List of museums in Northern Ireland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Northern Ireland is home to many exciting museums! These are special places where you can explore cool collections of objects. They might show off amazing art, old tools, scientific discoveries, or things from history. Museums are great for learning about the past and understanding the world around us.

This list also includes art galleries, where you can see beautiful paintings and sculptures. Some places are called "interpretive centres" – they help you understand important historical sites. You won't find online-only museums here, but many grand old houses also have small displays you can visit.

Museums in Belfast City
Museums in County Antrim
Museums in County Armagh
Museums in County Down
Museums in County Fermanagh
Museums in County Londonderry
Museums in County Tyrone
Defunct museums
Images for kids
See also

Museums in Belfast City

Belfast, the capital city, has a fantastic range of museums.

Art and Culture in Belfast

Belfast Exposed is a gallery in Belfast that shows off modern photography. It's a great place to see new and interesting pictures.
The Engine Room Gallery in Belfast features contemporary art.
The Golden Thread Gallery also focuses on modern art in Belfast.
The Linen Hall Library in Belfast has exhibits about art, history, and culture from its own collections. It's a historic library with a lot to see.
The Metropolitan Arts Centre, known as the MAC, is a big art and performance centre in Belfast. It opened in 2012 and has won awards for its cool design.
The Naughton Gallery at Queen's is part of Queen's University Belfast. It shows contemporary art.
The Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast is another spot for contemporary art.
The Red Barn Gallery, also called RBG Belfast, is a gallery focused on photography.
The Ulster Museum in Belfast is a huge museum with lots of different things to see! You can find fine art, old crafts, natural history (like dinosaurs!), archaeology, ancient Egyptian items, and learn about world cultures, geology, and history.

History and Heritage in Belfast

Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast is an old Victorian-era prison. It's being restored so people can visit and learn about its history.
The Irish Republican History Museum in Belfast displays items and tells the story of the Provisional Irish Republican Army.
The Northern Ireland War Memorial in Belfast remembers those who died in World War I and World War II. It also shows what life was like during the 1941 Belfast Blitz.
The Royal Ulster Rifles Museum in Belfast has uniforms, badges, medals, and other items from the Royal Ulster Rifles regiment.
Titanic's Dock and Pumphouse in Belfast is an old pump house and dry-dock from the Edwardian era. It has exhibits about shipbuilding in Belfast, the famous Harland & Wolff company, and the launch of the RMS Titanic.
Titanic Belfast is a popular visitor attraction and a monument to Belfast's amazing shipbuilding past. It tells the stories of the famous Titanic and her sister ships.

Science and Fun in Belfast

W5 in Belfast is a science museum that focuses on hands-on exhibits and "play" to help you learn about science.

Museums in County Antrim

County Antrim has many interesting places to visit, from historic homes to natural wonders.

Historic Homes and Local Life in Antrim

The Andrew Jackson Cottage in Carrickfergus is a restored 18th-century home. It belonged to the parents of President Andrew Jackson of the United States. You can visit by appointment.
Arthur Cottage in Cullybackey is the restored ancestral home of Chester A. Arthur, who was the 21st President of the United States.
Ballance House in Glenavy is the birthplace of John Ballance, who was the Premier of New Zealand from 1891 to 1893.
Ballycastle Museum in Ballycastle explores local history and culture.
Ballymoney Museum in Ballymoney covers local history, culture, art, and even motorcycling, including famous riders like Joey Dunlop.
The Braid in Ballymena is a centre for history, arts, and culture. It includes the Mid-Antrim Museum.
Brookhall Historical Farm in Lisburn is open by appointment and displays old farm tools and items.
Carrickfergus Castle in Carrickfergus is a Norman castle that was used by the military until the 1920s. It has exhibits about its long history.
Carrickfergus Museum in Carrickfergus focuses on local history, art, and archaeology.
Causeway School Museum in Bushmills is a school from the 1920s that has been preserved.
Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre on Rathlin Island shares information about island life, its history, and geography.
Sentry Hill in Carnmoney is a 19th-century farmhouse. It has Victorian costumes and other old items.
White House, Newtownabbey in Newtownabbey is a restored house that dates back to the 16th century.

Industry and Transport in Antrim

Flame The Gasworks Museum of Ireland in Carrickfergus is a restored coal gasworks. You can see old gas appliances there.
The Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum in Lisburn tells the story of the Irish linen industry and the history and culture of the city.
Larne Museum and Arts Centre in Larne covers local history, culture, and art.
Patterson's Spade Mill in Templepatrick is an old spade mill operated by the National Trust.
The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland in Whitehead has a heritage railway and a museum at the Whitehead Excursion Station.
The Ulster Aviation Society in Sprucefield has aircraft and items related to Northern Ireland's aviation history. You can visit by arranging a group tour.

Nature and Environment in Antrim

The Coastal Zone at Portrush in Portrush is operated by the NIEA. It focuses on marine life, natural history, the environment, and local history.
The Giant's Causeway near Bushmills has a visitor centre with exhibits about the geology and natural history of the amazing basalt columns. It also has a railway.

Museums in County Armagh

County Armagh offers insights into historic homes, local life, and scientific discoveries.

Historic Homes and Local Life in Armagh

Ardress House in Annaghmore is a 17th-century farmhouse with an 18th-century interior. It's operated by the National Trust and has a working farmyard with animals.
Argory near Moy is an early 19th-century Irish gentry house. It's operated by the National Trust.
Armagh County Museum in Armagh covers local history, natural history, culture, archaeology, and old costumes.
Armagh Gaol in Armagh was built in 1780 and closed in 1986. Public tours are sometimes available.
Craigavon Museum in Craigavon focuses on local history, farming, the linen industry, and culture.
Dan Winter’s Cottage in Loughgall is an 18th-century thatched cottage. It was the home of Dan Winter, one of the people who helped start the Orange Order.
Derrymore House in Bessbrook is a late 18th-century thatched house, operated by the National Trust.
Keady Heritage Centre in Keady explores local history, culture, and the linen industry. It also has information about singer Tommy Makem.
Milford House Museum in Milford tells the story of the home of William McCrum, a wealthy Irish linen manufacturer and sportsman. It includes family costumes, furniture, and silver.
Mullaghbawn Folk Museum in Mullaghbawn is a traditional two-roomed thatched farmhouse with outbuildings.
Newry and Mourne Museum in Newry is located in Bagenal's Castle. It covers local history, trades, fishing, industry, and culture.
Navan Centre, Fort and King Stables in Armagh includes an Iron Age earthwork, a replica Iron Age home, and exhibits with living history.
The Ó Fíaich Heritage Centre in Cullyhana focuses on the life and items of Tomás Ó Fiaich, who was the Archbishop of Armagh.
Saint Patrick Trian Visitor Complex in Armagh has exhibits about Armagh's ancient monuments, the history of St Patrick, the Book of Armagh, and author Jonathan Swift’s book Gulliver’s Travels.
Tannaghmore Animal Farm in Craigavon has heritage animal breeds and old farm tools and equipment.

Science and Military in Armagh

Armagh Observatory in Armagh has a collection of large telescopes and other astronomical instruments used since the 18th century.
Armagh Planetarium in Armagh is a planetarium and science museum. It features exhibits about physics, space, and astronomy.
Northern Ireland's Secret Bunker in Portadown is a Cold War-era monitoring bunker. It's open on specific days.
The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum in Armagh displays items and memories from the regiment.

Arts and Nature in Armagh

Market Place - Armagh Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh is an arts centre.
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre in Craigavon explores the natural history and environment of Lough Neagh and the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve.
Millennium Court Arts Centre in Portadown is an arts centre with two galleries.

Transport in Armagh

Moneypenny's Lock House in Craigavon is a lockkeeper's cottage for the Newry Canal.

Museums in County Down

County Down offers a mix of industrial heritage, historic homes, and military history.

Historic Homes and Local Life in Down

Castle Ward in Strangford is an 18th-century house with two very different styles: classical and Gothic. It's operated by the National Trust.
Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport show what a typical fisherman's home looked like in 1910.
Down County Museum in Downpatrick is located in an 18th-century prison. It covers local history and culture.
Kilclief Castle in Strangford is a medieval tower-house castle.
Mount Stewart House, Garden and Temple of the Winds in Strangford is operated by the National Trust.
Nendrum Monastic Site on Strangford Lough has the ruins of a medieval monastery and a visitor centre with exhibits.
North Down Museum in Bangor explores local history and culture.
Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra is an open-air village. You can see crafts demonstrations from the early 20th century.

Industry and Transport in Down

Ballycopeland Windmill in Millisle is a restored windmill and miller's house, operated by the NIEA.
Downpatrick and County Down Railway in Downpatrick is a heritage railway with a museum.
Scarva Visitor Centre in Scarva covers local history, the Newry Canal, and the linen industry.
Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra has horse-drawn carriages, electric trams, motorbikes, fire engines, and vintage cars. It also has a permanent RMS Titanic exhibit.

Art and Biographical Museums in Down

Bann Valley Museum in Banbridge is a planned museum of local history and culture.
Brontë Interpretive Centre in Rathfriland has exhibits about Patrick Brontë, the father of the famous Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily, and Anne).
Burren Heritage Centre in Warrenpoint covers local history and culture.
F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio in Banbridge displays the works of surrealist sculptor F. E. McWilliam.

Military and Religious Sites in Down

Grey Point Fort in Helen's Bay is one of two old artillery batteries that protected Belfast Lough during the World Wars.
Saint Patrick Visitor Centre in Downpatrick has displays about the life and story of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Somme Heritage Centre in Conlig focuses on Ireland's military history in World War I.

Museums in County Fermanagh

County Fermanagh features historic castles, industrial heritage, and unique collections.

Historic Homes and Local Life in Fermanagh

Castle Coole in Enniskillen is a late 18th-century mansion and estate, operated by the National Trust.
Fermanagh County Museum in Enniskillen covers county history, culture, natural history, and the Maguire family.
Florence Court in Enniskillen is an 18th-century mansion and estate, operated by the National Trust.

Industry and Transport in Fermanagh

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre in Belleek showcases beautiful porcelain pieces and the history of the pottery.
Headhunters Barbers Shop & Railway Museum in Enniskillen includes a reconstructed railway booking office and railroad items from old Irish railways.
Sheelin Antique Irish Lace Museum in Bellanaleck displays Irish lace from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Military History in Fermanagh

Castle Archdale in Irvinestown is a country park with a museum about the role of RAF Castle Archdale during World War II.
Inniskillings Museum in Enniskillen tells the history and displays items from the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards regiments.

Museums in County Londonderry

County Londonderry offers a look into aviation, local history, and art.

History and Local Life in Londonderry

Apprentice Boys Museum and Exhibition in Derry tells the story of the organization and the Siege of Derry.
Bellaghy Bawn in Bellaghy is a 17th-century fortified house. It has exhibits on local and natural history, the history of the Ulster Plantation, and the poetry of Seamus Heaney.
Coleraine Regional Museum in Coleraine has changing exhibits on local history and culture.
Garvagh Museum in Garvagh shows rural and domestic life from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Green Lane Museum in Limavady covers local history, the linen and agricultural industries, and rural life.
Harbour Museum in Derry explores the city's maritime history.
Museum of Free Derry in Derry focuses on the civil rights campaign of the 1960s and the "Free Derry" period of the early 1970s.
Tower Museum in Derry tells the city's history and culture.
Workhouse Museum in Derry is a historic workhouse that hosts changing exhibits on city history and culture.

Historic Homes in Londonderry

Hezlett House in Castlerock is a 17th-century thatched cottage, operated by the National Trust.
Springhill House in Moneymore is a 17th-century plantation home. It features a collection of old costumes and is operated by the National Trust.

Aviation and Transport in Londonderry

Amelia Earhart Centre in Derry focuses on local aviation history and the story of Amelia Earhart's landing there. You can visit by appointment.
Foyle Valley Railway in Derry is a railway museum.

Arts and Nature in Londonderry

Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart includes exhibits of visual art and crafts.
Nerve Centre in Derry is a multimedia arts centre for music, film, video, animation, and interactive media.
Riverwatch Centre in Derry explores the natural history and ecology of the River Foyle and Carlingford Lough waterways.

Museums in County Tyrone

County Tyrone offers a glimpse into ancestral homes, rural life, and art.

Historic Homes and Local Life in Tyrone

Grant Ancestral Homestead in Ballygawley is the ancestral home of Ulysses S. Grant, who was the 18th President of the United States.
Gray's Printing Press in Strabane is an 18th-century print shop where John Dunlap learned printing. It's operated by the National Trust.
Hill of The O'Neill and Ranfurly House in Dungannon have a multimedia exhibition about 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 in Cookstown is currently being restored.
Ulster American Folk Park near Castletown is an open-air museum. It shows Irish rural life and the experiences of immigrants who sailed from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Wilson Ancestral Home in Strabane is the 18th-century home of James Wilson, the grandfather of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Industry and Transport in Tyrone

Abingdon Collection in Omagh features classic cars and World War II military items.
Wellbrooke Beetling Mill in Cookstown is a working water-powered mill. It was used to process flax to make linen thread and is operated by the National Trust.

Arts and Biographical Museums in Tyrone

Alley Theatre in Strabane is a theatre venue with an auditorium, an art gallery, and a tourist information centre.
Nally Heritage Centre in Carrickmore covers the history of sports marketer Patrick Nally, the Carrickmore GAA club, and local history.
Strule Arts Centre in Omagh is an arts centre with a gallery.