Interesting & Educational Places to Visit

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Museum Visits in Ireland

Irish Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo

Many of the exhibitions here give an extraordinarily clear view of how ordinary Irish country people lived and worked between 1850 and 1950. There are regular demonstrations, workshops, music and dance performances and special events, all of which bring the period to life and which can often be booked in advance for educational groups.

The Education and Outreach Department organise workshops teaching old craft skills throughout the year and these absolutely must be booked well in advance. They also have a useful resource pack for those visiting independently.
Visit the Museum of Country Life

Birr Castle, Birr, Co Offaly

Birr Castle is home to the Earls of Rosse, and it was in 1845 that the 3rd Earl built what was for many years the world's largest telescope, a wonder of its age. There is a Science Centre in the grounds where the restored telescope is on display. The Science Cetnre is themed around science in the 1800's and displays various instrumentation, including astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and old photographic equipment.

In the grounds an important arboretum and extensive plant collection surround the the two rivers that pass through the estate, one of which is crossed by Ireland's earliest suspension bridge. There is a worksheet (PDF) which children can use prior to and during a visit to help them get the most from the very many fascinating exhibits and displays.
Visit Birr Castle

Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co Tyrone

The folk museum is an open-air museum telling the story of emigration from Ulster to America during the 18th & 19th centuries. Far from the traditional museum with static exhibits, this place brings the period alive in a vivid and exciting manner. Reconstructed houses, shops and work places, both Irish and American, are furnished in keeping with their time and have costumed demonstrators interacting with visitors as they go through the typical daily routine of the time.

A full-size reconstruction of an early 19th century emigrant ship is one of the highlights. The museum have a wealth of resources to help young visitors learn more about the past and to get the best from their visit.
Visit the Ulster American Folk Park

Museum of Decorative Arts Collin's Barracks, Dublin 7

The newest part of the National Museum houses a fascinating collection which tell the story of Ireland's economic, social, industrial, political and military history over the last 300 years. Special sections include weaponry, furniture, silver, ceramics, glassware and clothing. The collections of Irish Silver, the largest in the world, is particularly important, and other fascinating sections include Clothing and Jewellry, Irish Money and Coinage and Period Irish Furniture.

There are a range of themed tours always available, though it is a good idea to check ahead to see what will be available on any given day. Activity sheets and an "Activity Cart" which contains a range of materials, including paper and drawing materials greatly enhance the value of a visit here and are available at reception.
Visit the Museum at Collin's Barracks

National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology & History), Dublin 2

This is Ireland's largest and main museum and includes permanent exhibitions on Pre-Historic, Viking and Medieval Ireland, Ireland's Golden Treasures and Ancient Egypt among others. Themed tours are available, on topics such as "From the Stone Age to Early Christian Ireland", "The Road to Independence" and. "Viking Ireland". Check ahead to ensure availability.

There are regular lectures, many aimed at younger audiences, which are always worth attending, with speakers who succeed in entertaining as they educate. Other special children's events are organised from time to time, you can subscribe to a mailing list at the site to be kept informed.
Visit the National Museum

Museum of Natural History, Merrion St, Dublin 2

As well as Natural History, this is a 'museum of museums', having changes little since it was founded in Victorian times. There are about 10,000 creatures on display, including an exhibition of animals native to Ireland and the ever popular Invertebrates Exhibition, full of creepy-crawlies and especially enjoyed by small boys!

There are regular special events, tours and lectures, with a particular emphasis on family activities. Guided tours, which take about 45 minutes are an excellent way to get an overview of the museum, and are led by enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining guides.
Visit the Museum of Natural History