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.

Galway – Aughnanure Castle

Built by the O’Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib

Galway – Dunguaire Castle Galway

Dunguaire Castle has, for hundreds of years, stood proudly on the site of the seveth-century stronghold of Guaire, the King of Connaught.

Kilkenny – Jerpoint Abbey

An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century.

Sonairte – The National Ecology Centre

Sonairte is an interactive visitor centre promoting ecological awareness and sustainable living. Sonairte was established in the late 1980’s by members of the local community.

Craggaunowen Clare

Visitors here get to see a replica of a Crannóg (Lake Dwelling), Ring Fort and “An Iron Age Roadway.” Craggaunowen Castle which was built around 1550 is also situated on the grounds .

The Shaw Birthplace Dublin

‘Author of Many Plays’ is the simple accolade to George Bernard Shaw on the plaque outside his birthplace and his Victorian home and early life mirrors this simplicity.

Dublin – National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish art and European master paintings. Admission to the permanent collection is FREE

Drimnagh Castle Dublin

Drimnagh Castle was, until 1954, one of the oldest continually inhabited castles in Ireland and is an outstanding example of an old feudal stronghold.

Offfaly – Clonmacnoise

An Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon.

Galway – Dan O’Hara’s Heritage And History Centre

Award-winning Dan O’Hara’s Heritage and History Centre, listed as one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions, offers unique experience which should be part of everyones visit to the West.

St Marys Church

This collegiate church, was built in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery.

Roscommon – King House Interpretive Galleries And Museum

With the aid of special effects and life size models, visitors to are taken back in history in an entertaining way. Children can write with a quill and ink or even dress in the attire of a Chieftain.

Roscommon – Boyle Abbey

An impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts.

Roscommon – Claypipe Visitor Centre

The village of Knockcroghery was famous for almost 300 years as a centre for the production of clay pipes or “dudeens”.Here you will see the craft of making pipes using the original tools and methods.

Roscommon – Derryglad Folk Museum

Derryglad Folk Museum is privately owned and houses a unique 25 year old collection of horse-drawn machinery restored to original working order.

Sligo – Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

This is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland and is also among the country’s oldest, with monuments ranging from five and a half thousand to six and a half thousand years old.