Top Ireland Attractions & Museums - page 2

Seeing Northern Ireland’s top attractions in a single day can be difficult to organize yourself, but this full-day tour from Dublin simplifies the journey. Travel with a local guide to Titanic Belfast, where you have around two hours to explore interactive galleries that bring the ship’s tragic story to life. Continue along the scenic Antrim Coast to Dunluce Castle, with included admission and time to explore the dramatic clifftop ruins, before spending roughly two hours at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway to walk among its famous rock formations.

Few travelers leave Ireland without sampling some local brews, but this small-group tour offers an experience beyond the pub. Go behind the scenes at Smithwick's in Kilkenny and embark on a journey that reveals the craft and history behind one of Ireland's best-known ales. Taste four different ales and try your hand at mastering the perfect pour.

Discover the rich history of horology at the Irish Museum of Time, nestled in Waterford's Viking Triangle. This captivating museum, set within a stunning Gothic-style church, showcases the world's oldest Irish-made timepieces alongside exquisite international collections. Marvel at remarkable grandfather clocks, table clocks, and watches while exploring the craftsmanship of timepiece makers from the 17th century onward. Don't miss the new Black Forest cuckoo clock exhibit, featuring hundreds of unique pieces that highlight the artistry and engineering of this iconic craft.

This tour of Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the only operational distilleries in the city. Learn about the whiskey-making process and Dublin history, too, as your guide takes you through the production areas to learn more about the single-malt, small-batch, and single-grain whiskeys made here. Finish up by sampling some of the produce—there’s a choice of tasting options to suit both first-time whiskey drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Peruse the three collections of the Hunt Museum on your own time with this prepaid pass. The ticket is valid anytime during opening hours and allows independent travelers to explore at their leisure. The collection contains a variety of items from Ireland and across the world, from paintings to sculptures to other curiosities.

History enthusiasts uncover a piece of Cork's past with a visit to the Cork City Gaol. Step into this castle-like former prison, and find a museum showcasing the realities 19th century prison life. With your entry, enjoy a self-guided tour of the prison complex, an optional audio guide upgrade, and access to the Radio Museum, which presents relics from when the Gaol was a broadcasting station.

Planning a full day to Ireland’s west coast can be time-consuming, but this guided tour from Dublin simplifies the experience by handling transport and must-see stops. Travel by luxury coach to the Cliffs of Moher with time to walk the cliff paths and visit the on-site visitor center, then continue with scheduled stops along the coast, including the Burren and Galway City.

Discover some of Northern Ireland’s top attractions with ease on this day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant's Causeway from Dublin. Leave the city behind and delve deep into rural Northern Ireland with your guide and enjoy photo stops at scenic locations, such as Dunluce Castle. In addition, the trip also visits the Dark Hedges and Belfast.

Avoid the crowds and explore Irish history in peace on this Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour. Visit the Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—widely considered among the most important of all Ireland’s ancient treasures. Listen as your guide brings medieval Ireland to life, shedding light on the Book of Kells’ profound historical significance. Afterward, enjoy a guided walking tour around Dublin Castle’s mighty exterior. Visit the gardens and yards, and learn of the castle’s role as court, fortress, treasury, and jail.

Fitting Ireland’s historic towns and rural traditions into one day can be difficult without a car or local insight, but this guided tour from Dublin makes it seamless. Travel by luxury to visit Kilkenny and the grounds of its castle, then continue to the 6th-century monastic settlement of Glendalough in Wicklow Mountains National Park. Finally, enjoy a stop at a working sheep farm to watch border collies in action. With transport, timing, and commentary handled for you, the tour offers a well-paced way to experience a varied side of Ireland in a single day.

This ticket gives you admission to one of the largest collections of plants in the world. Wander through the grounds of an 18th-century estate like the Congreve family once did. Families will be delighted with the seasonal activity trails and woodland playground. After the tour pop into the Stables Café for a coffee or lite bite.

Foynes Flying Boat & Irish Coffee Experience located in Co. Limerick along the Wild Atlantic Way, offers four experiences in one unforgettable visit. Step into the golden age of aviation and discover how Foynes became a key gateway for the world’s first transatlantic passengers, brought to life through immersive exhibits and a full-scale replica of the iconic Boeing 314 flying boat. Discover where Irish Coffee was invented first created here to warm weary travellers. Dive into Foynes’ rich maritime heritage, and experience a touch of Hollywood glamour in the Maureen O’Hara exhibition, featuring her personal collection and Academy Award.

Enjoy a star-studded meet and greet at Dublin’s National Wax Museum and come face-to-face with movie stars, politicians and pop icons. Marvel over the lifelike waxworks of Irish writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde; pose for photos with Irish icons like U2, Liam Neeson and Ronan Keating; brave a visit to Dracula’s Chamber of Horrors; or make your very own wax hand (extra cost). The fun interactive exhibitions are both educational and entertaining, with the chance to learn about Irish history, discover the human body and even have a go at being a record producer!

Experience Dublin's rich whiskey-making traditions on this immersive, small-group tour. Visit the Roe & Co Irish Whiskey Distillery in the former Guinness Brewery Power House and explore Dublin's "Golden Whiskey Triangle." Enjoy a pint of Guinness, a whiskey cocktail, and whiskey samples, guided by a local expert who brings Irish culture and humor to life. This small group tour offers an unforgettable blend of history, whiskey, and fun, including a guided Guinness Storehouse visit with skip-the-line access.

Explore the world of whiskey at the distillery where it’s produced with a hands-on experience at the Cork Midleton Distillery. Choose a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery interiors, a premium whiskey tasting, or even a cocktail masterclass for a deep dive into the history and production of Irish whiskey. Learn about what makes this whiskey so special, taste and mix, and even shop in the distillery store.

Enhance your experience of Ireland—and maximize your sightseeing time—with a full-day excursion to three of the country’s top attractions. From the comfort of a luxury coach, travel through the Irish countryside to visit Blarney Castle, famed for the enchanting Blarney Stone, which grants those who kiss it the gift of gab. See, too, Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel. Along the way, gain insight into the region’s rich heritage from your guide.

Spike Island, located in Cork Harbour, invites visitors to delve into its rich history as a military fortress and notorious prison. Guided by expert storytellers, explore captivating exhibitions and interactive museums while uncovering tales of heroes, villains, and the complex past of this historic site. The island’s stunning natural scenery complements your visit, with scenic walking trails offering breathtaking views of Cork Harbour. Perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike, this tour provides a unique blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure. - Guided tours led by knowledgeable storytellers - Discover the island's history through interactive exhibitions - Scenic walking trails with picturesque views of Cork Harbour - Ideal for families, history lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike

Go beyond a simple visit and take a deep dive into medieval life at Dalkey Castle with this unique tour that uses interactive screens, scale models, and costumed actor guides to create an immersive experience. Learn about the culture and economy of the 14th century with an archer, barber-surgeon, and cook plus visit the nearby church, graveyard, and Writers’ Gallery as part of admission.

Follow in the wake of lighthouse-keepers through the centuries with admission to the Hook Lighthouse on southeast Ireland’s Hook Peninsula. Travel independently to the building — a beacon for Waterford Harbour for over 800 years — and the world’s oldest working lighthouse. Then, enjoy a tour of the medieval tower: climbing the well-trodden stairs, hearing about past keepers, and admiring panoramic views from the balcony. Includes entry to the visitor center with its exhibits, shops, and café.

Experience Dublin’s World of Illusion, where you can see more than 70 exhibits that promise to challenge your very perception of reality. There are mind-melding interactive installations across three floors, from optical illusions to rooms that defy gravity to a huge kaleidoscope. Learn more about what it takes to make an illusion seem real.

Design your own ideal (and cost-efficient) tour of Dublin’s top things to do and see with the Go Dublin Pass and visit attractions such as Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St., and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Choose from digital passes that ranges from one to five days, and get ready to visit brew houses, museums, castles, and cathedrals, and even explore the city at your leisure on a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tour. With free entry to more than 35 attractions around town, the Go Dublin Pass offers something for the whole family.

Indulge your love of music on a guided tour of the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum in Dublin. Alongside your guide, you’ll admire memorabilia from musical superstars such as Michael Jackson and U2, while learning about the history of Ireland’s thriving music scene. See photographic exhibitions that include the likes of The Script and Sinead O’Connor before following in the footsteps of an iconic guitarist in the Thin Lizzy Exhibition. On this small-group tour — limited to four people — you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Explore one of Ireland’s most beautiful stately homes, and discover its esteemed art collection, on this private tour. Pick from a range of daily departure times, and meet your guide upon arrival. You’ll see the mansion’s opulent interior, can admire masterpieces by artists the likes of John Singer Sargent and Thomas Gainsborough, and will enjoy time at your leisure to wander Russborough House’s verdant parklands (or lose yourself in its beech hedge maze).

Trade the big city for a day in nature on this full-day, small-group tour from Dublin. Your destination is the wild and beautiful Wicklow Mountains National Park, where you get up close and personal with the scenery when you embark on a horseback riding tour of the area. Following lunch in the quaint village of Enniskerry (own expense), see more of the area’s highlights and make your way to Glendalough: site of a 6th-century monastery.