Top Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East
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What to do and see in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum, Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern, Medieval Mile Museum, Nano Nagle Place, King of the Vikings, Kilkenny Castle, Russborough House, Saint Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle, The Milk Market.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East
1. 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.
2. Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
The tour includes 15 minutes of storytelling and an introduction to how the last leprechauns of Ireland became a protected species by the E.U..This is done in the story room across from the cavern at Shalom B.B.You may park there. This is followed by a visit below the ground where leprechauns and fairies converge in the morning as the sun rises. The visit is predominately indoors and definately great for a rainy day. It is not really suitable for children under 5 or who have not lost a tooth.If children are crying or disruptive, parents may be asked to leave with them till quiet, to allow other attendees to enjoy the whole experience. Adults should enjoy it at any age!
Reviewed By EleanorUiChathain - Dungarvan, Ireland
While the leprechaun cavern is closed due to COVID-19, it is still a lovely family stroll. There are nice monuments in the garden which provide lovely little photo opps with the kids. I’d say it’s a lovely spot when it’s fully functioning. I’ll definitely be heading back the next time I’m in Carlingford.
3. Medieval Mile Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 624 reviews
Located on the 13th century site of St Mary's cruciform church and graveyard. As the starting point of the 'Medieval Mile' trail, it brings to life Kilkenny's history as Ireland's premier medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny's civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city's historic role in Ireland. There are a number of Guided tours throughout the day, or visitors can purchase an all-day self-guided tour pass. Audio Guides are available in 5 languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish). Child friendly versions are also available in each language. June 2018 saw the launch of the LEGO® mini figure Hunt, which sees 10 characters from Kilkenny's history hidden around the museum in the form of LEGO® mini figures! Kids are now introduced to the city's history through LEGO®.School tours, language schools and third level, please see our website for costings and booking information.Last entry 6.00
Reviewed By 946dylanr - New York City, United States
You must visit this museum while in Kilkenny. Our tour guide John was one of the best we’ve ever had in all our travels. Really enjoyed the 1 hour tour. The museum is an old church that they’ve done an absolutely wonderful job preserving and modernizing into an attraction that gives you a great appreciation for Kilkenny City and it’s long and incredible history.
4. Nano Nagle Place
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 422 reviews
Nano Nagle Place is a restored walled convent with beautiful hidden gardens and graveyards, the fab Good Day Deli garden café and design & book shop in the centre of bustling Cork city. Our state of the art heritage centre tells the extraordinary story 18th century Cork and how Nano Nagle worked tirelessly to educate the poor of the city. History, heritage, culture, great food & coffee, stunning architecture & landscaping and a very warm welcome await! Come and explore all that's good in Cork!
Reviewed By L8627DKchristinet
Just had a delightful visit to Nano Nagle Place. Even though we had to queue for lunch it was so worth the wait. The menu was amazing and the food delicious. Coffee is top class. After lunch we had a guided tour through the fascinating museum and rooms that Nano used to frequent. The interactive slides and videos are very interesting and informative. The gardens hold lots of surprises including water features and beautiful spaces. A lovely, peaceful oasis in the middle of Cork City. Well worth a visit.
5. 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.
6. Kilkenny Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,363 reviews
Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle
Reviewed By M4474IDtomk
A must see in Kilkenny ....really great experience. Very friendly welcoming staff....who managed visiting during Covid really well. The castle itself is magnificent ...we were on a self guided tour and I would strongly recommend engaging with the staff in the rooms ...very knowledgeable and made our visit a truly memorable one.
7. Russborough House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 569 reviews
A beautifully refurnished 18th century mansion housing the world-famous Albert Beit collection of art.
Reviewed By bethd60 - Fairview, United States
Our tour guide, Charles, was informative and more than willing to part with the family secrets as we made our way through this beautiful home filled with the most amazing furniture and art. This is the longest house in Ireland (700 fee of frontage) and given to the people of Ireland by the Beit famiy (heir to a portion of the DeBeer diamond fortune). Be sure tocheck out the interactive displays and 3D film in the basement. BTW we had a decent lunch in the cafe.
8. Saint Mary's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Saint Mary's Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick and stands in the heart of the medieval city, looking over the majestic River Shannon. Originally the Royal Palace for the Kings of Thomond it was gifted to the church in 1168. It is a living church where worship is offered daily, as it has been for the last 850 years. Please come and visit us at Saint Mary's Cathedral. You will be most welcome !
Reviewed By madigan24 - Knoxville, United States
I love cathedrals and have to visit every one I come across. This one was a gem! Beautiful architecture and gorgeous stained glass. It felt very much like a living, breathing worship community while still preserving its history. The cemetery was also very interesting to view. If you are going to visit King John’s Castle as well while you’re in town, I would suggest visiting the cathedral first, as it will give you a good mental image and context when you come across mention of it in the castle exhibits.
9. King John's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,522 reviews
This newly renovated 13th-century castle is open for tours.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
Fantastic castle, a wonderful museum that really brings the history of Limerick to life with a combination of audio visual displays, interactive exhibits, artefacts and really interesting story-boards. The first half of the self-guided tour deals mostly with medieval history, the sieges, treaties and battles for power and what life was like for the people of the city then. There are superb models of the city at its various stages of growth. Then you can go down to the medieval foundations before ascending the towers and waking the battlements. Fantastic place, I was there well over 2 hours and just loved every minute. The staff were so, so helpful as well, it's important for me to mention that.
10. The Milk Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
An outdoor flea market selling everything from produce to secondhand jewelry.
Reviewed By Paulo5678 - Limerick, Ireland
A visit to the Saturday Market located in the Milk Market should be on your agenda if you are visiting Limerick. Given the current circumstances the number of stall holders is slightly reduced but the quality of the food and other produce on offer is second to none. The market is open from about 8am - 2pm. Bring a big bag - you will need it!
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