What to do and see in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands: 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 museum boasts the Largest Private Collection of Rail Memorabilia in Ireland. The pride of this collection is an A55 Diesel Locomotive fully and lovingly restored. Also on display are bells, lamps, shunting poles, signal equipment, staffs, station boards, etc. We also have a T.V monitor for viewing archival material.

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.

The museum tells the fascinating story of key moments in the history of communications. Yet it is designed to be more than just a tribute to the past and a collection of historical artifacts. For it has a central tenet of inspiring today’s youth to consider science and engineering careers by highlighting the importance of innovation to human progress and the crucial contributions of young people.

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.

Explore the history and folklore behind the iconic Claddagh ring. Watch the legend of the Claddagh Ring where you will follow Richard Joyce on his epic journey and how the Claddagh Ring came to be. Explore your Irish heritage and learn about the famous fishing village in which the ring was named after.