Top Things to do in County Cork
What to do and see in County Cork, Province of Munster: The Best History Museums
Discover the best top things to do in County Cork, Ireland including Millstreet Museum, Michael Collins Centre, Passage West Maritime Museum, Independence Museum Kilmurry, Nano Nagle Place, Cork City Gaol, Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Michael Collins House, Old Head Signal Tower and Lusitania Museum, Fota House.
Restaurants in County Cork
1. Millstreet Museum
2. Michael Collins Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 344 reviews
We are a family run interpretive centre, just off the main road(R600)between Clonakilty and Timoleague/Kinsale).We are also located on the Wild Atlantic Way. We are open from Mid June to Mid September. At the centre we give presentations interpreting the life and times of Michael Collins. We begin with an audio visual presentation showing all the places connected with Michael Collins in West Cork, we also have a second audio visual consisting of archive footage. The most unique part of the presentation is our live lecture which is conducted by an expert historian who gives an account of the 'Big Fella's' life from 1906 until his death. We also have a full scale replica of the Ambush site in Beal na mBlath. We also do private Michael Collins tours.
Reviewed By littleadventurers
We met Tim Crowley on a individual tour back in January so came back to see the collection he’s gathered over the years, it’s a great tour and we would recommend it to other Michael enthusiasts!! We have been to his Grave, the ambush site and really Tim has created an experience and his knowledge of Michael Collins is something to experience!!!
3. Passage West Maritime Museum
4. Independence Museum Kilmurry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
History Museum focused on the fight for independence in the County Cork area, especially during the War of Independence and Civil War era.
Reviewed By Anniebannie1981 - Cork, Ireland
After leaving Kilmichael Ambush Site, we decided to keep going and travel to the Independence Museum, as I discovered that the museum would be open on Bank Holiday Monday. I was greeted by Siobhán, a volunteer to the museum and she gave me a booklet with a lot of information and showed me downstairs to the main museum and the order of museum. It was self-guided and I had time to view and look at each item in my own time. It was lovely to read and see so much information about the Civil War in this locality. The space was small, but there was so much information crammed into this space. This place is a must for those who are interested in Irish history and it was lovely to see other places of interest discussed within the museum. The entrance fee was €5 for adults and it is well worth the price. I could have spent hours going through in detail all the items that they have to display. Would strongly recommend and would love to go back and see more items that I missed.
5. 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.
6. Cork City Gaol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,784 reviews
Corks Most Captivating Experience:A step back in time to see what 19th/early 20th century life was like-inside and outside prison walls. Historical experience brought to life with amazingly lifelike figures, furnished cells, sound effects & fascinating exhibitions. This exhibition fascinates visitors of all ages and nationalities and the tour is available in up to 13 languages.
Reviewed By 203sylvanah - Ireland, null
Brilliant activity to do, cool to see the history of the place, very interesting place to see. You are given headphones on this tour so you can take your time looking around pause and play again when ready.
7. Skibbereen Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
Skibbereen Heritage Centre's Great Famine Exhibition tells the poignant story of this pivotal period in Irish history. Skibbereen became notorious as one of the worst affected areas in all of Ireland and this tragic era is now brought to life via the latest multimedia technology. Walk or take a virtual tour of sites associated with the Great Famine that still exist today including the mass graves where almost 10,000 people are buried. At Skibbereen Heritage Centre you can also discover the unique nature of Lough Hyne, a salt-water lake just 5km from Skibbereen which is Europe's first Marine Nature Reserve. Find out about the history, folklore and formation of this renowned natural phenomenon with a multi-lingual audio-visual display and follow with a trip to the lake and follow the Knockomagh Wood Nature Trail which overlooks the lake. Skibbereen Heritage Centre also offers a genealogy service for the greater West Cork area, an archaeology trail, a gift shop, reference library and a great welcome!
Reviewed By FoxWynne - County Cork, Ireland
This museum, though small, looks extensively at the causes and effects of the Irish Famine, with particular emphasis on the impacts in the local area. I was surprised at the depth of detail, especially the interlocked causes of the Famine - the museum didn't pander to any simplified explanation, nor did it lay the blame in any particular camp, and did a fantastic job of illustrating the points with interesting examples (written, documentary and through artefacts). The museum also has a very natural flow, which helps direct the visitor, and nicely covers both the background and the aftermath of the Famine years. Unfortunately, the Irish version of the Jeremy Irons video does not actually have Jeremy Irons speaking in Irish, it's merely subtitled. The accompanying Lough Hyne video is definitely worth seeing, especially if you're planning on making a trip down to the lake itself. The staff are friendly, the space is bright and there is a lovely view over the Ilen (spend a couple of minutes on the terrace). When we visited, it was during the easing of the initial lock-down, and, given the restrictions, the museum was very well-equipped for visitors, with disinfectant available at the entrance and beside each interactive exhibit.
8. Michael Collins House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Michael Collins House is a History Museum in Clonakilty, Cork dedicated to Irish revolutionary hero, Michael Collins. Learn about the 'Big Fella' himself and his life story entwined with the history of the fight for Irish independence. Discover the local patriots who went before Collins and dedicated their lives to an independent Ireland, influencing the path which Collins would later take. Through guided tours, interactive displays, audio visuals, artefacts and information boards Irish history is brought to life and presented in an easy to understand and personal manner, suitable for all the family.
Reviewed By Otuama
A very well presented museum dedicated to Michael Collins. Lots of information even for someone brought up in a "Collins" house. Combine this with a visit to the Munster Arms in Bandon (last photograph), Imperial Hotel Cork City (last night) and of course, Beal na Blath, the ambush site.
9. Old Head Signal Tower and Lusitania Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
The restored Old Head Signal Tower was built during the Napoleanic wars in response to the threat of a French invasion. The ground floor hosts information room about the Tower history with a detailed audio visual. The first floor hosts a Lusitania Museum, as this headland is the closest land point to where the ship was torpedoed in 1915.There are stunning panoramic views from the Tower Top.
Reviewed By GavinLynam - Dublin, Ireland
If you park near the speckled door, there is a great 6k looped walk with the signal tower at the half way point!
10. Fota House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Your tour of Fota House will begin in our main hall. From here our volunteer guide will take you on the 45 minute tour of the Regency property. Our guides will show you the grand decor of the principle rooms and take you behind the scenes of the exquisite boudoir and charming Victorian nursery. A special feature is our service wing, it'll allow you to experience the lavish lifestyle of the gentry.
