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.
Award winning gardens
Birr Castle Demesne Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland
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
Open Daily Year Round
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Where the blarney began
Blarney Castle and Gardens Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
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.
Open Daily Year Round
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Fine manuscripts to be discovered
Chester Beatty Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland
Amazing collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts.
Open Year Round
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How the Irish influenced the world
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum The CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin City, Ireland
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
Open Daily Year Round
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Once Centre of the Aviation World
Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum Foynes, Co. Limerick, Ireland
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.
Open Mid-Mar to Mid-Nov
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Oldest operating lighthouse
Hook Lighthouse Fethard-on-Dea, Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford, Ireland
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!
Open Daily Year Round
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A journey through time
Irish National Heritage Park Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford, Ireland
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.
Open Daily Year Round
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Experience 800 years of history
King John’s Castle Nicholas Street, King’s Island, Limerick City, Ireland
Have fun exploring King John’s Castle, enjoy magnificent views and imagine a Norman soldier’s life in this medieval fortress.
Open Daily Year Round
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Discover the magic of Muckross
Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms Killarney National Park, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms is the jewel in the crown of the spectacular Killarney National Park.
Open Daily Year Round
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Past made present
National Museum of Ireland – Country Life Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Experience a bygone way of life with Ireland’s National Folklife Collection, displayed across four floors of modern exhibition galleries.
Open Year Round
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Home to a wide range of objects
National Museum of Ireland– Decorative Arts and History Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7, Ireland
See examples of silver, ceramics, glassware, weaponry, furniture, folklife, clothing, jewellery, coins and medals and take part in one of the many events.
Open Daily Year Round
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The oldest building in Limerick
Saint Mary’s Cathedral Bridge Street, Limerick City, Co. Limerick, Ireland
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.
Visit Mon to Sat
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An insight into coal mining life
Arigna Mining Experience Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon, Ireland  
With a coal-mining heritage of over 400 years, Arigna is now a popular tourist spot and appeals to those looking for a day out with a difference!
Open Daily Year Round
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15th Century Castle
Ballyhack Castle Ballyhack, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Savour a sense of the Middle Ages. The tower is five stories tall and the walls survive complete to the wall walk.
2024 Opening Times TBC
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Well preserved cistercian monastery
Boyle Abbey Boyle, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
An impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts.
Open mid-Mar to mid-Sep
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Four galleries
Carlow County Museum College Street, Carlow Town, Co. Carlow, Ireland
Carlow County Museum is located in Carlow Town’s ‘Cultural Quarter’.
Open Year Round
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A Stone Age monument
Céide Fields Neolithic Site And Visitor Centre Ballycastle, Co. Mayo, Ireland
The Céide Fields in North Mayo will certainly give you a unique experience. For this is not just another archaeological monument or visitor centre.
Open Seasonally
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History, emigration, convict ships!
Cobh Heritage Centre – The Queenstown Story Deepwater Quay, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland
Cobh Heritage Centre features a dramatic exhibition of the origins, history & legacy of Cobh, a unique Irish port town.
Open Year Round
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An iron age bog road
Corlea Iron Age Roadway And Visitor Centre Kenagh, Co. Longford, Ireland
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.
Open Mid-Mar to Ear-Nov
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A historic home
Curraghmore House Curraghmore, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Ireland
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.
Open Seasonally
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A view from the keep
Enniscorthy Castle Castle Hill, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Ireland  
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.
Open Seasonally
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Faith Inspires, Stories Unfold
Father Peyton Centre Attymass, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland
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.
Open Year Round
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One of Ireland's finest examples of
Fota House Arboretum & Gardens Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, Ireland
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.
Open Mar to Oct
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explore the collections
Galway City Museum invites you to explore its collections and exhibitions. Recipient of Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for over ten years.
Open Tues to Sat
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HQ of the 1916 Easter Rising
GPO Museum O’Connell Street, Dublin City, Ireland
GPO Museum takes you on a journey of discovery to learn about the 1916 Easter rising from its rebel HQ!
Open Year Round Mon-Sat
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Home of Legends
International Rugby Experience 40 O’Connell Street, Limerick, Ireland
The International Rugby Experience is a world class, interactive celebration of what it takes to become a Legend!
Open Daily Year Round
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Sculptured cloister arcade
Jerpoint Abbey Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century. The church with its Romanesque details dates from this period.
Open Mid Mar to Mid Nov
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Gothic revival castle
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens Johnstown, Co. Wexford, Ireland
This great 19th century castle in its beautiful setting was designed by the Victorian architect Daniel Robertson.
Open Daily Year Round
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Irelands most south westerly point
Mizen Head Signal Station Mizen Head Signal Station, Goleen, Co. Cork, Ireland
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.
Open Year Round
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National archaeological objects
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
At the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, you'll find artefacts dating from 7000BC to the 20th Century exhibited in seven galleries.
Open Daily Year Round
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Discover the natural world
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
The Natural History collections comprise approximately two million specimens.
CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS
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An impressive semi-fortified house
Portumna Castle and Gardens Portumna, Co. Galway, Ireland
Built before 1618 by Richard de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde, the castle became the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years
Open Mid-Mar to Ear-Nov
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Exciting interpretation of events
Rebellion at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Ireland
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.
Open Seasonally
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Along the wild atlantic way
Scattery Island Scattery Island, Co. Clare, Ireland
Scattery Island contains the remains of an ancient monastic heritage featuring a round tower, the cathedral and several medieval churches.
Open May to Sept
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A unique experience
Skerries Mills Millers Lane, Skerries, Co. Dublin, Ireland
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.
Open Daily Year Round
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Skibbereen Heritage Centre
Skibbereen: The Famine Story Skibbereen, West Cork, Ireland
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.
Open Year Round
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13th century dominican friary
Sligo Abbey Abbey Street, Sligo, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Known locally as the Abbey, this Dominican Friary was founded in the mid - 13th century by Maurice Fitzgerald.
Open Seasonally
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Youghal’s medieval treasures
St. Mary’s Collegiate Church Emmet Place, Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland
Explore St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and experience "Voices of St. Mary's', a celebration of the people whose lives have touched the church.
Open Seasonally
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step back in time
Swiss Cottage Ardfinnan Road, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
A delightful 'cottage orné' built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall to a design by the famous Regency architect John Nash.
Open mid-Mar to Oct
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Amazing and Ancient Treasures
The Hunt Museum Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City, Ireland
The Hunt Museum exhibits one Europe’s greatest private collections of Art and Antiquities, dating from the Neolithic Period to the 20th Century.
Open Year Round
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an 18th century mansion
The National Famine Museum Strokestown Park Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
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.
Open Year Round
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1 Tower, 1,000 years of History
The Round Tower Clondalkin Tower Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland    
Interactive multimedia exhibition tells the story of over 1,000 years of Clondalkin’s history and heritage.
Open Daily Year Round
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Cistercian Abbey founded c. 1200
Tintern Abbey Saltmills, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland
The Abbey was occupied by the Colclough family from the 16th century until 1960s.
Open Mid Mar to Mid Nov
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Come see for yourself!
Tipperary Museum of Hidden History Mick Delahunty Square, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Immerse yourself in stories of castles and conquests, courage, superstition, murder and death.
Open Year Round
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Two centuries of prison life
Wicklow’s Historic Gaol Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Epic. Cruel. Tragic. Wicklow Gaol’s story is interwoven with the history of Wicklow and Ireland itself.
Open Daily Year Round
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people, places, stories.....
Youghal Clock Gate Tower Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland
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.
Open Seasonally
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steep yourself in history
Ardfert Cathedral Ardfert, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
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.
Open Seasonally
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Original 13th century battlements
Athenry Castle Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
The castle consists of a three storey tower with parts of the original enclosure wall still surviving today.
Open Mid-Mar to Ear-Nov
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Founded in 1216
Ballintubber Abbey Ballintubber, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Nestled within the heart of County Mayo lies one of its best-kept secrets – the historic Ballintubber Abbey.
Open year round
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Largest battle on Irish soil
Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre – Oldbridge Estate Oldbridge House, Oldbridge, Drogheda, Co. Meath, Ireland
On 1 July 1690 (Old Style), King William III clashed with his father-in-law, King James II, on the River Boyne at Oldbridge, County Meath.
Open Daily Year Round
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Ireland's largest working windmill
Blennerville Windmill Blennerville, Co. Kerry, Ireland
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.
Open Apr to Oct
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An architectural masterpiece
Casino Marino Cherrymount Crescent Marino, Dublin 3, Ireland
Ireland’s miniature architectural masterpiece - a unique and intriguing garden temple. Guided tours of the house are available, grounds are open year round.
Open Seasonally
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6,000 years of history captured
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.
Open Year Round
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Fascinating stories
Cork City Gaol Convent Avenue, Sunday’s Well, Cork City, Ireland
Cork City Gaol is a heritage centre that allows you to take a step back in time to see what 19th/early 20th century life was like inside prison walls.
Open Daily Year Round
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The emigrant trail
Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience The Emigrant Trail, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland
An authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel providing a world class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience.
Open Daily Year Round
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One of Ireland's hidden gems
Huntington Castle Clonegal, Co. Carlow, Ireland
Still lived in by descendants of the original builders this fascinating Castle is truly one of Ireland's hidden treasures.
Open Seasonally
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in the heart of the Connemara
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.
Open Daily Year Round
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Follow the journey
Kennedy Homestead Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Waterford, Ireland
The Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy, celebrates the story of five generations of the Kennedy dynasty.
Open Daily Year Round
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a haven of history
Listowel Castle The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Ireland
A 15th century castle standing on an elevated steep bank, overlooking the river Feale, above the location of a strategic ford.
Open Seasonally
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800 years of heritage
Malahide Castle Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
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.
Open Daily Year Round
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Explore 800 years of history
Medieval Mile Museum High Street, Kilkenny City, Ireland
The Medieval Mile Museum, housed in a 13th-century church in Kilkenny, offers a fascinating journey through the city's rich history.
Open Year Round
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An iconic model railway
Model Railway Museum Dublin Road, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
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.
Open Year Round
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Step back in time
Newbridge House & Farm Hearse Road, Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, Co. Dublin, Ireland
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.
Open Year Round
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A Restored plantation castle
Parke’s Castle Kilmore, Fivemilebourne, Co. Leitrim, Ireland
A restored plantation castle of the early 17th century, picturesquely situated on the shores of Lough Gill.
Open Seasonally
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An Elizabethan fortified house
Rathfarnham Castle Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, Ireland
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.
Open Seasonally
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18th century castle
Roscrea Castle, Gardens & Damer House/Black Mills Castle Street, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
The stone castle consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two corner towers dating from the 1280s.
Open Seasonally
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Medieval Cathedral
St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower The Close, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower is Ireland’s best preserved medieval Cathedral.
Open Year Round
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Take a journey through the decades
The Main Guard Sarsfield Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
The Main Guard is one of the oldest surviving civic buildings, and one of the earliest examples of classical public architecture in Ireland.
Open Mid Mar to Sept
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Live the history, feel the story
Titanic Experience Cobh 20 Casement Square, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland
You will experience life aboard Titanic and learn a little about the conditions on board for third and first class passengers.
Open Year Round
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Copper Mine Museum
Allihies Copper Mine Museum Allihies Village, Beara Peninsula, West Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
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.
Open Seasonally
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Experience rich medieval history
Athenry Heritage Centre St. Mary’s The Square, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland
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.
Open Seasonally
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Memorial Church
Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church O’Connell Street, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, Ireland
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.
Open Daily Year Round
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‘The Liberator’
Daniel O’Connell Monument O’Connell Street, Dublin City
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.
Visit Year Round
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The Great Famine
Famine Memorial Custom House Quay, Dublin City, Ireland
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.
Visit Year Round
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Conserving plants and animals
Glenveagh National Park–Pairc Náisiúnta Ghleann Bheatha Churchill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the North-West of County Donegal.
Open Year Round
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The Government of Ireland
Government Buildings Upper Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
A number of departments are located here including the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Finance and the Office of the Attorney General.
Open Saturday Only
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Founded in the 12th century
Holy Cross Abbey Holycross Village, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
A relic of the True Cross has drawn pilgrims from far and wide since the Abbey's foundation in the 12th century.
Visit Year Round
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An extraordinary space
Irish Museum of Modern Art Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland
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.
Open Tues to Sun
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Capture your imagination
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.
Open Daily Year Round
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Self guided tour
Kilkenny Famine Experience MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Hebron Road, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Kilkenny Union Workhouse, now beautifully restored as MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre is home to the Kilkenny Famine Experience self-guided tour.
Open Year Round
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Unique Country Estate Experience
Killruddery House and Gardens Southern Cross, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
A magnificent privately-owned country estate with a sustainable, bio-diverse farm.
Open Year Round
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Experience Medieval Limerick
King’s Island King’s Island Medieval Quarter, Limerick City, Ireland
The King’s Island Medieval Quarter of Limerick City contains a wealth of built heritage.
Visit Year Round
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Discover the story of Limerick
Limerick Museum Henry Street, Limerick City, Ireland
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.
Open Mon to Sat
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The Lord Mayor's Residence
Mansion House Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
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.
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Delve into history
Michael Collins House Museum 7 Emmet Square, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Ireland
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.
Open Year Round
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Dublin's fictional fishmonger
Molly Malone Statue Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
The Molly Malone statue was unveiled in Grafton Street during the Dublin Millennium celebrations by the 1988 Lord Mayor of Dublin Ben Briscoe.
Visit Year Round
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Must-visit cultural institution
National Library of Ireland Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
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.
Open Daily Year Round
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Journey through a bygone era
Old Cork Waterworks Experience Lee Road, Cork City, Ireland
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.
Open Year Round
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It's all waiting for you
Rothe House & Garden Parliment Street, Kilkenny, Ireland
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,
Open Year Round
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Stunning Palladian Mansion
Russborough House & Parklands Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
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
Open Year Round
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St Brigid's Cathedral
St Brigid’s Cathedral Market Square, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Christians have worshipped on the hill of Kildare since at least the year 480 AD when Saint Brigid made the site her permanent home.
Open Seasonally
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Built in the neo-Gothic style
St. Colman’s Cathedral Cathedral Place, Kilgarvan, Cobh, County Cork, Ireland
Saint Colman's Cathedral in Cobh is a stunning neo-Gothic landmark featuring intricate architecture, beautiful stained glass, and breathtaking coastal views.
Visit Year Round
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Designed by James Gandon
The Custom House Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland
A neoclassical 18th century building which today houses Irish Government departments.
Open Daily Year Round
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The Mythological Centre of Ireland
The Hill of Uisneach Rathnew, Loughnavelley, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
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.
Open Seasonally
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