List of museums in the Republic of Ireland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Republic of Ireland is a country full of amazing places to explore, and that includes lots of museums! A museum is a special place where people collect, care for, and show off cool objects that teach us about history, art, science, or culture. Think of them as giant treasure chests filled with stories from the past and present.

This list will help you discover some of the best museums in Ireland. You'll find everything from ancient castles to places about famous writers, and even museums dedicated to things like butter or old radios! Get ready to learn about Ireland's rich history and exciting heritage.

Exploring Ireland's Cool Museums
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Exploring Ireland's Cool Museums

History and Heritage Museums

These museums help us understand what life was like long ago and how Ireland has changed over time.

Ancient Times and Castles

Athenry Castle in Athenry, Galway: Step back in time at this medieval castle.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in Bunratty, Clare: Explore a real medieval fortress with old furniture and objects. Outside, there's a village that shows what life was like in the 1800s.
Cahir Castle in Cahir, County Tipperary: Discover a strong medieval fortress castle.
Craggaunowen – the Living Past Experience in Sixmilebridge, Clare: This outdoor museum shows you what Ireland was like before history books were written and in early Christian times. It even has a castle!
Dublin Castle in Dublin: This historic castle was once a fortress and is now used for important state events. You can tour the fancy rooms and see the old underground areas.
King John's Castle in Limerick: Visit this powerful 16th-century fortress right in Limerick city.
Rock of Cashel in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary: See the ruins of a medieval fortress and cathedral on a famous rock.
Ross Castle in Killarney, Kerry: Explore a medieval chieftain's stronghold by the lake.

Life in the Past

Abbeyleix Heritage House in Abbeyleix, Laois: Learn about local history and culture in this heritage house.
Ballymore Historic Features in Camolin, Wexford: See a traditional farm and a museum about rural life.
Belcarra Eviction Cottage in Belcarra, Mayo: This is a reconstructed 19th-century cottage with displays about local history.
Clogher Heritage Complex in Claremorris, Mayo: See a recreated 19th-century thatched cottage and old farm tools.
Cobh Heritage Centre in Cobh, Cork: Learn about life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries, the Great Famine, and how people traveled to Australia.
Derryglad Folk Museum in Curraghboy, Roscommon: This museum shows farm and folk life in Ireland from the 1700s to the 1900s.
Doagh Famine Village in Doagh Island, Donegal: Take a tour of an island village that shows what life was like from the 1840s Famine up to the late 1900s.
Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum in Donaghmore, Laois: Discover what life was like inside a workhouse during the Great Famine.
Fr McDyer's Folk Village Museum in Glencolmcille, Donegal: Walk through a village of thatched cottages, showing how people lived in the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s.
Gurtnagrough Folk Museum in Ballydehob, Cork: See old objects from rural life.
Hennigan's Heritage Centre in Knock, Mayo: Learn about the heritage of the Mayo area, including farming, home life, and culture.
Kerry Bog Village Museum in Glenbeigh, Kerry: Explore historic houses and a village, showing life in a bog village.
Museum of Country Life in Castlebar, Mayo: This museum, part of the National Museum of Ireland, shows the rural way of life for Irish people between 1850 and 1950.
Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown, Sligo: See old farm tools and a recreated village street with shops from the 1800s.
National Famine Museum & Strokestown Park in Strokestown, Roscommon: Visit a restored 18th-century mansion and a museum that remembers the Great Famine of 1845.

Military and Conflict

Battle Of Aughrim Interpretative Centre in Aughrim, Galway: Learn about the history of the Battle of Aughrim, fought in 1691.
Battle of the Boyne Interpretative Centre in Drogheda, Meath: Discover the story of the Battle of the Boyne, fought in 1690.
County Carlow Military Museum in Carlow, Carlow: Explore military history.
Duncannon Fort in Duncannon, Wexford: This star-shaped fort from the 1500s was used to hold prisoners. It also has a maritime museum and an art gallery.
Elizabeth Fort in Cork: A 17th-century star-shaped fort used for military and law enforcement.
Famine Warhouse 1848 in Ballingarry, County Tipperary: This is where the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848 took place.
Fort Dunree in Buncrana, Donegal: See this 19th-century fort with military displays.
National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy, Wexford: Learn about the history of the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
Thurles Famine and War Museum in Thurles, County Tipperary: This museum covers the Great Famine and various wars.

Prisons and Justice

Cork City Gaol in Cork: This old prison shows scenes from the late 1800s and early 1900s with wax figures.
Kilmainham Gaol in Kilmainham, Dublin: A famous historic former prison.
Lifford Courthouse in Lifford, Donegal: Learn about life in this courthouse and prison from the 1700s and 1800s.
Wicklow's Historic Gaol in Wicklow, Wicklow: Explore this 18th-century prison.

Art and Culture Museums

These museums celebrate Irish and international art, literature, and unique cultural traditions.

Art Galleries

Ballina Arts Centre in Ballina, Mayo: A place for many different arts, with a gallery.
Belltable Arts Centre in Limerick: Another arts centre with a gallery for different art forms.
Crawford Municipal Art Gallery in Cork: See European and Irish art, plus copies of old Greek and Roman statues.
Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane in Dublin: A city gallery showing modern Irish art.
Douglas Hyde Gallery in Dublin: Focuses on contemporary art.
Fairbrook House in Kilmeaden, Waterford: Features modern art and beautiful gardens.
Glebe House and Gallery in Letterkenny, Donegal: An early 19th-century house with art by famous 20th-century artists.
Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin: See modern and contemporary art here.
Lewis Glucksman Gallery in Cork: This art gallery is part of University College Cork.
Limerick City Gallery of Art in Limerick: Shows contemporary Irish art.
Lismore Castle in Lismore, Waterford: Includes the Lismore Castle Arts Gallery and gardens with modern sculptures.
Model Arts and Niland Gallery in Sligo: A modern arts centre.
National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin: Home to a large collection of Irish and European art.
National Print Museum of Ireland in Dublin: See exhibits of printed art and documents, including old printing presses.
Photo Museum Ireland in Dublin: Focuses on contemporary photography.
Project Arts Centre in Dublin: A centre for many different contemporary arts.
Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin: Shows contemporary art.

Literary and Biographical Museums

Bishop Daniel Delany Museum in Tullow, Carlow: Learn about the life of Bishop Daniel Delany.
Douglas Hyde Centre in Frenchpark, Roscommon: Discover the life of Douglas Hyde, the first President of Ireland.
Dublin Writers Museum in Dublin: Explore Irish writings and literature.
James Joyce Centre in Dublin: Learn about the life and works of the famous author James Joyce.
James Joyce Tower and Museum in Sandyford, Dublin: Another place to learn about James Joyce.
Kiltartan Gregory Museum and Millennium Park in Gort, Galway: Focuses on the life of Lady Gregory and local history.
Michael Collins Centre in Clonakilty, Cork: Learn about the life and times of Michael Collins, an important Irish leader.
Michael Davitt Museum in Straide, Mayo: Discover the life of 19th-century political leader Michael Davitt.
Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLi) in Dublin: Dedicated to Irish writing with interesting exhibitions.
Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen, Monaghan: Learn about the life and works of the poet Patrick Kavanagh.
Patrick Pearse's Cottage in Rosmuc, Galway: Visit the restored summer home and school of Patrick Pearse, a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising.
Thoor Ballylee in Gort, Galway: This Norman tower was the summer home of the famous poet W. B. Yeats.
Yeats Memorial Building in Sligo: An exhibition about the poet W. B. Yeats.

Cultural and Unique Collections

An Post Museum in Dublin: Learn about the postal service in Ireland and Irish stamps.
Ardara Heritage Centre in Ardara, Donegal: Discover the local tweed industry and cultural centre.
Berkeley Costume and Toy Museum in New Ross, Wexford: See toys and costumes from the 1700s and 1800s, including rare dolls.
Carrick Craft Basketry Museum in Mountnugent, Cavan: Learn about traditional baskets made from rod, rush, and straw.
Chester Beatty Library in Dublin: This library has amazing exhibits of old manuscripts, miniature paintings, rare books, and art from Islamic, East Asian, and Western cultures.
Claypipe Centre in Knockcroghery, Roscommon: Watch how clay pipes are made and see historic designs.
Cork Butter Museum in Cork: Learn all about dairy farming in Ireland and the history of the butter trade.
Fox's Lane Museum in Youghal, Cork: See how household items and appliances changed from the 1850s to the 1950s.
GAA Museum in Dublin: Located at Croke Park, this museum celebrates the history and impact of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
Guinness Storehouse in Dublin: Learn about how Guinness is made, its history, and see old Guinness items.
Irish Rock N Roll Museum in Dublin: Discover Irish music icons, vintage guitars, and items from bands like Thin Lizzy.
Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge, Kildare: See clothing and other items linked to Hollywood stars and famous people.
National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin: Dive into Irish folklore, mythology, and storytelling, featuring leprechauns and other Irish heroes.
National Wax Museum in Dublin: See wax figures of Irish historical and cultural figures.
Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold Museum in Galway: See historic Claddagh rings and old photos of local history.

Science and Technology Museums

These museums explore the wonders of science, engineering, and how things work.

Blackrock Castle in Cork: An observatory with exhibits about space and science, plus tours of the castle.
Ireland's Historic Science Centre in Birr, Offaly: Located at Birr Castle, this centre highlights Ireland's historic scientists and their contributions to astronomy and botany.
James Mitchell Geology Museum in Galway: Part of Galway's University, this museum has collections of rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Lifetime Lab in Cork: This used to be a steam-powered waterworks. Now it has exhibits about water, waste, energy, and nature.
National Science Museum at Maynooth in Maynooth, Kildare: Displays scientific instruments.
Radio Museum Experience in Cork: Located in the Cork City Gaol, this museum has historic radio equipment and tells the story of Guglielmo Marconi's Irish connections.
Science Gallery in Dublin: Part of Trinity College, this gallery has exciting and interactive science exhibits.
Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio in Howth, Dublin: See old radios, music boxes, and gramophones.

Transportation and Industry Museums

Learn about how people and goods moved around, and how things were made in Ireland.

Allihies Copper Mine Museum in Allihies, Cork: Learn about over 3,500 years of copper mining in the area.
Arigna Mining Experience in Arigna, Roscommon: Take an underground tour to experience coal mining.
Arklow Maritime Museum in Arklow, Wicklow: See maritime objects, ship models, and plans.
Blennerville Windmill in Blennerville, Kerry: A restored 19th-century windmill with exhibits on the mill and Irish emigration.
Castlerea Railway Museum in Castlerea, Roscommon: Also known as Hells Kitchen Museum, it has railway items like a restored diesel locomotive, bells, and lamps.
Cavan and Leitrim Railway in Dromod, Leitrim: A heritage narrow-gauge railway and museum.
Donegal Railway Centre in Donegal, Donegal: A heritage railway and museum.
Dunbrody in New Ross, Wexford: This is a replica of a 19th-century sailing ship. It has exhibits about Irish emigrants.
Elphin Windmill in Elphin, Roscommon: A restored 18th-century windmill with an agricultural museum.
Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre in Foxford, Mayo: Take a tour of the working mill and see art galleries.
Frye Model Railwyay in Malahide, Dublin: Located in Malahide Castle, this museum has a collection of handmade models of Irish trains.
Glengowla Mines in Oughterard, Galway: Explore a 19th-century silver and lead mine.
Kilmore Quay Maritime Museum in Kilmore Quay, Wexford: This museum is inside the lightship Guillemot.
Lockes Distillery Museum in Kilbeggan, Westmeah: A small whiskey distillery.
Mill Museum in Tuam, Galway: See a preserved corn mill and the miller's house.
Museum of the Master Saddler in Corlough, Cavan: Learn about making saddles and harnesses.
National Maritime Museum of Ireland in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin: Discover Ireland's maritime heritage.
National Transport Museum of Ireland in Howth, Dublin: See public service and commercial road transport vehicles.
Newmills Corn and Flax Mills in Milltown, Donegal: A working watermill.
Sheep and Wool Centre in Leenane, Galway: Learn about the local textile industry, spinning, weaving, and sheep farming.
Stradbally Steam Museum in Stradbally, Laois: See steam, fire, and farm engines.
Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre in Dublin: Learn about the heritage of Ireland's waterways.

Natural History and Environment Museums

These museums focus on Ireland's amazing plants, animals, and natural landscapes.

Burren Centre in Kilfenora, Clare: Learn about the natural history of The Burren, including ancient tombs.
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre in Killaloe, Clare: Exhibits about the ocean, weather, geology, wildlife, and local history.
Natural History Museum in Dublin: This museum has Victorian-era displays of Irish mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and more. It's part of the National Museum of Ireland.
Pearse Museum in Rathfarnham, Dublin: Learn about Irish plants and animals, and the naturalists Patrick and William Pearse.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre in Skibbereen, Cork: Covers local history, the impact of the Great Famine, and the natural history of Lough Hyne.

Other Interesting Museums

Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum in Sandyford, Dublin: A museum especially for children!
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology in Dublin: Explore prehistoric Ireland, church treasures, Viking and medieval items, and objects from ancient Egypt and Rome. It's part of the National Museum of Ireland.
National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History in Dublin: See weapons, furniture, silver, ceramics, glass, folk art, coins, and costumes. It's also part of the National Museum of Ireland.