One of Ireland’s best hidden attractions. The family-owned Toy Soldier Factory, established in Ireland in 1976, is situated in the beautiful little village of Kilnamartyra, halfway between Killarney town and Cork City off the N22. A trip to the visitor centre is both an educational and fun experience for all the family.

The factory produces hundreds of different moulds that allow you, the customer, to Make & Paint your own figure from model soldiers, fairies, seasonal ornaments, chess sets, animals, and other metal figurines, as many times as you wish. The factory shop is filled of products made in the factory and are sold at low prices. You can pick up a casting starter kit for €25 and make your own figures at home. The keen modeller can choose from many kits to make chess sets, toy soldiers or wargame figures. For visitors who prefer to buy hand painted figures, there is a very large collection.

Figures from JR Tolkien’s books, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are made on-site. These figures are sold under the brand Mithril Miniatures—the world’s largest collection of Tolkien figures. Pick one up for as little as €5. You can also watch the manufacturing processes. This is one of the last remaining toy soldier factories in Europe.