Top Things to do in Ireland
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Things to do in Ireland, Ireland: The Best Specialty Museums
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland
1. Croke Park Stadium Tour & GAA Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,702 reviews
Croke Park has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. With a capacity of 82,300, this magnificent stadium is actually the third largest in Europe. Its size is only part of its greatness, however, as you’ll discover on this eye-opening, access-all-areas tour. From quirky insights into why Croke Park’s grass is always greener to learning about defining moments in Irish history, the passionate Tour Guides will take you on an inspiring journey around our national stadium. Some of the highlights include taking a seat in the VIP area, getting a birds-eye view from the media centre, sneaking a peek inside the dressing rooms, and of course, walking in the footsteps of legends as you go pitchside through the players’ tunnel.
Reviewed By frank1365 - County Kerry, Ireland
Context: Kerry GAA fan for over 50 years. Opportunity: Bucket list to visit Croker tour behind scenes having been there numerous times on game day. Booked on line: Easy. No issues. Taxi from hotel: dropped me at Hotel side which is Hogan Stand Side so if u in taxi , direct them to Cusack Stand side Get there early: great cafe , lovely staff , great grub. While u eat u are surrounded by pictures of why u are there. It WILL get to u. Museum: Seamus Darby’s 1982 actual jersey n ball. Well deserved inclusion. Eoin, our tour guide called us to order. It was a cold , dry day in January and only a brave Monaghan man dared to accompany us. You are brought to a mini theatre for a 10 min film of croker behind scenes on big days. Eoin then brought us to Kerry dressing room from previous Saturday Dublin Kerry NFL game. When u walk out of the dressing room , be prepared!!! You are in the most famous tunnel in Ireland. In a stadium that is 3rd largest in Europe. By the greatest amateur organization in the world. U see the pitch for the first time and the enormity of the occasion hit me. The History, the passion, the memories, the culture, the fame , the personalities, the elation , the despair, the Pride in being IRISH. Our guide Eoin was clearly a Dub and proud of it. He made apologies that a lot of the material we would see was Atha Cliatha based. I couldn’t have been more honored. Kerry Dublin. Dublin Kerry. Their time is now. And ours beckons. Kluxton could be freeman of Tralee and Killarney tomorrow if he wanted. Walked the steps to hoist Sam replica. Thoughts of Tadgh Kennelly doing his jig on top of counter in better Kerry days. Eoin gave us the facts n figures n memories n hints of future battles. He told the history of everything that happened in those 4 walls. His passion spoke volumes. As I took it all in and wiped both eyes dry , I started down the tunnel where only days earlier , surely the next “Hall of Fame” recruit, David Clifford, who had, on 25/01/2020, most of his jersey ravaged , in the dying minutes, by Dublin players as souvenirs in acknowledgement of the arrival of the latest O’Connell, Sheehy, Donaghy, Gooch, Fitzgerald and most of all, an O”Sé or three. Good times? Great times. Go there. Goosebumps. Close eyes. Stand silent and remember where u are and all that’s been there before u. And if u lucky enough to get Eoin as a guide, you will think” I couldn’t have had a better guide to show us the greatest and most famous place in Ireland “.
2. Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 332 reviews
Open May-Oct incl : No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum, which is hidden in South Roscommon in a land of lakes and rivers. The collection deals with Farm & Folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. The museum is privately owned and run by the Finneran Family and houses a unique 25 year collection of over ,7500 items includes horse-drawn machinery restored to the original working order, tradesmans tools and buttermaking equipment, laundry memorabilia, old and rare washing machines, 1930’s old-style thatched bar & grocery, old-style sheep shears, radios, gramophones , shop dockets and bill-heads, sports display McCormacks photography room where the contents include dark rooms finishing r D & P line, B & W colour processors. as well as much, much more. its an ideal destination for school tours, ICA Guilds, Ladies Clubs, Farming Groups, Vintage Clubs, Historical Societies, families,
Reviewed By astokes610 - Dublin, Ireland
Vert enjoyable experience at this museum. Everything so well preserved and presented you can see the owners have so much love and appreciation for the past. Was lovely to speak to the owner and hear how he has been collecting for the past 40 years. A great trip down memory lane.
3. Irish Whiskey Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10,549 reviews
Irish whiskey is fast becoming one of the most popular spirits across the World. The Irish Whiskey Museum, based in the heart of Dublin City in a historic building on Grafton Street, tells the complete and unbiased history of Irish whiskey and its importance in Ireland’s turbulent past. The Irish Whiskey Museum is independent of all whiskey distilleries, offering its visitors the opportunity to taste and experience a huge selection of Irish Whiskey. Whether it’s Single Grain, Malt, Pot Still or a Blended Whiskey, the Museum’s whiskey experts will always be able to help you find the perfect whiskey to suit your palate. Tours take place from 10am-6pm every day, while visitors can experience a variety of live traditional music, storytelling and events every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening until 10.30pm.
Reviewed By laurenmudle
Mark O’R or little jesus for short was great! Amazing knowledge and great way of interacting, made everyone comfy and made us laugh too. With the premium tour you get the 3 standard whiskeys (to help you decide your favourite type of whiskey!) and then 1 extra special one and a nice take home gift which in the gift shop was 8€ so it’s amazing value for money! Would do again if I knew I’d forget the history of Irish whiskey and could get the drinks again ;)
4. Ulster Aviation Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council
Reviewed By BoardingPass162734
Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.
5. Museum of Style Icons (M.O.S.I)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
6. Richmond Barracks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Richmond Barracks is a venue of historical importance that celebrates the rich stories and experiences of the local community, past and present. The Barracks runs regular guided tours and is currently running the Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham Walking Tour on Thursdays to Sunday at 11am and 1.30pm. The walk from Richmond Barracks to Kilmainham is steeped in Dublin’s rich historical, political & cultural landscape. Discover the local stories, the hidden histories & walk in the footsteps of those 1916 Rising Rebels that were marched to their execution in Kikmainham Gaol.
7. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7,771 reviews
Don't just visit Ireland, understand it with a visit to the EPIC, winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019. EPIC is an interactive journey about how a small island made a big impact on the world. Discover why Irishness is celebrated around the world, with a journey through Irish history & culture, told from the perspective of those who lived. To begin your journey you will receive a stamped passport as you enter the exhibition, & then follow a path through the 20 themed galleries. You will discover why people left, see how they influenced the world they found, & experience the connection between their descendants & Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique & spectacular way. Located in Dublin's Docklands. Open daily from 10am. Last entry is 5pm, museum closes at 6:45pm.
Reviewed By pqflyer - San Diego, United States
The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum really is an epic experience. The title "museum" doesn't say enough. Everything is interactive, giving visitors the possibility of a quick overview or -- at any point -- more in-depth information. The best use of current technology I've seen in such an institution. The path through the exhibit is clear and logical -- no chance of getting lost or missing something. Much to see and do and think about. If you love Ireland or have Irish roots or are interested in history or simply want to experience the use of cutting-edge technology in a museum setting --- this is a must-see in Dublin. Near the Jeannie Johnston ship and the Famine sculptures.
8. King of the Vikings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
King of the Vikings - The World's First Viking Virtual Reality 3D Adventure, bringing you up close and personal with the Viking warlords who founded Waterford Ireland's oldest city! Housed in a replica Viking house within the atmospheric ruins of a medieval monastery in the heart of the Viking city. Next to Reginald's Tower where the Treasures of Viking Waterford and a fullsize Viking longship. Available in English, French and German. Cost of admission is only €5.00 for an Under 12 and only €10.00 for an adult. Currently CLOSED for annual maintenance, from 6th January till Fri.13th March 2020.
Reviewed By Seehanes
Visitors are strongly advised to book in advance for this virtual reality experience due to limited capacity - visits last thirty minutes and only ten people can be accommodated during each session. Within the Viking Triangle, so rich in history and museum experiences, this novel format brings that Viking history to life in an unforgettable manner that should be greatly enjoyed by people of all ages and interest levels - you cannot help but feel thoroughly engaged. With a son who suffers from travel sickness, this virtual reality experience posed no problem for him. Situated in a replica Viking house within the ruins of the Franciscan friary, the costumed staff skilfully aided visitors to use the apparatus effectively. In fact no skill was needed - the staff ensured that everybody's experience was optimised. Potential improvements, in my opinion, would include greater sensory engagement such as water spray (from the sea or discarded waste), blasts of heat when there are fires, or release of smells to coincide with cooking, other domestic situations, or proximity to livestock. Apart from the brief thrill (or horror?) of seeing rats at your feet, I think the fear / shock factor could have been considerably heightened. If there is concern for the welfare of younger children, then perhaps headsets could have two different settings (one milder experience, and one more dramatic one). Nevertheless this is unquestionably a worthwhile addition to Waterford's attractions.
9. James Joyce Tower & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Museum housed in a seaside tower that inspired the setting of the first chapter of Ulysses; features memorabilia and a fantastic view of the coast and the surrounding countryside.
Reviewed By Seehanes
If you are in the Sandycove area it would be difficult to justify not visiting the James Joyce Tower. The tower is one of a series of small defensive forts that were built along the Dublin coastline in the early 1800s. There is access to all levels including the open roof from which views are impressive. If the tower itself is not sufficient reason to attract attention, then the James Joyce perspective may tip the balance. Joyce stayed here for six nights in September 1904, when he was 22 years old, as a guest of his friend Oliver St. John Gogarty who was leasing the tower. On the sixth night fellow guest Samuel Chevenix Trench dreamt he saw a black panther and proceeded to shoot at the creature - terrifying Joyce who immediately fled. The tower provides the scene for the opening pages of Joyce's novel Ulysses. Biographical information and interesting photographs of Joyce form part of the display here. There is also a black panther, for good measure. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is no admission fee, but donations can be made at the discretion of visitors.
10. Guinness Storehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46,716 reviews
Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's No. 1 visitor attraction is a "must see" on any visit to Dublin. Housed in an old fermentation plant in the heart of St James's Gate Brewery, the now seven-storey visitor experience tells the story of Ireland's iconic drink and beings to life the heritage of this world famous beer. Your journey begins standing at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass, which rises through the building. It is a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity(R) Bar, Dublin's highest bar where you will receive a complimentary pint of GUINNESS(R) while enjoying spectacular views over Dublin.
Reviewed By D4091YXalext - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Iconic venue.The storehouse is huge and well presented.It was a cultural, informative experience, well worth a visit.Great views from the Gravity bar, excellent gift shop,highly recommend a visit.
