Top Ireland Arts & Design - page 2

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Explore Ireland’s sacred funerary traditions at the country’s first Wake Museum on this unique small-group tour. Whilst most museum tours offer a broad perspective on a country’s history and culture, this guided experience delves deep into Irish wake traditions with expert interpretation of their origin, meaning, and context. Discover superstitions, ceremonies, and customs from early Christian times through to the current day.

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.

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 the grandeur of Georgian Waterford, and keep the whole family entertained, with a visit to the Bishop’s Palace Museum. Explore centuries of history through remarkable 18th- to 20th-century treasures—including Napoleon Bonaparte’s mourning cross, sparkling Waterford crystal, elegant period furniture, rare paintings, and exquisite silver and glassware. Trace the city’s story from the 1700s through to the late 20th century, including powerful local moments like the War of Independence. Join the housekeeper (or butler) on a lively reenactor tour and uncover the secrets of the household. Or, take your time on a self-guided tour and soak up the lavish surroundings

A local guide walks a small group through old Cork, telling the city's stories where they happened. This tour is 75 - 90 minutes on foot through the centre of the city. You'll hear about the people who made Cork what it is: the rebels and the hunger strikers, the scientists and the rogues, the ones history remembered and the ones it forgot too quickly. Cork punches well above its weight for interesting characters, and most of them never make it onto the standard tourist trail. The stories change depending on who's on the tour and what catches people's interest. Some groups want the Vikings or War of Independence in detail. Others want the stranger, more surprising corners of the city's past. There's plenty of both. Groups are kept small, so it stays a proper conversation rather than a lecture.

Discover an often overlooked aspect of Ireland's heritage during a self-guided tour of the Maria Edgeworth Center, dedicated to the life and collection of the contemporary of Jane Austen and Byron. Explore the exhibits at your own pace without rushing and go beyond the small info panels with audio commentary that you can stop and start whenever you like.

Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin has recorded many popular artists, but since it’s still a working studio, in order to visit, you must book ahead. Preplan and book this Dublin Windmill Lane Recording Studios Tour and learn about the studio’s history from a guide. Plus, see how a recording session works and even try to mix your own session.

Leave Dublin behind on a full-day journey to Ireland’s rugged west coast—no need to tackle the roads or plan a route yourself. Travel comfortably onboard an air-conditioned vehicle as you learn about Irish history and culture. Enjoy a visit to the Cliffs of Moher with time to explore the clifftop paths and visitor facilities at your own pace, then continue along part of the Wild Atlantic Way with a weather-permitting stop in the Burren to admire its distinctive limestone landscape. In Galway City, choose between a guided walk or free time to experience the city’s lively atmosphere.

Discover the romantic side of the Irish capital city with this exploration game accessed on a smartphone. Solve challenges as you go sightseeing in Dublin and check out popular landmarks including the Ha’Penny Bridge, Whitefriar Street Church, and the Molly Malone Statue. Start and pause the game at your leisure and set out on a fun treasure hunt in Dublin City.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Ireland on this full-day Cliffs of Moher and Galway tour from Dublin. Travel into rural Ireland by air-conditioned coach with your guide and enjoy panoramic views over the Emerald Isle’s spectacular countryside. Journey along the Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher where you can explore for a couple of hours. After a brief stop at Burren National Park, visit Galway to explore the cobblestoned streets and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Explore Northern Ireland's biggest draws—Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle—in just one day on this convenient, time-saving tour from Dublin. Instead of having to hire a car, travel via traditional black cab to explore Belfast's streets, including the Falls and Shankill neighborhoods. Then, board a coach and leave the city behind to experience one of Ireland's great geological marvels, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Giant’s Causeway, as well as Dunluce Castle, a filming location for "Game of Thrones."

Experience Dublin after dark on this expertly curated evening walking tour combining Irish whiskey, historic pubs, and live Irish music. Led by an expert local guide, guests enjoy a Jameson Whiskey Experience with sampling, a visit to Ireland’s oldest pub, a pint of Guinness, and finish the evening at a lively city-centre pub known for its contribution to Irish culture and traditional music. This engaging Dublin night tour offers the perfect blend of history, hospitality, and live music, showcasing the city’s legendary evening culture. Visit The Brazen Head, officially recognised as Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. Inside its historic walls guests will lear about the pub’s connections to revolutionaries, writers, and Dublin folklore. The final stop brings the group to a city-centre pub on Dublin’s south side, celebrated for its warm hospitality and contribution to Irish culture.

Learn about film history during a visit to The Quiet Man Museum in Cong, in the west of Ireland. Skip-the-line with a priority access ticket and explore the museum, devoted to the 1952 film The Quiet Man starring John Wayne. See original artifacts from the movie, newspaper articles about the filming in Cong, and film-inspired costumes.

Experience the beauty, history, and culture of Dublin during this popular hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. Choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-day tickets and follow the route that highlights the best of the Emerald Isle's capital city. Discover historic buildings, iconic sites, ancient landmarks, and vibrant nightlife at your own pace and enjoy free extras. With multiple stops along the way—including the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Temple Bar, and the Irish Whiskey Museum—this popular option ensures you don't miss a thing.

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.

Ireland’s second city was shaped by centuries of rebellion and invasion. On this walking tour around Cork’s medieval quarter, you’ll hear tales of the rebels and rulers who roamed these streets during its turbulent history. You’ll hear how Vikings sailed up the River Lee to establish settlements that grew into medieval Cork. As you wind through narrow streets, once canals in this ‘Venice of the North,’ you’ll learn how public executions at Gallow’s Green became entertainment for crowds of 20,000. You’ll also hear the miraculous story of the hanged man who survived his execution – and then interrupted a theatre performance to share the news. By the end of this tour, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Cork’s remarkable history, brought vividly to life through tales of saints and sinners, rebels and rulers.