Take In As Many Irish Museums And Historical Places As You Can!

If you are interested in history, then Ireland is the place to be. The number of Irish museums and historical places of interest is astounding, offering a fascinating insight into the history of the country. No matter what county you visit, there are many places, buildings and historical sites to visit. The best Irish museums and historical places are the ones you have time to get to – they all, big or small, are well worth the trip.

Your first stop should be the National Museum of Ireland, offering insight into the archaeology, natural history and heritage of Ireland. The museum was opened in 1877, and houses 4 million historical artefacts. Divided into 4 separate locations, each part of the museum covers a different area. The decorative arts department is housed in the Art and Industry Building in Collins Barracks which includes exhibitions of artistic crafts through the ages, including glasswork, metalwork, lace and ceramic works. This and two other departments, natural history and archaeology and history, are housed nearby in Dublin city as well. The fourth exhibit of the museum covers the history of country life in Ireland, and is in County Mayo, some 240 kms away.

No matter which city you visit in Ireland, there will be a museum exhibiting artefacts found in the county providing a peak into the history of the area. Ulster, Cork and Galway have super museums, and the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre in Ulster is worth a visit too. In Dublin you will find a Toy Museum and Transport Museum, as well as Dublinia, a Viking and medieval history exhibit that is quite different to the usual museum visit.

As you travel around Ireland, perhaps the most prominent historical places will be the many castles found here – about 83 in total, most built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Dublin Castle, which is now the Irish Government’s home, was the site of King John of England’s fortress, built around 1230. Limerick Castle is the site of the famous Blarney Stone, said to endow those who kiss it with the ‘gift of the gab’. Kilkenny Castle, Rathfarnham and Drimnagh are all worth a visit, as is Grange Castle in County Kildare with its 15th century tower house.

Religious sites to visit in Ireland include St Patrick’s Cathedral, where the present building dates from 1220, although the first church built on the site dates back to 1191. Ennis Friary, Glendalough, a sixth century monastery, St Colman’s Cathedral and many other magnificent churches and cathedrals are a must-see. Of equal interest are the many smaller churches in villages on the routes between towns. The magnificent architecture of these buildings, the beautiful interiors and fascinating history will interest most travellers to Ireland. Belfast City Hall, built in 1898, is another example of Irish architecture that should not be missed, with its classical Renaissance style exterior and distinctive green domes, the main one about 53 metres across.

Megalithic passage tombs at Fourknocks and Newgrange, dating back some 5000 years, are just some of the ancient sites worth seeing while in Ireland. If you are looking for Irish museums and historical places, you probably need only take a step outside your room. This beautiful country has a wealth of interesting places to visit, no matter where in Ireland you go.

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