Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East: The Best Specialty Museums

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,

The Irish Military War Museum and family park,offers a fascinating insight into Irish participants' involvement in both World War One and World War Two, as well as other military conflicts in world history. The Irish Military War Museum, covering 5,000 square feet of floor space, will represent a distinctly non-political but 'must see' educational and historical resource for people of all ages and from right across the island of Ireland and beyond.

Thomas MacDonagh, Irish patriot, poet, teacher and a leader of Ireland's 1916 insurrection now has a museum and heritage centre in his home town of Cloughjordan. This centre is located in a renovated MacDonagh family home and brings to the public the story of this man and the place in which he grew up.

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.

Explore the story of the horse and its role in Irish culture over 2000 years. Located in the heart of the Golden Vale, the Fethard Horse Country Experience offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich culture and heritage of the region. Part of Ireland’s Ancient East, this interactive experience examines the relationship between the people, the land itself and the horse revealing how they are all inextricably linked. Spread out over two floors within C17th Tholsel building the interactive nature of the exhibition makes it an enjoyable and informative experience for all ages. The entire building is Wheelchair Accessible.

The Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum excitingly captures the story of how Foynes became one of the great aviation hubs of the world between 1937-1945. Walk in the footsteps of JFK, Bob Hope, Eleanor Roosevelt & many other dignitaries, movie stars & refugees who landed at Foynes during World War II. Throughout the original terminal building this truly unique story is told by way of original film in a 1940’s style cinema, showcases covering the war years & numerous exhibits on the romantic flying boat era including the chance to board a life size replica of the Boeing 314 Flying Boat. Foynes & the Flying Boats will be forever connected with the invention of Irish Coffee as they combined to give us this uniquely Irish treat. Learn all about this historic event by watching a wonderful 3D holographic show re-enacting this famous night back in 1943 & after why not taste a delicious Irish Coffee in its original home.

As Ireland's only Model Village, the West Cork Model Railway Village in Clonakilty, Co. Cork is a fully scaled handmade model of the old West Cork Railway Line with fully working trains and the towns that the railway served during the 1940s. Take a spin on our iconic Road Train through the beautiful town of Clonakilty. Indoor and outdoor play areas. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee/tea in our cafe or visit our Gift Shop in an authentic train carriage.

The Queenstown Story tells the story of Irish emigration- from the indentured servants and forced labour who left for the Colonies and the West Indies in the 17th century, the early emigrants to Canada and the U.S.the Great famine and the transportation of convicts to Australia . Learn about our maritime history,the hardship and the heartbreak. Find the stories and learn the connection between Cobh and the Titanic and the Lusitania. A facinating, educational and emotional journey through our past. "Walk in the footsteps" of our emigrant ancestors in this restored Victorian building.

The magnificent curved facade of the warm butter-coloured stone building draws in the visitor. The eye-catching giant sculpture on the gable was inspired by a tiny 13th century belt mount found in Waterford. It is Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum and the only building on the island to incorporate two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Don't miss the stunning Heavens' Embroidered Cloths, Waterford's cloth-of-gold 15th century vestments, the only piece of clothing from King Henry VIII's reign to survive in the world - the 'Cap of Maintenance' and the Great Charter Roll from 1373, containing the earliest contemporary portrait of a medieval English king (Edward III) shown to Queen Elizabeth on her 2011 state visit to Ireland. These and many more unique artefacts await you on your guided tour of the award wining Medieval Museum.