Top Things to do in Province of Munster
Top 10 Specialty Museums in Province of Munster, Province of Munster
Discover the best top things to do in Province of Munster, Ireland including Old Irish Ways, Thomas MacDonagh Heritage Centre, Fethard Horse Country Experience, King of the Vikings, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, The Blasket Centre and Great Blasket Island, West Cork Model Railway Village, Cobh Heritage Centre The Queenstown Story, Reginald's Tower, Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum.
Restaurants in Province of Munster
1. Old Irish Ways
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By angelahalford - Singapore, Singapore
When visiting Loch Gur recently we were advised to visit this fascinating 'hidden gem' only 5 K's away - it was such a surprise and delight! Dennis, the proprietor, showed us his unusual collection of objects that tell a tale of Irish social history - we walked into a treasure trove of old Ireland that includes a schoolroom, pub, farmhouse, cobblers, postoffice, village shop, blacksmiths, garage, and of course his special collection from his travels. It was to be a quick look-see that lasted over an hour! Highly recommended if you are in the area.
2. Thomas MacDonagh Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Thomas MacDonagh, Irish patriot, poet, teacher and a leader of Ireland's 1916 insurrection now has a museum and heritage centre in his home town of Cloughjordan. This centre is located in a renovated MacDonagh family home and brings to the public the story of this man and the place in which he grew up.
3. Fethard Horse Country Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Explore the story of the horse and its role in Irish culture over 2000 years. Located in the heart of the Golden Vale, the Fethard Horse Country Experience offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich culture and heritage of the region. Part of Ireland’s Ancient East, this interactive experience examines the relationship between the people, the land itself and the horse revealing how they are all inextricably linked. Spread out over two floors within C17th Tholsel building the interactive nature of the exhibition makes it an enjoyable and informative experience for all ages. The entire building is Wheelchair Accessible.
Reviewed By jimhU7999GF - Waterford, Ireland
I shall return as soon as I can. I found that it was well worth a visit. My thanks to the staff for their efforts.
4. King of the Vikings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
King of the Vikings - The World's First Viking Virtual Reality 3D Adventure, bringing you up close and personal with the Viking warlords who founded Waterford Ireland's oldest city! Housed in a replica Viking house within the atmospheric ruins of a medieval monastery in the heart of the Viking city. Next to Reginald's Tower where the Treasures of Viking Waterford and a fullsize Viking longship. Available in English, French and German. Cost of admission is only €5.00 for an Under 12 and only €10.00 for an adult. Currently CLOSED for annual maintenance, from 6th January till Fri.13th March 2020.
Reviewed By Seehanes
Visitors are strongly advised to book in advance for this virtual reality experience due to limited capacity - visits last thirty minutes and only ten people can be accommodated during each session. Within the Viking Triangle, so rich in history and museum experiences, this novel format brings that Viking history to life in an unforgettable manner that should be greatly enjoyed by people of all ages and interest levels - you cannot help but feel thoroughly engaged. With a son who suffers from travel sickness, this virtual reality experience posed no problem for him. Situated in a replica Viking house within the ruins of the Franciscan friary, the costumed staff skilfully aided visitors to use the apparatus effectively. In fact no skill was needed - the staff ensured that everybody's experience was optimised. Potential improvements, in my opinion, would include greater sensory engagement such as water spray (from the sea or discarded waste), blasts of heat when there are fires, or release of smells to coincide with cooking, other domestic situations, or proximity to livestock. Apart from the brief thrill (or horror?) of seeing rats at your feet, I think the fear / shock factor could have been considerably heightened. If there is concern for the welfare of younger children, then perhaps headsets could have two different settings (one milder experience, and one more dramatic one). Nevertheless this is unquestionably a worthwhile addition to Waterford's attractions.
5. Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
The Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum excitingly captures the story of how Foynes became one of the great aviation hubs of the world between 1937-1945. Walk in the footsteps of JFK, Bob Hope, Eleanor Roosevelt & many other dignitaries, movie stars & refugees who landed at Foynes during World War II. Throughout the original terminal building this truly unique story is told by way of original film in a 1940’s style cinema, showcases covering the war years & numerous exhibits on the romantic flying boat era including the chance to board a life size replica of the Boeing 314 Flying Boat. Foynes & the Flying Boats will be forever connected with the invention of Irish Coffee as they combined to give us this uniquely Irish treat. Learn all about this historic event by watching a wonderful 3D holographic show re-enacting this famous night back in 1943 & after why not taste a delicious Irish Coffee in its original home.
Reviewed By DebbieVerde - Hemet, United States
Spent a wonderful rainy afternoon checking out this museum. Maureen O’Hara had a strong connection with this important part of aviation history. Definitely a hidden gem worth the time if you are traveling by car in Ireland.
6. The Blasket Centre and Great Blasket Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
This striking visitor centre, situated at the western end of the Dingle Peninsula on the Slea Head Drive / Wild Atlantic Way celebrates the history, heritage, literature and beauty of the Great Blasket Island. It has a fascinating audio-visual presentation and a series of imaginative exhibits on various aspects of the history and culture of the Great Blasket. A wonderful place to spend an hour or two, with a restaurant, services and ample parking. Follow the signs for Blasket Centre
Reviewed By dawnaclark - Rush, Ireland
On our weeks stay on the peninsula, we came here 3 times! Twice just for a walk around and today popped into the centre. Beautifully laid out with artifacts, a very informative short film and a lovely restaurant with stunning views over to the Blasket Islands. The whole place including the car park and paths, extremely well maintained and spotless. Would highly recommend stopping off here.
7. West Cork Model Railway Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 458 reviews
As Ireland's only Model Village, the West Cork Model Railway Village in Clonakilty, Co. Cork is a fully scaled handmade model of the old West Cork Railway Line with fully working trains and the towns that the railway served during the 1940s. Take a spin on our iconic Road Train through the beautiful town of Clonakilty. Indoor and outdoor play areas. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee/tea in our cafe or visit our Gift Shop in an authentic train carriage.
Reviewed By CMBernadette - Doolin, Ireland
The model village with its many trains passing through tunnels and into stations of reconstructed towns in the vicinity held the children's interest but also filled in a lot of history for adults. The remote control boats were a great hit, the playground good fun and the "train" ride around Clonakilty a lovely way to see the whole town and end the visit.
8. Cobh Heritage Centre The Queenstown Story
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,145 reviews
The Queenstown Story tells the story of Irish emigration- from the indentured servants and forced labour who left for the Colonies and the West Indies in the 17th century, the early emigrants to Canada and the U.S.the Great famine and the transportation of convicts to Australia . Learn about our maritime history,the hardship and the heartbreak. Find the stories and learn the connection between Cobh and the Titanic and the Lusitania. A facinating, educational and emotional journey through our past. "Walk in the footsteps" of our emigrant ancestors in this restored Victorian building.
Reviewed By MiAndN - Spiddal, Ireland
The Cobh Heritage centre is well worth a visit. The staff are very helpful, cheerful and interested in helping visitors. The exhibition itself is extremely well presented in the way it depicts the maritime history and recounts the stories of Lusitania, Titanic and Irish emigrants.
9. Reginald's Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Reviewed By WW_Traveller023 - Kirrawee, Australia
The town is a short walk away and we headed to 'Reginald's Tower', it is the last tower remaining from numerous incarnations of a fort that was here from the 10th Century. It is named after the Viking King 'Reginall or Reginald' who conquered this place and set up a Viking town in the late 900's. The tower is 3 storeys high and has sen a lot of history since then, including being used by 'Strongbow' (the leader of the Anglo-Norman invasion force) and visits by King John and King James II as well as serving time as a munitions store and prison. There are very interesting displays on all the floors.
10. Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,114 reviews
The magnificent curved facade of the warm butter-coloured stone building draws in the visitor. The eye-catching giant sculpture on the gable was inspired by a tiny 13th century belt mount found in Waterford. It is Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum and the only building on the island to incorporate two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Don't miss the stunning Heavens' Embroidered Cloths, Waterford's cloth-of-gold 15th century vestments, the only piece of clothing from King Henry VIII's reign to survive in the world - the 'Cap of Maintenance' and the Great Charter Roll from 1373, containing the earliest contemporary portrait of a medieval English king (Edward III) shown to Queen Elizabeth on her 2011 state visit to Ireland. These and many more unique artefacts await you on your guided tour of the award wining Medieval Museum.
Reviewed By straea
When I arrived here around opening time yesterday, their early guided tours were fully booked with cruise ship passengers. Having read recent reviews here and some replies from staff, I thought coming back when they had space on a tour would be best. So I bought a combination ticket with Bishop's Palace, they called over there to confirm I'd be able to take a guided tour there in a few minutes, and I headed next door. I came back here for a guided tour about 90 minutes later. My tour guide, Liam, was fantastic — funny, interesting, and a great storyteller. The tour lasted about 40-45 minutes. I stayed on my own afterwards (as you are welcome to do) watching the introductory films (there is a 10-minute one on the second floor and a 15-minute one on the first floor) and viewing the objects we'd skipped on the highlights tour. As an historical researcher, I was personally especially fascinated by the unique Great Charter of Waterford and the medieval book of civic records of Waterford (both of which we viewed on the guided tour). While I was looking around on my own, a couple more guided tours cane through with different guides. Each guide seems to have their own style. Highly recommended for those interested in Irish history and/or medieval history.
