List of museums in Northern Ireland facts for kids

Welcome to a super cool guide to the museums in Northern Ireland! Museums are special places where amazing objects from the past, art, science, and nature are kept safe. They help us learn about history and different cultures. You can find all sorts of museums here, from big art galleries to small places that show what life was like long ago. Get ready to explore some fantastic places!

Awesome Museums to Explore

Belfast City Museums

Belfast Exposed

This museum in Belfast is all about modern photography. You can see cool and interesting pictures from today's world.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Step back in time at this old Victorian prison in Belfast. It's being brought back to life as a museum where you can learn about its history.

Engine Room Gallery

Located in Belfast, this gallery shows off contemporary art. It's a great place to see new and exciting artworks.

Golden Thread Gallery

Another fantastic art spot in Belfast, the Golden Thread Gallery focuses on modern art.

Irish Republican History Museum

This museum in Belfast shares the history and important items related to the Irish Republican movement.

Linen Hall Library

The Linen Hall Library in Belfast has exhibits about art, history, and culture from its huge collections.

Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC)

The MAC in Belfast is a lively art and performance center. It opened in 2012 and has won awards for its amazing building design.

Naughton Gallery at Queen's

Part of Queen's University Belfast, this gallery shows contemporary art. It's a cool place to see what artists are creating now.

Northern Ireland War Memorial

This memorial in Belfast remembers those who served in World War I and World War II. It also shows what life was like during the 1941 Belfast Blitz.

Ormeau Baths Gallery

You can find more contemporary art at the Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast.

Red Barn Gallery

Also known as RBG Belfast, this gallery in Belfast is dedicated to photography.

Royal Ulster Rifles Museum

This museum in Belfast displays uniforms, badges, medals, and other items from the Royal Ulster Rifles regiment.

Titanic's Dock and Pumphouse

Explore an old pump house and dry-dock in Belfast where ships were built. You can learn about shipbuilding, Harland & Wolff, and the launch of the famous RMS Titanic.

Titanic Belfast

This amazing visitor center in Belfast celebrates the city's shipbuilding past. It tells the stories of the RMS Titanic and its sister ships.

Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum in Belfast is packed with treasures! It has fine art, natural history, ancient artifacts, and exhibits on world cultures and geology.

W5

W5 in Belfast is a science center where you can learn through play! It has lots of hands-on exhibits that make science fun.

County Antrim Museums

Andrew Jackson Cottage

Visit the restored 18th-century home of President Andrew Jackson's parents in Carrickfergus. You can visit by making an appointment.

Arthur Cottage

In Cullybackey, this restored 18th-century home was where the family of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st US President, lived.

Ballance House

This historic house in Glenavy is the birthplace of John Ballance, who was the Premier of New Zealand from 1891 to 1893.

Ballycastle Museum

Learn about local history and culture at the Ballycastle Museum in Ballycastle.

Ballymoney Museum

This museum in Ballymoney covers local history, culture, art, and even motorcycling, including famous riders like Joey Dunlop.

The Braid

Located in Ballymena, The Braid is a center for history, arts, and culture. It includes the Mid-Antrim Museum.

Brookhall Historical Farm

Open by appointment in Lisburn, this farm shows old farm tools and artifacts.

Carrickfergus Castle

This amazing Norman castle in Carrickfergus was used by the military until the 1920s. It has exhibits about its long history.

Carrickfergus Museum

Discover the local history, art, and archaeology of Carrickfergus at this museum.

Causeway School Museum

In Bushmills, this museum is a school from the 1920s, showing what classrooms were like back then.

Coastal Zone at Portrush

Operated by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, this center in Portrush teaches about marine life, natural history, and the local environment.

Flame The Gasworks Museum of Ireland

Visit this restored coal gasworks in Carrickfergus to see old gas appliances and learn about how gas was made.

Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre

At the famous Giant's Causeway near Bushmills, this visitor center teaches you about the amazing geology of the basalt columns and the coast. It's run by the National Trust.

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum

Learn all about the Irish linen industry and the history of Lisburn at this museum.

Larne Museum and Arts Centre

This center in Larne explores local history, culture, and art.

Patterson's Spade Mill

Run by the National Trust in Templepatrick, this historic mill shows how spades were made long ago.

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

At the Whitehead Excursion Station in Whitehead, you can enjoy a heritage railway and museum.

Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre

On Rathlin Island, this center tells the story of island life and the island's history and geography.

Sentry Hill

Explore this 19th-century farmhouse in Carnmoney to see Victorian costumes and artifacts.

Ulster Aviation Society

Located in a hangar at RAF Long Kesh near Sprucefield, this museum has aircraft and items about Northern Ireland's aviation history. You can visit by arranging it beforehand for groups.

White House, Newtownabbey

This restored house in Newtownabbey dates back to the 16th century, offering a glimpse into the past.

County Armagh Museums

Ardress House

Operated by the National Trust in Annaghmore, this 17th-century farmhouse has an 18th-century interior and a working farmyard with animals.

Argory

Also run by the National Trust near Moy, The Argory is an early 19th-century Irish gentry house with a late 19th-century interior.

Armagh County Museum

This museum in Armagh covers local history, natural history, culture, archaeology, and costumes.

Armagh Gaol

Built in 1780 and closed in 1986, Armagh Gaol is being turned into a hotel. You can still take public tours to learn about its past.

Armagh Observatory

The Armagh Observatory has a collection of large telescopes used for observations since the 18th century, along with other astronomical instruments.

Armagh Planetarium

At the Armagh Planetarium in Armagh, you can explore physics, space, and astronomy through exciting exhibits and shows.

Craigavon Museum

This museum in Craigavon focuses on local history, agriculture, the linen industry, and culture.

Dan Winter’s Cottage

In Loughgall, this 18th-century thatched cottage was the home of Dan Winter, one of the founders of the Orange Order.

Derrymore House

Run by the National Trust in Bessbrook, Derrymore House is a late 18th-century thatched house.

Keady Heritage Centre

This center in Keady explores local history, culture, the linen industry, and the life of singer Tommy Makem.

Lough Neagh Discovery Centre

At Craigavon, this center teaches about the natural history and environment of Lough Neagh and the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve.

Market Place - Armagh Theatre and Arts Centre

This center in Armagh is a place for arts and performances.

Moneypenny's Lock House

In Craigavon, this lockkeeper's cottage for the Newry Canal tells the story of transport on the canal.

Milford House Museum

This museum in Milford shares the history of the home of William McCrum, a wealthy linen maker and sportsman. It includes family costumes and furniture.

Millennium Court Arts Centre

Located in Portadown, this arts center has two galleries showcasing different artworks.

Mullaghbawn Folk Museum

Visit this traditional two-roomed thatched farmhouse and its outbuildings in Mullaghbawn to see how people lived long ago.

Newry and Mourne Museum

Found in Bagenal's Castle in Newry, this museum covers local history, trades, fishing, industry, and culture.

Navan Centre, Fort and King Stables

Near Armagh, this center explores archaeology and history. It includes an Iron Age earthwork, a replica Iron Age home, and living history displays.

Northern Ireland's Secret Bunker

This Cold War-era monitoring bunker in Portadown is open on certain days. It's a fascinating look into a secret past.

Ó Fíaich Heritage Centre

In Cullyhana, this center tells the story of Tomás Ó Fiaich, who was the Archbishop of Armagh. It displays items from his life.

Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum

This museum in Armagh showcases artifacts and memorabilia from the Royal Irish Fusiliers regiment.

Saint Patrick Trian Visitor Complex

In Armagh, this complex has exhibits about Armagh's ancient monuments, the history of St Patrick, and even author Jonathan Swift’s book Gulliver’s Travels.

Tannaghmore Animal Farm

At Craigavon, this farm has heritage animal breeds and old farm tools and equipment.

County Down Museums

Ballycopeland Windmill

This restored windmill and miller's house in Millisle is run by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Bann Valley Museum

A planned museum in Banbridge that will focus on local history and culture.

Brontë Interpretive Centre

In Rathfriland, this center has exhibits about Patrick Brontë, the father of the famous Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily, and Anne), who taught in the local church and school.

Burren Heritage Centre

This center in Warrenpoint explores local history and culture.

Castle Ward

Run by the National Trust in Strangford, Castle Ward is an interesting 18th-century house with two very different styles: classical and Gothic.

Cockle Row Cottages

In Groomsport, these cottages show what a typical fisherman's home looked like in 1910.

Down County Museum

Located in an 18th-century prison in Downpatrick, this museum covers local history and culture.

Downpatrick and County Down Railway

Enjoy a heritage railway and museum experience in Downpatrick.

F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio

This gallery in Banbridge displays the works of surrealist sculptor F. E. McWilliam.

Grey Point Fort

Located in Crawfordsburn Country Park near Helen's Bay, this fort was one of two artillery batteries that protected Belfast Lough during both World Wars.

Kilclief Castle

This medieval tower-house castle is located in Strangford.

Mount Stewart House, Garden and Temple of the Winds

Operated by the National Trust in Strangford, Mount Stewart is a beautiful 18th-century house and estate.

Nendrum Monastic Site

Run by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on Strangford Lough, this site has the ruins of a medieval monastery and a visitor center with exhibits.

North Down Museum

In Bangor, this museum explores local history and culture.

Saint Patrick Visitor Centre

This center in Downpatrick has displays about the life and story of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Scarva Visitor Centre

In Scarva, this center covers local history, the Newry Canal, and the linen industry.

Somme Heritage Centre

This center in Conlig focuses on Ireland's military history during World War I.

Ulster Folk Museum

Part of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museums in Cultra, this open-air village shows crafts and daily life from the early 20th century.

Ulster Transport Museum

Also in Cultra and part of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museums, this museum has horse-drawn carriages, trams, motorbikes, fire engines, vintage cars, and a permanent exhibit about the RMS Titanic.

County Fermanagh Museums

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre

In Belleek, this center showcases beautiful Belleek fine porcelain pieces and the history of their creation.

Castle Archdale

This country park in Irvinestown has a museum about the role of RAF Castle Archdale during World War II.

Castle Coole

Run by the National Trust in Enniskillen, Castle Coole is a grand late 18th-century mansion and estate.

Fermanagh County Museum

Located in Enniskillen Castle in Enniskillen, this museum covers county history, culture, natural history, and the Maguire family.

Inniskillings Museum

Also in Enniskillen Castle, this museum tells the regimental history of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.

Florence Court

Operated by the National Trust in Enniskillen, Florence Court is an elegant 18th-century mansion and estate.

Headhunters Barbers Shop & Railway Museum

This unique museum in Enniskillen includes a reconstructed railway booking office and railway memorabilia from old Irish railway companies.

Sheelin Antique Irish Lace Museum

In Bellanaleck, this museum displays beautiful Irish lace pieces dating from 1890 to 1920.

County Londonderry Museums

Amelia Earhart Centre

Located in Ballyarnett Country Park in Derry, this center tells the story of local aviation history and the landing of Amelia Earhart. You can visit by appointment.

Apprentice Boys Museum and Exhibition

This museum in Derry shares the history of the Apprentice Boys organization and the story of the Siege of Derry.

Bellaghy Bawn

Run by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Bellaghy, this 17th-century fortified house has exhibits on local history, natural history, the Ulster Plantation, and the poetry of Seamus Heaney.

Coleraine Regional Museum

This museum in Coleraine has changing exhibits about local history and culture.

Flowerfield Arts Centre

In Portstewart, this center features exhibits of visual art and crafts.

Foyle Valley Railway

This railway museum in Derry explores the history of railways in the Foyle Valley.

Garvagh Museum

This museum in Garvagh shows what rural and domestic life was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Green Lane Museum

Located in Roe Valley Country Park near Limavady, this museum covers local history, the linen and agricultural industries, and rural life.

Harbour Museum

This museum in Derry tells the story of the city's maritime history.

Hezlett House

Run by the National Trust in Castlerock, Hezlett House is a 17th-century thatched cottage.

Museum of Free Derry

This museum in Derry focuses on the 1960s civil rights campaign and the early period of "The Troubles" in the 1970s.

Nerve Centre

The Nerve Centre in Derry is a multimedia arts center for music, film, video, animation, and interactive media.

Riverwatch Centre

Operated by the Loughs Agency in Derry, this center teaches about the natural history and ecology of the River Foyle and Carlingford Lough waterways.

Springhill House

Run by the National Trust in Moneymore, Springhill House is a 17th-century plantation home with a costume collection.

Tower Museum

This museum in Derry explores the city's history and culture.

Workhouse Museum

This historic workhouse in Derry hosts changing exhibits about the city's history and culture.

County Tyrone Museums

Abingdon Collection

In Omagh, this museum has classic cars and World War II military memorabilia.

Alley Theatre

The Alley Theatre in Strabane is an arts venue with an auditorium, an art gallery, and a tourist information center.

Grant Ancestral Homestead

This homestead in Ballygawley was the ancestral home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th US President, on his mother's side.

Gray's Printing Press

Run by the National Trust in Strabane, this 18th-century print shop is where John Dunlap learned the printing trade.

Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House

In Dungannon, this multi-media exhibition tells the story of the Hill's importance in Irish and European history, its links to the O’Neills, and the Flight of the Earls and Plantation of Ulster. It also has an arts space.

Lissan House

This historic house in Cookstown is currently being restored.

Nally Heritage Centre

In Carrickmore, this center covers the history of sports marketer Patrick Nally, the Carrickmore GAA club, and local history.

Strule Arts Centre

This arts center in Omagh features a gallery for art exhibitions.

Ulster American Folk Park

This open-air museum in Castletown shows what Irish rural life was like and the experiences of immigrants who sailed from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Wellbrook Beetling Mill

Run by the National Trust in Cookstown, this working water-powered mill was used to process flax for making linen thread.

Wilson Ancestral Home

This 18th-century home in Strabane belonged to James Wilson, the grandfather of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Past Museums

• Palace Stables Heritage Centre, Armagh (now council offices)
• Ulster History Park, Gortin

See Also

• Category:Tourist attractions in Northern Ireland
• List of National Trust properties in Northern Ireland
• List of nature reserves in Northern Ireland
• List of parks in Northern Ireland
• List of Ramsar sites in Northern Ireland
• List of Areas of Special Scientific Interest in Northern Ireland
• List of museums
• Museums in the Republic of Ireland
• Museums in England
• Museums in Wales
• Museums in Scotland