Top Ireland Museums

The Little Museum of Dublin is the perfect introduction to life in Dublin prior to the 21st century—and Ireland’s story as a whole. This ticket guarantees you a place on one of the museum’s hilarious, moving, and authentic guided tours. Learn about everyone from iconic Dublin rockers U2 to the horrors of the 1920s Irish Civil War, and even as far back as Georgian Dublin.

Discover the history of Irish whiskey during a tour of the captivating Irish Whiskey Museum. Delve into the origins of the amber nectar and enrich your knowledge of the beloved drink’s development and progression throughout the ages. Hear anecdotes surrounding Ireland’s industrial heritage and enjoy interactive and insightful exhibits in the galleries. Conclude your tour by pleasuring your palate with complimentary whiskey samples, or upgrade to enjoy premium aged whiskey and select a souvenir of your choice.

If you're keen to understand Irish history beyond the modern day, then a visit to Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum is a must. As Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum, it houses artefacts you simply won't find anywhere else. Marvel at some of Europe’s rarest medieval treasures, and gain a deeper insight into a fascinating period of time. As you explore, enjoy an immersive and engaging experience you won't get from a history book alone.

Welcome to the Home of Guinness. Located in the heart of St. James’s Gate, the Guinness Storehouse was once the old fermentation plant of the brewery where today, you can experience the history, heart, and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer. As you explore the space, find out what makes the brewing process so special, hear about the history of the brewery and check out the archive of award-winning Guinness advertisements on display. Your final stop is the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy the perfectly poured, perfectly chilled pint of Guinness included in your ticket with panoramic views of Dublin city and beyond.

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.

Enjoy a more immersive way to learn about Irish whiskey, and guarantee your admission in advance, on a guided tour of Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin. Learn the history of the iconic Irish brand as you explore the distillery and listen to commentary from your guide. Discover the secrets behind the complex distillation process—and then cap off your experience by tasting whiskey in the elegant distillery bar.

Ideal for fans of the spooky and macabre, entry to the Museum of Curiosities in Dublin gives you an up close and personal look at the bizarre side of the city’s history. Get an introduction to the exhibit, ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights, and explore the rest of the museum at your own pace.

Located beside Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin’s historic quarter, Dublinia brings over 1,000 years of Viking and medieval history to life through immersive exhibitions and interactive storytelling. Climb aboard a Viking warship, explore a bustling Viking street and longhouse, and discover the sights, sounds, and smells of medieval Dublin. Learn about daily life, medicine, trade, and punishment in a city shaped by centuries of change. See authentic artefacts on loan from the National Museum of Ireland, including discoveries from the famous Wood Quay excavations.

Get a true taste of Irish heritage at the Jameson Experience in County Cork. On this tour of the old Midleton distillery, learn about the distillation process, visit a restored 19th-century warehouse where Jameson is aged in oak casks, and sample some of the finished product during a tutored tasting in the Jameson Bar.

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.

Discover the craft of Irish whiskey-making on a guided tasting tour at Distillery Bow St. in Dublin. Led by a Jameson ambassador, learn about distilling processes, key ingredients, and the people behind the spirit. Along the way, sip premium whiskey, mix your own cocktail, or create a whisky blend. Leave with a free cocktail book to remake your boozy creations at home.

Located in the heart of Kilkenny city, Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny is a multi-sensory experience that immerses you in the history of Ireland's oldest ale. Harvested from our land, seasoned by our history, Smithwick’s has been brewed in Ireland since 1710. Enjoying your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, while one of our local staff explains what makes it so unique, makes this one of the most enjoyable tours in Ireland.

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.

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.

A visit to the Jeanie Johnston is an experience the whole family will enjoy. It’s suitable for people of all ages. From tall ship fans to history buffs to curious kids, our guides will keep everyone entertained. Take a deep breath and go below deck to experience the cramped quarters where up to 250 passengers spent most of their time, only emerging for a half an hour of fresh air each day.

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.

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

The Old Barracks in Cahersiveen invites visitors to explore its rich history through a fascinating exhibition and an interactive escape room experience. Originally built as a police station for the Royal Irish Constabulary, this impressive structure now showcases the stories of the region, including the Fenian Rising and Daniel O’Connell's legacy. Visitors can enjoy a multi-storey interactive exhibition and breathtaking views from the turret. For those seeking adventure, the ‘Break from the Barracks’ escape room offers a thrilling challenge for teams of 2 to 6 players. The Old Barracks is perfect for history enthusiasts and families alike. - Explore the Old Barracks’ exhibition detailing local history and the Fenian Rising. - Experience the ‘Break from the Barracks’ escape room for a fun team challenge. - Enjoy panoramic views from the turret and learn about the architecture. - Accessible audio guide available in multiple languages via the Old Barracks app.

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.

Save your precious vacation (and drinking) time with his tour that includes skip-the-line admission to Dublin's Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. Listen as your guide explains the ingredients used and learn of the complex brewing and distilling processes then enjoy tastings of two of Ireland's most-loved drinks.

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.

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.

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.