List of museums in the Republic of Ireland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Ireland is a country full of amazing places to explore, and one of the best ways to learn about its past and culture is by visiting its many museums! A museum is a special place where people collect and take care of interesting objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or local culture. Museums then show these collections to everyone, so we can all learn and discover new things.

This guide will help you find some of the coolest museums in the Republic of Ireland. Get ready to explore ancient castles, learn about famous people, see incredible art, and discover how people lived long ago!

Awesome Castles and Historic Homes
Cool Science and Technology Museums
Art and Culture Hotspots
History and Heritage Centres: Discovering Ireland's Past
Unique and Fun Museums
Open-Air and Outdoor Experiences
Defunct museums
Images for kids
See also

Awesome Castles and Historic Homes

Ireland is famous for its ancient castles and grand houses. Many of these places are now museums where you can step back in time!

Dublin Castle: A Royal History Hub

Dublin Castle, a historic fortress in the heart of the city.

In the heart of Dublin, you'll find Dublin Castle. This amazing place was once a medieval fortress! Today, you can take tours to see the fancy state apartments, explore the old underground areas, and visit the Chapel Royal. It's a great way to imagine what life was like for kings and queens.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: Living History

Bunratty Castle, a medieval fortress with a living village.

Head to Bunratty in County Clare to visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. This isn't just a castle; it's like a whole village from the past! The medieval fortress is filled with old furniture and artifacts. Outside, the Folk Park shows you what a 19th-century village looked like, with houses and shops you can explore.

Cahir Castle: A Mighty Fortress

Cahir Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress.

In County Tipperary, Cahir Castle stands tall. This is a fantastic example of a medieval fortress castle. You can walk through its strong walls and imagine knights and battles from long ago.

Malahide Castle: A Grand Estate

Malahide Castle, a beautiful historic house with extensive grounds.

Near Dublin, Malahide Castle is an 18th-century historic house with beautiful gardens. Inside, you can also find the Frye Model Railway, which has a cool collection of handmade models of Irish trains.

Other Historic Houses and Castles to Explore

Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin: The official home of the President of Ireland, located in the huge Phoenix Park.
Ardgillan Castle in Balbriggan: An 18th-century country house with a lovely park.
Ashtown Castle in Dublin: A fortified medieval tower house, also in Phoenix Park.
Athenry Castle in Athenry: A medieval castle you can visit.
Donegal Castle in Donegal: A furnished castle from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Drimnagh Castle in Drimnagh: Another historic house in Dublin.
King House in Boyle: An early 18th-century mansion with displays about local history.
Lismore Castle in Lismore: This castle in County Waterford has an art gallery and gardens with modern sculptures.
Ormonde Castle in Carrick-on-Suir: A Tudor manor house.
Rathfarnham Castle in Rathfarnham: A 16th-century castle.
Ross Castle in Killarney: A medieval chieftain's stronghold.
Russborough House in Blessington: A large 18th-century house with amazing art, furniture, and tapestries.
Swiss Cottage in Cahir: A charming early 19th-century thatched cottage.
Westport House in Westport: An 18th-century stately home with its original contents and beautiful gardens.

Cool Science and Technology Museums

If you love science and how things work, Ireland has some exciting places for you!

Blackrock Castle: Explore Space and Science

In Cork, Blackrock Castle is an observatory with awesome space and science exhibits. You can even take tours of the castle and its dungeon!

Ireland's Historic Science Centre: Birr Castle

Birr Castle, home to Ireland's Historic Science Centre.

At Birr Castle, you'll find Ireland's Historic Science Centre. It celebrates Ireland's famous scientists and their amazing discoveries in astronomy and botany.

Lifetime Lab: Water, Waste, Energy

Also in Cork, Lifetime Lab is located in a former steam-powered waterworks. It has exhibits all about water, waste, energy, and nature, showing you how important these things are.

National Science Museum at Maynooth

In Maynooth, this museum showcases a variety of scientific instruments, offering a glimpse into the history of science.

Science Gallery: Interactive Fun

Science Gallery in Dublin, part of Trinity College, offers changing, interactive exhibits that blend science and art in really cool ways.

Radio Museum Experience: A Blast from the Past

The Cork City Gaol, which houses the Radio Museum Experience.

Located inside the Cork City Gaol, the Radio Museum Experience in Cork has historic radio equipment and a restored 6CK Radio Broadcasting Studio. You can learn about the history of radio and its connection to Ireland.

Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio

The Martello Tower in Howth, home to the Hurdy Gurdy Museum.

In Howth, this museum is packed with vintage radios, music boxes, gramophones, and other old-fashioned items related to sound and communication.

Art and Culture Hotspots

For those who love art, literature, and Irish traditions, these museums are a must-see.

Chester Beatty Library: Treasures from Around the World

The Chester Beatty Library, home to diverse collections.

The Chester Beatty Library in Dublin has incredible exhibits of ancient manuscripts, tiny paintings, prints, rare books, and decorative arts from Islamic, East Asian, and Western cultures. It's like a trip around the world!

Crawford Municipal Art Gallery: European and Irish Art

In Cork, the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery has a collection of European and Irish art, including copies of famous Greek and Roman statues.

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA): Modern Masterpieces

The courtyard of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin is located in the beautiful Royal Hospital Kilmainham. It features amazing modern and contemporary art from Ireland and beyond.

National Gallery of Ireland: Classic Art for Everyone

The National Gallery of Ireland, a treasure trove of art.

The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin is home to a vast collection of Irish and European art, from classic paintings to sculptures.

Dublin Writers Museum: Celebrating Irish Literature

The Dublin Writers Museum, dedicated to Irish literary greats.

The Dublin Writers Museum celebrates the rich history of Irish writing and literature. You can learn about famous authors and their works.

Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI): Irish Writing Explored

MoLI in Dublin offers exciting exhibitions on Irish writing, from ancient tales to modern stories. It's a great place to dive into the world of Irish authors.

Other Art and Culture Gems

Ballina Arts Centre in Ballina: A multidisciplinary arts centre with a gallery.
Belltable Arts Centre in Limerick: Another multidisciplinary arts centre with a gallery.
Douglas Hyde Gallery in Dublin: Focuses on contemporary art.
Glebe House and Gallery in Letterkenny: An early 19th-century house with art, including the Derek Hill collection.
Limerick City Gallery of Art in Limerick: Features contemporary Irish art.
Model Arts and Niland Gallery in Sligo: A contemporary arts centre.
National Print Museum of Ireland in Dublin: Shows the history of printing and printed art, with historic printing presses.
Photo Museum Ireland in Dublin: Dedicated to contemporary photography.
Project Arts Centre in Dublin: A multidisciplinary contemporary arts centre.
Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin: Exhibits contemporary art.
Yeats Memorial Building in Sligo: An exhibition about the famous poet W. B. Yeats.

History and Heritage Centres: Discovering Ireland's Past

These museums tell the stories of Ireland's people, events, and everyday life.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Stories of Leaving Home

The entrance to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin is all about Irish people who left Ireland to live in other countries. It's housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century warehouse.

Glasnevin Museum: Lives of Famous Irish People

Glasnevin Cemetery, home to the Glasnevin Museum.

At Glasnevin Museum in Dublin, you can learn about the social, historical, and political development of modern Ireland through the lives of the many important people buried in the cemetery.

Kilmainham Gaol: A Historic Prison

Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison with a rich history.

Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin is a famous former prison. It played a big part in Irish history, and you can take tours to learn about the prisoners and events that happened there.

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology: Ancient Treasures

The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology building.

Part of the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, this museum is filled with amazing archaeological finds from prehistoric Ireland, Viking times, and the medieval period. You can see ancient gold, tools, and treasures.

National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History: Everyday Life and More

The courtyard of Collins Barracks, home to the Decorative Arts and History Museum.

Also part of the National Museum of Ireland, this museum in Dublin has collections of weaponry, furniture, silver, ceramics, costumes, and folk artifacts, showing how people lived and what they used throughout history.

Museum of Country Life: Rural Ireland

The Museum of Country Life, showcasing rural Irish heritage.

In Castlebar, County Mayo, the Museum of Country Life focuses on the rural way of life in Ireland between 1850 and 1950. You can see old farm tools, household items, and learn about traditional crafts.

Cobh Heritage Centre: Emigration Stories

The Heritage Centre in Cobh.

The Cobh Heritage Centre in Cobh, County Cork, tells the story of life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries, focusing on the mass emigration of Irish people to other countries, especially during the Great Famine.

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum: A Difficult Time

The Donaghmore Workhouse, now a museum.

In Donaghmore, this museum tells the story of life in a workhouse during the Great Famine, a very difficult time in Irish history.

National 1798 Rebellion Centre: A Time of Uprising

In Enniscorthy, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre explains the history and impact of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, a significant event in Ireland's fight for independence.

Other History and Heritage Spots

Athenry Heritage Centre in Athenry: Covers medieval and local history, and is also an arts centre.
Battle Of Aughrim Interpretative Centre in Aughrim: Explains the history of the Battle of Aughrim in 1691.
Battle of the Boyne Interpretative Centre in Drogheda: Focuses on the Battle of the Boyne fought in 1690.
Carlow County Museum in Carlow: Explores local history and archaeology.
Clare Museum in Ennis: Covers local history, culture, geology, and maritime heritage.
Cobh Heritage Centre in Cobh: Tells stories of Irish emigration and life during the Great Famine.
County Carlow Military Museum in Carlow: Dedicated to military history.
County Museum Dundalk in Dundalk: Also known as Louth County Museum, it covers local history, culture, and archaeology.
Derryglad Folk Museum in Curraghboy: Shows farm and folk life in Ireland from the 18th to the 20th century.
Drogheda Museum Millmount in Drogheda: Covers history, social life, culture, and archaeology.
Dunfanaghy Workhouse Heritage Centre in Dunfanaghy: Explores local history, the Great Famine, and life in the workhouse.
Galway City Museum in Galway: Focuses on the city's history, culture, and industry.
Kerry County Museum in Tralee: Covers county history, culture, and archaeology, including explorer Tom Crean.
Limerick City Museum in Limerick: Also known as Jim Kemmy Municipal Museum, it covers city history, culture, and industry.
National Famine Museum & Strokestown Park in Strokestown: A museum about the Great Famine of 1845, located in an 18th-century mansion.
Roscommon County Museum in Roscommon: Focuses on local history and culture.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre in Skibbereen: Explores local history and the impact of the Great Famine.
Sligo County Museum in Sligo: Covers county history and culture.
South Tipperary County Museum in Clonmel: Features art, county history, culture, and archaeology.
Waterford County Museum in Dungarvan: Focuses on local history and culture.
Waterford Museum of Treasures in Waterford: Explores city history, culture, and Viking and medieval heritage.
Wexford County Museum in Enniscorthy: Located in Enniscorthy Castle, it covers county history and culture.
Wicklow's Historic Gaol in Wicklow: An 18th-century prison where you can learn about its history.

Unique and Fun Museums

Ireland has some truly one-of-a-kind museums that are sure to capture your imagination!

Cork Butter Museum: The Story of Irish Butter

The Cork Butter Museum.

In Cork, the Cork Butter Museum tells the fascinating story of dairy farming in Ireland and the history of the butter trade. It's more interesting than it sounds!

National Leprechaun Museum: Irish Folklore Fun

The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin.

The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin is a magical place dedicated to Irish folklore, mythology, and storytelling. You'll learn about leprechauns and many other famous Irish characters and heroes.

National Transport Museum of Ireland: Wheels and Wings

Howth Castle, near the National Transport Museum.

Located in Howth, the National Transport Museum of Ireland has a collection of public service and commercial road vehicles. If you love cars, buses, and trucks, this is the place for you!

National Wax Museum: Meet Famous Faces

The National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin.

The National Wax Museum in Dublin features wax figures of famous Irish historical and cultural figures, as well as international celebrities. It's a fun way to "meet" your heroes!

Museum of Style Icons: Fashion Through the Ages

A dress worn by Princess Diana, on display at the Museum of Style Icons.

In Newbridge, the Museum of Style Icons displays clothing and other items associated with Hollywood stars and other celebrities. It's a dazzling look at fashion history!

Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum: Play and Learn

Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum in Sandyford is a fantastic place designed just for kids to learn through play and interactive exhibits.

Tara's Palace Museum of Childhood: Dolls and Dollhouses

Powerscourt House, home to Tara's Palace.

Located in Powerscourt House in Enniskerry, Tara's Palace Museum of Childhood features a magnificent 22-room doll's palace and a collection of historic dollhouses.

Other Unique Museums

An Post Museum in Dublin: Learn about the Irish postal service and stamps.
Berkeley Costume and Toy Museum in New Ross: Features 18th and 19th-century toys, costumes, and dolls.
Carrick Craft Basketry Museum in Mountnugent: Shows traditional baskets made from rod, rush, and straw.
Claypipe Centre in Knockcroghery: A workshop where you can see how clay pipes are made and learn about their history.
Dunbrody in New Ross: A replica 19th-century sailing ship with exhibits about Irish emigrants.
Irish Agricultural Museum in Johnstown Castle, Murrintown: Focuses on farming, the famine, and country life.
Irish Fly Fishing and Game Shooting Museum in Attanagh: Displays vintage fishing rods, reels, guns, and tackle.
Irish Jewish Museum in Dublin: Explores the history and culture of Ireland's Jewish communities.
Irish Rock N Roll Museum in Dublin: Celebrates Irish musical icons, vintage guitars, and bands like Thin Lizzy.
Jeanie Johnston in Dublin: A replica 19th-century ship with exhibits about the Great Famine and immigration.
Lár na Páirce in Thurles: A museum dedicated to the history of gaelic games.
Lockes Distillery Museum in Kilbeggan: A small whiskey distillery museum.
Museum of the Master Saddler in Corlough: Focuses on saddle and harness-making.
Quiet Man Cottage Museum in Cong: A replica of the cottage from the 1952 movie The Quiet Man, with movie memorabilia.
Sheep and Wool Centre in Leenane: Learn about the local textile industry, spinning, weaving, and sheep farming.
Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold Museum in Galway: Features historic Claddagh rings and local history photographs.

Open-Air and Outdoor Experiences

These museums let you explore history and nature outdoors!

Craggaunowen – the Living Past Experience

In Sixmilebridge, Craggaunowen – the Living Past Experience helps you understand Ireland's prehistoric and early Christian times. It includes Craggaunowen Castle and recreated ancient settlements.

Irish National Heritage Park: A Journey Through Time

In Wexford, the Irish National Heritage Park has recreated homesteads, ritual sites, and burial places from different periods of Irish history. It's like walking through thousands of years of the past!

Muckross House: Victorian Life and Heritage Farms

Muckross House, a Victorian mansion with heritage farms.

In Killarney, Muckross House includes a beautiful 19th-century Victorian mansion, heritage farms from the 1930s-40s, and lovely Victorian gardens.

Sligo Folk Park: Rural Village Life

In Riverstown, Sligo Folk Park shows rural history and agricultural artifacts. It has a 19th-century period house and a recreated village street with old shops and services.