Many of Ireland’s attractions are connected to our rich and colourful history. Discover our castles and great houses. Explore our museums and heritage centres. Enjoy attractions that are faithful recreations of the living conditions experienced by our ancestors in both the recent and distant past.
Turning back the clock to the elegance of the Georgian era, Birr has stayed true to its 18th and 19th Century character, with tree-lined malls and avenues and wonderful Georgian Architecture
Nestled in the charming village of Blarney is one of Cork’s greatest treasures. Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle is known the world over for the famous Blarney Stone.
EPIC is a modern museum in Dublins Docklands that tells the moving and unforgettable story of the 10 million Irish people who left their homeland and how they influenced and shaped the world
The role played by Foynes in the establishment of passenger flights across the Atlantic is excitingly captured in the Museum which is located in the original Airport Terminal Building.
Enjoy a tour of Hook Lighthouse, the most popular visitor attraction in county Wexford. This 800 year old is the oldest original operating lighthouse in the world… yes, the world!
Through 9000 years of Irish History. Enter a special place where Ireland's heritage comes alive with sights and sounds that shaped a country and helped to shape the world.
See examples of silver, ceramics, glassware, weaponry, furniture, folklife, clothing, jewellery, coins and medals and take part in one of the many events.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral was founded in 1168 AD and stands majestically over the City of Limerick. It is open daily and is still used today for its original purpose, as a place of worship.
An impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts.
Corlea Bog is built on the exact axis of the trackway and a boardwalk across the bogland follows the course of the remaining trackway buried within the bog.
Curraghmore House in Waterford is the historic home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford. His ancestors came to Ireland from Normandy after a 100-year stopover in Wales around 1170.
Change of focus from a county museum to depicting the story of Enniscorthy town through the eyes of the castle, and how both have developed over the centuries.
Officially opened in October 1998 as part of the work of the congregation of Holy Cross to continue the ministry of prayer that was so near to Fr Peytons heart.
Discover the grand decor of the principle rooms and charming nursery, or the service wing with the beautifully preserved kitchens, where you can experience what life was like.
The cliffs of Mizen Head rise high above the Atlantic Ocean, where the currents meet from the west and south coasts and waves from the mid-Atlantic crash into the land.
At the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, you'll find artefacts dating from 7000BC to the 20th Century exhibited in seven galleries.
Meet the key figures of the Rebellion, participate in the state of the art 4D battle of Vinegar Hill Experience and discover how weapons from the period worked.
Climb the 4 Sail Mill on the elevated site of an ancient fort, follow the pathway through the crop field to the 5 Sail, Great White Windmill of Skerries to enjoy elevated coastal views.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre has two primary exhibitions – one on the Great Famine, the second on Lough Hyne, and also provides a genealogy service for the greater West Cork area.
Strokestown Park is a unique historic property in Co. Roscommon in the west of Ireland and is the home of the first landlord to be assassinated during the height of the Great Famine.
Youghal Clock Gate Tower is the most visible landmark in the centre of Youghal’s Main Street. Although built in 1777 as a gaol, this story spans 700 years of history.
A monastery was founded in Ardfert by St. Brendan 'The Navigator' in the 6th century. There are three medieval churches, two ogham stones and a number of early Christian.
Blennerville Windmill was restored to working order in the 1980s and is the largest working windmill in Ireland. Learn the history of the area and take a guided tour of the Windmill.
Ireland’s miniature architectural masterpiece - a unique and intriguing garden temple. Guided tours of the house are available, grounds are open year round.
Clare Museum
Arthur’s Row, Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland
Located in the beautifully restored former Convent of Mercy building, the exhibits are uniquely displayed, using the themes of earth, power, faith and water.
The Visitor Centre houses a fascinating interactive exhibition dealing with Pearse's legacy, and exploring the things that drew Pearse to Connemara: the area's unique landscape and history.
The Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy, celebrates the story of five generations of the Kennedy dynasty.
Visit the magnificent medieval castle with a dramatic 800 year heritage, just minutes away from Dublin city centre. Generations of the Talbot family called Malahide Castle home.
Visit The Casino Model Railway Museum to experience the iconic model railway collection crafted by Cyril Fry, now housed in the restored Casino cottage in the heart of Malahide Village.
Step back in time in Ireland’s only intact Georgian mansion and estate, nestled among the wildflower meadows of Newbridge Demesne. Take a guided tour through three centuries of history.
Rathfarnham Castle dates back to the Elizabethan period, built for Adam Loftus a Yorkshire clergyman and politician. Loftus was ambitious and eventually rose to become Archbishop of Dublin.
In the mid-nineties a group of Allihies residents came together to discuss how they might preserve and present the local copper mining heritage of this unique area. The museum is the result.
Experience Athenry’s rich medieval
history with a guided tour of
the Athenry Heritage Centre. Enjoy the ‘Medieval Experience’ and dressing up in medieval costumes.
The church bears the name of Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator”, who was born in Cahersiveen and who worked in his political career in the 19th century to bring about Catholic Emancipation.
Referred to as ‘The Liberator’, Daniel O’Connell was an Irish political leader in the early 19th Century. The O’Connell statue was made by sculptor John Henry Foley and unveiled in 1882.
Unveiled in 1997, this memorial commemorates the victims of the Great Famine of the mid-19th century in which 1 million died and 1 million more emigrated.
IMMA is home to the National Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art, now numbering over 3,000 artworks and is housed in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
Kilkenny Castle
The Parade, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
This impressive 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde.
Limerick Museum has over 62,000 objects in its collection. Discover the story of Limerick city and county through its objects, from Stone Age axes to 1916 Rising medals.
The Lord Mayor's residence is at the Mansion House built in 1710 by the merchant and property developer Joshua Dawson, for whom Dawson Street is named.
Visit Michael Collins House in Clonakilty, a museum dedicated to revolutionary hero, Michael Collins. It brings history to life through interactive displays, artefacts and more.
The National Library of Ireland (NLI) is a must-visit cultural institution for any visitors to Dublin who are interested in exploring their family tree and Ireland's rich history.
The Waterworks is the best preserved of its kind in Ireland. The old buildings and machinery have been carefully restored and are now being used to tell the story of how water was supplied.
A visit to Rothe House is high on the list of things to do in the Marble City. Built between 1594 and 1610, this was the home of the renowned merchant, landowner and Mayor of Kilkenny City,
Russborough House, built in 1740, is often referred to as ‘the most beautiful in Ireland’ and houses one of the most impressive private art collections in Ireland
Saint Colman's Cathedral in Cobh is a stunning neo-Gothic landmark featuring intricate architecture, beautiful stained glass, and breathtaking coastal views.
The burial site of the Earth Goddess Ériu, the founder of Ireland and the Sun God Lugh, this enigmatic hill became the seat of the High Kings of Ireland.