Top Things to do in Wild Atlantic Way
What to do and see in Wild Atlantic Way, Wild Atlantic Way: The Best History Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland including Glengowla Mines, Musaem Chorca Dhuibhne, Michael Collins Centre, Hennigan's Heritage Centre, Finnertys Mills and Museum, Nano Nagle Place, Hunt Museum, Burren Exposure, Clew Bay Heritage Centre, Dysert O'Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre.
Restaurants in Wild Atlantic Way
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. Musaem Chorca Dhuibhne
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
A small museum with displays on the geology, archaeology and history of the Dingle Peninsula, as well as changing temporary exhibitions. With artefacts on loan from the National Museum of Ireland, as well as those sourced locally, this is where you will get a good idea of how people lived in the area from the time of the first known settlers in the late Mesolithic. The museum text is displayed in Irish (Gaelic) and English, and translations are also available in German, French, Polish and Norwegian. The museum has been involved in the Museum Standards for Ireland Programme (MSPI), managed by the Heritage Council, and is a Fully Accredited Museum. Interactive touch-screen displays are available on topics of the Irish Language (learn a few words!), Ogham stones (with fun games included) and the Early Medieval Period - with so many sites from that time to be found in the area. The café/bookstore has many book choices for those learning Irish, and for children
3. 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!!!
4. Hennigan's Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By quiggers - Greystones, Ireland
An excellent living history,our guide Tom was brought up in the house that is the corner stone of this family run museum.He explains the history of Co Mayo in a clear and balanced way,so for a novice or a history buff there is plenty to learn from his story. We had been intending to visit the museum for a longtime as we are regular visitors to Co Mayo.The changes to Irish family life in just 2-3 generations are nothing short of remarkable. Happy to recommend this small museum, for older people it is a reminder, for the young it is an eye opener. Tom and Catherine were excellent and welcoming hosts, it was a great chat with tea and biscuits.
5. Finnertys Mills and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Discover all there is to know about a water-powered Corn Mill. The Corn Mill is a recorded monument and an important part of our industrial heritage. Gain an understanding of how oats and wheat were milled in a bygone era.
Reviewed By Galwaywalks - Galway, Ireland
I stumbled across this gem, an authentic 18th century water-mill in November last year with my brother. We popped in for a look and were amazed at the whole experience. The mill has been lovingly restored buy the current generation of the Finnerty family who can trace their ownership of the mill back over 220 years. When we asked if the mill-wheel and attached machinery still worked, we were treated to a whole lesson in 19th century milling techniques and watched in wonderment as the water turned the massive wheel, setting the grinding wheels in motion. It was just a fantastic experience. And we got tea and scones to sustain us to our next stop. The mill is a wonder of engineering and is such an authentic visitor experience. I was fascinated, your children will be transported!
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. 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!!
8. Burren Exposure
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By swtraveler15 - Springfield, United States
We have traveled through the Burren twice during our trips to Ireland and they are simply stunning to see. Totally unlike anything you have ever seen. We hope to make another trip to see them during the spring or summer months when they apparently have wildflowers scattered among the area. Truly lovely area to experience
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.
