Cork – Kinsale Heritage Town
Kinsale the most cosmopolitan and charming of ports in Ireland. But where Britons, Spaniards and Irish once fought, yachts now disgorge their sailors to sample “fruits de mer”.
Ireland is home to many family-friendly castles and museums, offering a mix of history, adventure, and interactive exhibits.
One of the best castles to visit is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in County Clare. This well-preserved medieval castle features a recreated 19th-century village, farm animals, and engaging activities for kids. Blarney Castle in County Cork is another popular destination where families can explore lush gardens and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Dublin Castle offers an easy-to-navigate historical site in the capital, while Cahir Castle in Tipperary is a fairytale-like fortress with towers and hidden passageways that children love.
For museums, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin is highly interactive and uses modern technology to tell the story of Irish emigrants. Nearby, Dublinia brings Viking and medieval Dublin to life with hands-on exhibits. The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, known as the “Dead Zoo,” is a favorite for kids fascinated by wildlife. In Belfast, Titanic Belfast offers an immersive experience about the famous ship.
These sites provide an exciting blend of education and fun, making them ideal for family outings in Ireland.
Kinsale the most cosmopolitan and charming of ports in Ireland. But where Britons, Spaniards and Irish once fought, yachts now disgorge their sailors to sample “fruits de mer”.
A voyage of discovery through the sights and sounds of the historic Beara Peninsula.
Come and see how your great-grandparents coped with day to day living before the invention of indoor plumbing, electricity, and the automobile.
Charles Fort is a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort, commanding the entrance to the harbour of Kinsale.
The Crowleys opened a Heritage center on their farm in 2000 and Michael Collins slide shows were held two evenings a week during the summer months.
Bantry House is a stately home overlooking Bantry Bay in the south west of Ireland. Children under 14yrs are Free.
The Park comprises approximately 166 hectares and is an outstanding example of an 18th century landscaped park in the ‘Capability Brown’ style.
Cobh Museum opened in 1973 and has grown over the years. The exhibitions reflect the cultural, social and maritime history of Cobh and the Great Island.
From 1848 – 1950 over 6 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland – over 2.5 million departed from Cobh, making it the single most important port of emigration.
See Cork’s renowned wax figures at the CORK CITY GAOL as you step back in time to see what 19th/early 20th Century life was like in Cork – inside and outside prison walls.
Crawford Art Gallery, the city art museum for Cork, is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture.
Desmond Castle was built by the Earl of Desmond c. 1500. A fine example of an urban tower house, the castle consists of a three storey keep with storehouses to the rear.
This fine Regency-style building in a pleasant landscape setting on Fota Island, is complemented by the internationally renowned gardens and arboretum.
The Little Museum of Dublin encourages children and adults alike to engage, learn and share in the educational experience it provides.
The Custom House, designed by the renowned James Gandon, was completed in 1791 and is one of Dublin’s finest heritage buildings.
The James Joyce Centre is dedicated to the promotion of an understanding of the life and works of this most famous Dubliner.