Are your kids curious about how our ancestors once lived, or keen to stand on the very ground those ancestors walked? Ireland is full of historical hotspots waiting to be discovered, with a great mix of options for family-friendly history days out. Here are some of our favourite (and kid-approved!) places to learn about Irish history, heritage and culture.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Fabulous Fairytale Castles in Ireland to Show the Kids
Prefer to watch before you plan? Take a quick video look at some of these historic Irish sites here: https://youtu.be/qKbaRi0yET4
Jump to a place:
- National Museums of Ireland
- Book of Kells
- Avondale House
- Newgrange
- Glendalough
- Dublinia
- King John’s Castle
- Strokestown Park & The National Famine Way
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- EPIC Irish Emigration Museum
- Irish Agricultural Museum
- Titanic Belfast
- Áras an Uachtaráin
- GPO, Dublin
- Croke Park GAA Museum
- Kilmainham Gaol
- Hill of Tara
- National Maritime Museum of Ireland
- Wicklow Historic Gaol
- Rock of Cashel
- Ulster American Folk Park
- Céide Fields
- Round Tower Clondalkin
- The Little Museum of Dublin
The National Museums of Ireland, Dublin and Mayo
There are National Museum of Ireland sites in Dublin and Mayo, and alongside the permanent displays there are events, talks and family activities to enjoy, both indoors and out.
- The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology on Kildare Street is a great place to bring history alive for children, with exhibitions covering everything from the Vikings to Ancient Egypt and prehistoric Ireland to bog bodies.
- The National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks holds two fascinating collections: decorative arts (silver, ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing, jewellery and coins) and military history, telling the story of Ireland’s military and revolutionary past.
- The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Mayo houses Ireland’s National Folklife Collection across four floors of award-winning galleries, with objects, interactive displays and archive footage depicting the lifestyles and traditions of rural Ireland.
- The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History on Merrion Street holds a wide-ranging zoological collection of more than 10,000 exhibits, including Irish and international mammals, birds, fish and insects.
Entry to the National Museum of Ireland sites and most family activities is free. It’s worth checking the museum’s website ahead of your visit for current opening details and whether advance booking is needed.
Book of Kells, Dublin
The Book of Kells was created around the year 800AD, and researchers believe it was originally produced in a monastery on the island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland. It appears to have been created by three artists and four scribes. When Iona was attacked by Vikings, the surviving monks moved to a sister monastery in Kells, Co. Meath, where the book is believed to have been finished.
The Bishop of Meath presented the Book of Kells to Trinity College Dublin for safekeeping in the late 1600s, and it has been housed in the Library ever since.
Avondale House, Avondale Forest Park, Co Wicklow
A home once full of life and laughter, where one resident was a champion of trees and another became one of Ireland’s greatest historical figures.
The rooms of this great house are brought to life for visitors, with the stories of its former residents filling the beautiful spaces once more. Coillte’s Avondale House offers guided tours taking visitors on a historic journey through the home of Samuel Hayes, its first owner, the Parnell family who lived there in the 1800s, and the forestry school later set up in the house once it was acquired by the state in 1904.
Newgrange, County Meath
Image: © Brian Morrison, Tourism Ireland
Newgrange is an ancient passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley in Ireland’s Ancient East, part of a group of monuments along the River Boyne known collectively as Brú na Bóinne. This prehistoric monument dates back over 5,200 years, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Newgrange is famous for the illumination of its passage and chamber by the Winter Solstice sun. Built by Stone Age farmers, it is surrounded by 97 large kerbstones, some engraved with megalithic art.
Glendalough, Wicklow
Image © Fáilte Ireland & Tourism Ireland. Courtesy of Chris Hill
Set in a picturesque glaciated valley with two lakes and historical monastic remains, including a 1,000-year-old round tower, a cathedral and a church known as St Kevin’s Kitchen, a day at Glendalough is a fascinating and educational outing for young and old alike.
Other amenities include a wooden adventure playground, a large outdoor picnic area, and a self-guided audio-visual tour at the Visitor Centre that’s well worth your time.
Dublinia, Dublin 8
Take a trip to one of Dublin’s best-loved museums for a unique Viking and medieval experience. Meet the Vikings face to face and learn all about life in Medieval Dublin.
While you’re there, explore History Hunter, climb St. Michael’s Tower and catch a glimpse of the modern city from the medieval tower.
King John’s Castle, Limerick
Let the kids make their own adventures running through the courtyards and exploring the forts. The King John’s Castle visitor experience includes an interactive exhibition, battlements and an enhanced courtyard.
Strokestown Park, House & Gardens and The National Famine Way, Roscommon
The National Famine Museum’s Archive Explorers Guide is perfect for visitors young and old wanting to learn more about this dark period in Irish history. From original documents and archives to interactive visual and audio displays, the story of the Great Famine is brought to life in an immersive way.
Inside Strokestown House, you’ll find the schoolroom, playroom, bedrooms and kitchens, giving a real glimpse into how life was once lived. Children in particular enjoy exploring the house and its rooms, and daily guided tours help you get the most from your visit.
If you still have energy afterwards, take a stroll or cycle along The National Famine Way Walk. This outdoor, immersive trail commemorates the journey made by 1,490 people from Roscommon to Dublin during the height of the Famine in 1847. It covers 167km and is way-marked, best undertaken in stages.
You can track your progress with the National Famine Way Passport, which includes local history and landmarks along the route, plus a personalised ticket naming one of the family groups who walked the trail in 1847 — so you can truly follow in their footsteps.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Clare
Go back in time with a visit to one of Ireland’s best-known castles, Bunratty Castle, built in 1425. Complete with its own authentic medieval fortress, a folk park of homes from the past, a walled garden and a fairy village, it’s a full day out.
At the fairy village, little ones can explore the miniature Bunratty Castle and mini replicas of the houses around the folk park, along with a willow tunnel and willow hut in the surrounding forest trail.
An array of animals live at Bunratty, including donkeys, sheep, ponies, deer, goats, peacocks and ducks. Spend some time at the Folk Park too, enjoying the village street complete with school, doctor’s house, pub and shops.
EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin
Witnessing the history and culture housed here makes for an interactive and entertaining day for the whole family, and a must-see experience.
A visit is not only educational but fully equipped with easy-to-use technology and memorable stories. Look into the past and discover the story of the millions who left Ireland over the centuries.
Irish Agricultural Museum, Johnstown Castle, Wexford
The Irish Agricultural Museum is housed within the grounds of Johnstown Castle and displays one of the most comprehensive collections showcasing farming and rural life in Ireland. Visitors can:
- Admire a large collection of restored tractors, carts, ploughs, threshing machines, stationary engines and dairy equipment
- See recreated workshops of traditional trades, including blacksmith, cooper and wheelwright
- Learn about the Great Famine through an exhibition revealing life before, during and after it
- Discover the history of Johnstown Castle and its estate
- Enjoy one of the largest displays of Irish country furniture
- Compare farmhouse kitchens through the ages
- Take part in quizzes and trails suitable for children
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 30 Fun and Family-Friendly Things to Do in Leinster
Titanic Belfast
Go deep into Irish history and learn all about the Titanic in the heart of Belfast, on the very slipways where it was built.
It’s the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience and a must-see attraction in Northern Ireland. Explore the shipyard, walk the decks and uncover the story of the Titanic in the city where it all began, across nine interactive galleries. You can also complete your visit with a trip to the world’s last remaining White Star vessel, SS Nomadic.
Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin
Áras an Uachtaráin is the official and private residence of the President of Ireland, and public tours are offered on a limited schedule through the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. Tours can’t be booked in advance, so it’s best to check the official website beforehand for the current tour days and times. The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre itself is a separate heritage site with a children’s playground and café.
GPO, Dublin
The GPO on O’Connell Street has long been associated with a visitor experience telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish history, bringing events to life through touch screens, video, audio-visual booths and authentic artefacts. Check current opening details before planning a visit, as visitor facilities here can change.
Croke Park GAA Museum, Dublin
Explore the GAA Museum at Croke Park, where exhibition galleries vividly illustrate the story of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day. Exhibits include the Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cups and the official GAA Hall of Fame.
Test your hurling and football skills in the interactive games zone — a must for visitors of all ages. The GAA Museum is also the gateway for the Croke Park Stadium Tour and Skyline Tours, along with a calendar of special tours and events throughout the year.
Free Download: 99 Places to Visit in Ireland
Plan a whole range of family days out with our checklist of 99 fantastic places to visit around Ireland.
Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 as the new County Gaol for Dublin and closed its doors in 1924.
Today the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922–23. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were detained here, and in some cases executed. Many members of the Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919–21) were also detained at Kilmainham, including Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, Charles Stewart Parnell and the leaders of 1916, who remain forever associated with the building.
Hill of Tara, Meath
Image © Government of Ireland National Monuments Service Photographic Unit
The Hill of Tara has been in use for more than 5,000 years as a place of burial and assembly. It grew to fame as the legendary inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland.
From its rolling slopes, you can see all the way to the other great sites of the Boyne Valley, including Loughcrew Cairns, the Hill of Slane, Trim Castle and beyond.
National Maritime Museum of Ireland, Dublin
The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is a must-see for any budding sailor, housing an extensive collection of maritime heritage, from massive anchors to tiny models put together by lighthouse keepers during lonely hours on duty off the Irish coast.
The Lurgan Canoe, an early Bronze Age boat from Galway, is on display, as is the Baily Optic, a light installed in the Baily lighthouse in Howth, North County Dublin, in 1902 and removed in 1972.
Wicklow Historic Gaol
Kids will love the interactive experience on offer at this jail museum. You’ll be transported back in time as you enter the building, coming face to face with some of the dramatic characters who once walked its floors, and learning their stories.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 12 Stunning Scenic Drives and Family Road Trips in Ireland
Rock of Cashel, Tipperary
Some people think the Rock of Cashel is just a rock — a common misconception. It’s actually a stunning medieval fortress dating back to the 4th century.
It was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for hundreds of years until the Norman invasion. The structure includes the round tower, cathedral, Cormac’s Chapel and the Hall of the Vicars Choral.
Ulster American Folk Park, Tyrone
Image: Tourism Northern Ireland
At the Ulster American Folk Park, embark on a journey back in time from the Old World of Ulster to the New World on the American frontier.
Wander the pathways of rural Ulster, complete with a bustling street and welcoming farmhouses. Board a full-scale emigrant ship and experience the cramped quarters where hundreds of people lived during their twelve-week Atlantic crossing, then emerge in the New World to see the ingenious solutions resourceful newcomers created on the frontier.
Experience demonstrations of traditional crafts, from forge work to wool spinning, turf cutting to willow weaving, woodcraft to patchwork quilting, and take a stroll through the herb garden to learn about herbal remedies from years gone by.
Céide Fields, Mayo
A Neolithic landscape dating back to 5000BC, home to the oldest known field systems in the world. Take a step back in time and explore the “fields of the flat-topped hill.”
It’s a unique experience about 7km northwest of Ballycastle, set against a vast prehistoric landscape with dramatic cliffs and coastline.
Round Tower Clondalkin, Dublin
The Round Tower Clondalkin is one of only four remaining round towers in County Dublin. The Visitor Centre museum brings the story of the tower and surrounding area to life through an interactive experience across eight themed spaces in the refurbished 19th-century Mill Cottages.
Suitable for all ages, the experience incorporates public gardens and a gallery space.
The Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin, conveniently located on St. Stephen’s Green, is a little gem, telling the story of the capital over the last 100 years, from the visit of Queen Victoria to modern day.
Over 5,000 items are displayed across 3 floors. Entry is by guided tour only, so book online to be sure of a place. Worksheets are available for children of all ages, along with interactive artefacts they’ll enjoy.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 10 Terrific Places to See Dinosaurs in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest historic site in Ireland that kids can visit?
Newgrange in County Meath dates back over 5,200 years, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. It’s part of the wider Brú na Bóinne complex and is a brilliant, hands-on way to introduce children to ancient history.
Is the National Museum of Ireland free to visit?
Yes, entry to the National Museum of Ireland sites is free, and most family activities are too. It’s worth checking the museum’s website beforehand for current visiting arrangements.
Where can children see genuine Viking and medieval history in Dublin?
Dublinia offers a hands-on Viking and medieval experience, letting kids meet Viking characters and explore life in medieval Dublin, including climbing St. Michael’s Tower.
Is there somewhere that combines history with animals and outdoor play for younger kids?
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a great choice, with its medieval castle, folk park, fairy village, willow tunnel and a range of friendly farm animals to meet.
Where can families learn about the Irish Famine?
Strokestown Park and the National Famine Museum in Roscommon bring this period of history to life through original documents, interactive displays and the outdoor National Famine Way trail.
You Might Also Like
- Fabulous Fairytale Castles in Ireland to Show the Kids
- 30 Fun and Family-Friendly Things to Do in Leinster
- 12 Stunning Scenic Drives and Family Road Trips in Ireland
- 10 Terrific Places to See Dinosaurs in Ireland
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
Ireland’s history is best explored slowly, one castle, museum or ancient site at a time. Bookmark this guide so it’s handy the next time you’re planning a family day out, or browse our other things to do ideas for more inspiration.
Never Miss a Family Day Out Idea
Want more days-out inspiration like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly ideas, activities and family-friendly events near you.
—
