Dublin – War Memorial Gardens
These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914 – 1918 war.
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.
These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914 – 1918 war.
The museum contains a vast amount of archival and artefactual relating to An Garda Siochana, Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police.Admission is FREE
Since its inception in 1978 the Gallery has become Ireland’s premier venue for photography. It has staged exhibitions with many of the major names in contemporary photography. Entry Free
Visitor facilities include the Treasury, which houses the Books of Kells and other early Christian manuscripts; the Long Room, the
St. Mary’s Abbey is one of Dublin’s best kept secrets. It was once the wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland.
Almost like a tour of a working distillery, visitors can follow the fascinating craft of whiskey-making through the different stages grain intake to malting, mashing, fermentation and distillation.
The sky’s the limit with a trip to the top of one of Dublin’s tallest landmarks, The Chimney Viewing Tower (1895).
The display includes memorabilia relating to the Jewish communities in Ireland, depicting their important, though small, place in Ireland’s cultural and historical heritage. Admission FREE
The National Library of Ireland was founded in 1877 and holds the most comprehensive collection of Irish documentary material in the world and offer an invaluable representation of Ireland’s history.
The Kiltartan Gregory Museum and Millennium Park is a restored school that was built in 1892. It includes a classroom that appears as it was 100 years ago.
Built in 1249 ,The castle was restored in 2005 using the building techniques which would have been used when the castle was built. There are guided tours during the summer.
A small restored cottage overlooking the breathtaking lakes and mountains of Connemara, used by Patrick Pearse (1879-1916) leader of the 1916 Rising, as a summer residence.
This museum is housed, appropriately, in a church which once stood in the Inchicore railway works in Dublin.
The world famous Japanese Gardens are situated in the 1,000 acre Tully Estate, now known as the Irish National Stud.
The Kildare Town Heritage Centre is an exciting visitor attraction situated in the picturesque town of Kildare.
Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland.