Castles And Museums

Castles and Museums

Ireland is home to many family-friendly castles and museums, offering a mix of history, adventure, and interactive exhibits.

One of the best castles to visit is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in County Clare. This well-preserved medieval castle features a recreated 19th-century village, farm animals, and engaging activities for kids. Blarney Castle in County Cork is another popular destination where families can explore lush gardens and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Dublin Castle offers an easy-to-navigate historical site in the capital, while Cahir Castle in Tipperary is a fairytale-like fortress with towers and hidden passageways that children love.

For museums, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin is highly interactive and uses modern technology to tell the story of Irish emigrants. Nearby, Dublinia brings Viking and medieval Dublin to life with hands-on exhibits. The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, known as the “Dead Zoo,” is a favorite for kids fascinated by wildlife. In Belfast, Titanic Belfast offers an immersive experience about the famous ship.

These sites provide an exciting blend of education and fun, making them ideal for family outings in Ireland.

Kilkenny Castle

A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde.

The Irish Fly Fishing and Game Shooting Museum Laois

The Irish Fly Fishing and Game Shooting Museum explores 300 years of hunting and fishing in Ireland. It is a treat for anyone interested in country life.

Emo Court Laois

Emo Court was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington and is a magnificent example of this neo-classical style.

Longford – Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

The centre interprets an Iron Age bog road that was built in the year 148 B.C. across the boglands of Longford, close to the River Shannon

Louth – County Museum

The permanent exhibitions have have won the Gulbenkian Best Smaller Museum Award on two occasions, in 1995 and in 1999.

Louth – Old Melifont Abbey

The first Cistercian monastery in Ireland founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh, its most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo c. 1200.

Mayo – Ceide Fields Visitor Centre Mayo

Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies the Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs.

Mayo – Westport Heritage Town

Westport is situated on the shores of Clew Bay, in the shadow of Croagh Patrick and is one of the planned towns in the country. Its history is brought alive in the Clew Bay Heritage Centre.

Meath – Hill of Tara

Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed there.

Meath – Kells Heritage Trail

Kells Heritage Centreis a new vibrant visitor attraction located in the Heritage Town of Kells.Housed in the beautifully restored Courthouse are a multi-media exhibition, a gift shop and tourist info.

Meath – Newgrange and Knowth

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre interprets the Neolithic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.

Trim Castle Meath

Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter.

Offaly – Birr Castle Demesne

Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre offers something for everyone to enjoy and is especially interesting and educational for families.

Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre

The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, housed in the 1897 Bonded Warehouse, relates the story of Tullamore Dew Whiskey/Irish Mist Liqueur and the development of the town.