Top Things to do in Ireland
Things to do in Ireland, Ireland: The Best History Museums
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland
1. Glengowla Mines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,
Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ
One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!
2. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7,771 reviews
Don't just visit Ireland, understand it with a visit to the EPIC, winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019. EPIC is an interactive journey about how a small island made a big impact on the world. Discover why Irishness is celebrated around the world, with a journey through Irish history & culture, told from the perspective of those who lived. To begin your journey you will receive a stamped passport as you enter the exhibition, & then follow a path through the 20 themed galleries. You will discover why people left, see how they influenced the world they found, & experience the connection between their descendants & Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique & spectacular way. Located in Dublin's Docklands. Open daily from 10am. Last entry is 5pm, museum closes at 6:45pm.
Reviewed By pqflyer - San Diego, United States
The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum really is an epic experience. The title "museum" doesn't say enough. Everything is interactive, giving visitors the possibility of a quick overview or -- at any point -- more in-depth information. The best use of current technology I've seen in such an institution. The path through the exhibit is clear and logical -- no chance of getting lost or missing something. Much to see and do and think about. If you love Ireland or have Irish roots or are interested in history or simply want to experience the use of cutting-edge technology in a museum setting --- this is a must-see in Dublin. Near the Jeannie Johnston ship and the Famine sculptures.
3. Richmond Barracks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Richmond Barracks is a venue of historical importance that celebrates the rich stories and experiences of the local community, past and present. The Barracks runs regular guided tours and is currently running the Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham Walking Tour on Thursdays to Sunday at 11am and 1.30pm. The walk from Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham is steeped in Dublin’s rich historical, political & cultural landscape. Discover the local stories, the hidden histories & walk in the footsteps of those 1916 Rising Rebels that were marched to their execution in Kikmainham Gaol.
4. Medieval Mile Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 624 reviews
Located on the 13th century site of St Mary's cruciform church and graveyard. As the starting point of the 'Medieval Mile' trail, it brings to life Kilkenny's history as Ireland's premier medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny's civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city's historic role in Ireland. There are a number of Guided tours throughout the day, or visitors can purchase an all-day self-guided tour pass. Audio Guides are available in 5 languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish). Child friendly versions are also available in each language. June 2018 saw the launch of the LEGO® mini figure Hunt, which sees 10 characters from Kilkenny's history hidden around the museum in the form of LEGO® mini figures! Kids are now introduced to the city's history through LEGO®.School tours, language schools and third level, please see our website for costings and booking information.Last entry 6.00
Reviewed By 946dylanr - New York City, United States
You must visit this museum while in Kilkenny. Our tour guide John was one of the best we’ve ever had in all our travels. Really enjoyed the 1 hour tour. The museum is an old church that they’ve done an absolutely wonderful job preserving and modernizing into an attraction that gives you a great appreciation for Kilkenny City and it’s long and incredible history.
5. 14 Henrietta Street
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 785 reviews
When you enter 14 Henrietta Street you’ll experience over 300 years of family and city life in the walls of one address. Our intimate guided tours bring you on a journey from the houses grand Georgian beginnings to the tenement dwellings of its later years. By connecting to the personal stories of those who called 14 Henrietta Street home the building’s hidden histories are revealed. See the house, hear its stories and discover the layers of Dublin history within its walls. “It really brought the human side of history alive for us” The building is accessed via a Guided Tour only. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday : 10.00 - 16.00 We advise booking in advance
Reviewed By ginacH1248DB
Went here with my mum, dad and sister the other week and we were literally blown away. This is a real hidden gem of an attraction (and you will enjoy just as much as an Irish person as you would a tourist) a true way to get a proper taste of Dublin. From the minute we arrived all the staff and reception were beyond nice and our tour guide Gillian was also INCREDIBLE, so informative, passionate about the tour, great fun and really added the extra element. Could not recommend more, thank you all so much
6. Nano Nagle Place
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 422 reviews
Nano Nagle Place is a restored walled convent with beautiful hidden gardens and graveyards, the fab Good Day Deli garden café and design & book shop in the centre of bustling Cork city. Our state of the art heritage centre tells the extraordinary story 18th century Cork and how Nano Nagle worked tirelessly to educate the poor of the city. History, heritage, culture, great food & coffee, stunning architecture & landscaping and a very warm welcome await! Come and explore all that's good in Cork!
Reviewed By L8627DKchristinet
Just had a delightful visit to Nano Nagle Place. Even though we had to queue for lunch it was so worth the wait. The menu was amazing and the food delicious. Coffee is top class. After lunch we had a guided tour through the fascinating museum and rooms that Nano used to frequent. The interactive slides and videos are very interesting and informative. The gardens hold lots of surprises including water features and beautiful spaces. A lovely, peaceful oasis in the middle of Cork City. Well worth a visit.
7. James Joyce Tower & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Museum housed in a seaside tower that inspired the setting of the first chapter of Ulysses; features memorabilia and a fantastic view of the coast and the surrounding countryside.
Reviewed By Seehanes
If you are in the Sandycove area it would be difficult to justify not visiting the James Joyce Tower. The tower is one of a series of small defensive forts that were built along the Dublin coastline in the early 1800s. There is access to all levels including the open roof from which views are impressive. If the tower itself is not sufficient reason to attract attention, then the James Joyce perspective may tip the balance. Joyce stayed here for six nights in September 1904, when he was 22 years old, as a guest of his friend Oliver St. John Gogarty who was leasing the tower. On the sixth night fellow guest Samuel Chevenix Trench dreamt he saw a black panther and proceeded to shoot at the creature - terrifying Joyce who immediately fled. The tower provides the scene for the opening pages of Joyce's novel Ulysses. Biographical information and interesting photographs of Joyce form part of the display here. There is also a black panther, for good measure. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is no admission fee, but donations can be made at the discretion of visitors.
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. Clew Bay Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
*Situated in a 19th century building, the Clew Bay Heritage Centre traces the history of Westport and the Clew Bay area from pre-christian times to the present. Genealogical service available. * A free historical walk of Westport Town every Wednesday , leaving the clock (the top of Bridge St)at 11 0 clock.
10. Hunt Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 687 reviews
The Hunt Museum preserves and exhibits the original artefacts gathered, over a life time, by John and Gertrude Hunt and known as the Hunt Collection. The Museum also displays its own collections, as well as visiting exhibitions of Local, National and International significance with the overall aim of maximising their cultural and educational potential for the people of Limerick and Ireland. During a visit to The Hunt Museum you can choose to explore the collection by yourself or take one of our regular guided tours. For group bookings, please contact to ensure that a guided tour can be organized. Subject to availability.
Reviewed By tingasiki - Windhoek, Namibia
We only had very little time to spend in Limerick and I am so glad we found this gem of a museum close to the hotel we stayed (the Absolute). The collection is marvellous and fascinating, and the building itself is worth a visit. There is a nice gift shop with a range of interesting books and a very nice coffee shops with wonderful cakes! Don't miss it!!
