways may have closed in 1957, however visitors can now take a remarkable journey into the past and enjoy the amazing history associated with the bygone age of steam. Combine your visit with a unique opportunity to have your hair professionally styled.
Reviewed By daviddaniel2018 - Enniskillen, United Kingdom
The museum has a huge amount of photos, signs, a model railway and general railway materials from the early part of the last century. It is definitely worth a visit.
2. The Abingdon Collection
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 191 reviews
'THE ABINGDON COLLECTION' is open by appointment only and offers a unique visitor experience in the beautiful rolling hills of Co. Tyrone. Divided into two distinct sections the first area covers classic cars, motorcycles, diecast models and enamel signs and every 'BIG BOY'S TOY' imaginable. Take a step back in time to the 1950's and remember when petrol was sold in gallons and you could still afford to buy it. The second part of the collection takes you back to the dark day's of World War Two and represents one of the largest private collections of militaria in the UK. Admission is free but contributions to Cancer Research are gratefully accepted. If you want a totally different day out with a history lesson included contact us now. Classic car and motorcycle clubs are very welcome and catering can be organised for visiting large groups. Admission is by appointment only but every effort will be made to facilitate any visiting individual or group. Fifty years of collecting in 2018.
Reviewed By paulnG4456IK
An exhibition well worth visiting the owner took time away from his family at VERY short notice to give us a guided tour of his museum he is very passionate about his collection answering any questions you may have at the same time collecting via a donation for a VERY worthy cause Cancer Research well worth a visit
3. The Gallery Whitehead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Art Gallery with three galleries showing artworks by new and emerging artists as well as traditional oils and watercolour's, also ceramics and edwardian prints. There is an exhibition of different artists in Gallery 3 which changes every month Also there are guided tours of the Edwardian House here lasting 40 minutes Entry to The Gallery Whitehead is free Tours of the Edwardian house £4 per person
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
I had a very enjoyable visit here. The gallery now hosts different shows in different rooms. Cynthia, the curator, is there in person, and was happy to tell me more about what was currently on show. One room had the last-ever public exhibition of a set of black and white photographs taken at Auschwitz. They were present-day images, with a few tourists in some of the images. This may be the most haunting place on Earth to see, and the views selected were arresting. In the front room of the Edwardian building I was very interested to see that Cynthia had painted the actual walls - a great idea - with plant designs. Her own giant canvases of stylised bats and giraffes are wonderfully colourful. Out the back is the Conservatory Gallery, which had a new show by a local artist. Each month the exhibits change, so its worth returning regularly. Free entry.
4. Ulster Aviation Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council
Reviewed By BoardingPass162734
Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.
5. HMS Caroline
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 742 reviews
Much of HMS Caroline has undergone extensive restoration to her 1916 appearance from the Battle of Jutland. Visitors can discover a wide range of historic spaces, including the Captain's Cabin, Royal Marines Mess, and Seamen's Wash as well as the very important engine room, sick-bay and galley kitchen. During their visit, visitors will discover the importance of the Battle of Jutland, learning what life at sea was like the over three hundred crew who served on board HMS Caroline during 1916. Visit the Torpedo School and explore the role of naval weaponry; peruse the Virtual Access Suite a contemporary, comfortable space where all visitors can explore the ship; Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink in the Mess Deck Cafe, and finally visit the Gift Shop, to bring home a reminder of your visit to HMS Caroline.
Reviewed By N5679CAcraigh - Glenrothes, United Kingdom
Fantastic tour self guided and a map provided would also highly recommend the audio guide which you get free as it gives a better insight into the ship and its everyday life. It was a good way 2 spend a couple of hours at a very reasonable price. If you love your history or just curious it's a very interesting tour.
6. War Years Remembered (War Museum)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By argylltraveler
This war museum is a must for any war historian all the items covering the 1st & 2nd world wars are all original its has vechicles weapons uniforms & so much more it takes around 2hours to get round it all very interesting I just loved it
7. Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Spend time in the Boathouse Visitor Centre for a dip into Rathlin's history. The Boathouse houses a collection of displays, photographs, images and articles gathering the Island's past and present together. Worth a visit! Wheelchair access limited. History, photographs, artefacts, books, guides and souvenirs for sale. Admission Free Pre booking is advisable for the Rathlin/Ballycastle ferry.
8. Tower Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 472 reviews
A museum explaining the political conflict that has shaped the city and the country: a must for those unfamiliar with Northern Ireland's war-torn past.
Reviewed By 890jacc
The museum is very interesting and outstandingly good value. Take time to watch he 15 min film at the end as it bought everything together and was very informative. The free exhibition at the start is good too.
9. Ulster Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,600 reviews
Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. As Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and present, the museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences with impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones. From Ireland to the South Pacific, ancient relics to modern masterpieces, the Ulster Museum offers something for everyone from the simply curious to the enthusiast.
Reviewed By jacquieknox2017 - Ramelton, Ireland
This spacious, airy building hosts a wide variety of interesting artefacts and exhibitions. There's art collections, Flemish masters, dinosaurs, natural history, Irish history, Egyptian mummies, Spanish Armada relics and gold bullion, science, interactive displays - you could lose yourself in there all day. It really is worth a visit.
10. Cultra Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
This museum contains a popular Titanic exhibit featuring drawings by Thomas Andrew, the ship's designer and former Belfast resident.
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