Museums are a great place for children to learn while having fun, and you don't have to go very far to find them.
Here are some of the top museums for children in Ireland.
1. The National Museum of Ireland, Co Dublin
The National Museum on Kildare Street in Dublin is a great place to bring history alive for children, with entertaining exhibitions on everything from the Vikings to Ancient Egypt and prehistoric Ireland to bog bodies. Tours and events geared toward families include the My Museum Programme, which promotes interaction and exploration for all the family, as well as hands-on events involving storytelling, drama, art or demonstrations, and guided tours.
2. Irish Museum of Modern Art – Explore for Families, Co Dublin
Another museum that children will love is the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham. Its family programme, Explorer, encourages children to discover art works and there is even art making on Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 6pm, January to May and October to December. Projects are targeted at children aged 4 to 10, with numbers limited to 35 participants.
3. Foynes Flyingboat Museum, Co Limerick
If your little one is a big fan of planes, this museum is just the place for a visit. The only aviation museum in Ireland and the only dedicated flying boat museum in the world, this unique attraction preserves the rich history of aviation and the development of passenger travel. The kids can even try their hand at flying the B314 on a flight simulator with amazing visuals.
4. Natural Museum of Ireland, Co Dublin
Affectionately known as the Dead Zoo, the Natural History Museum on Merrion Street, has been fascinating children since it was opened by renowned Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone in 1857. With giant elk and whale skeletons, rainbow-coloured butterfly collections, and hundreds of other animal exhibits, the Natural History Museum is an amazing world for all the family. Look out for special family and children’s events based on specific aspects of the animal world.
5. Ulster American Folk Park, Northern Ireland
If you're planning on travelling a little further, the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, Northern Ireland is an exciting museum full of history and fun. The kids will get to see a traditional Irish village and town, then cross the Atlantic on a sailing ship and disembark in "Americay". As an added bonus there are re-enactors around - nearly every house is "inhabited" and the locals like to share stories. The museum is a magical journey back in time and space, better than any CGI or animatronics could ever provide.
6. Tara's Palace Museum of Childhood, Co Wicklow
Tara's Palace Museum of Childhood is a unique day out for the whole family. The magical miniature world is yours to explore at Powerscourt House, Enniskerry. The museum is home to Ireland’s largest period doll house, Tara’s Palace, and makes a great day trip for all ages from 5 to 105. An extra bonus is that all profits are donated to Irish children's charities.
7. Wicklow Historic Gaol
The kids will love the interactive experience at this lively museum. On entering the building, you will be transported back in time and meet face to face with some of the most notorious characters to have walked the floors of this dramatic and history filled building.
8. National Wax Museum, Co Dublin
The National Wax Museum Plus is an exciting interactive visitor attraction in the Temple Bar district at the heart of Dublin City Centre. The museum is four floors of discovery, interaction and exhibition. Visitors enter through the Irish Writers room and make their way down to the basement for a journey through the vaults of Irish history from the Vikings right up to the Good Friday Agreement. Also housed in the basement is the horrific Chambers of Horrors which is sure to give the kids plenty of scares and laughs along the way.
9. King Johns Castle, Co Limerick
The kids will make their own adventures running around the courtyards and forts in this family-friendly museum. Don’t miss the castle visitor experience in the heart of medieval Limerick. Features include a stunning interactive exhibition, an enhanced courtyard and battlements.
10. Museum of Transport, Co Tipperary
If your little one is fascinated with cars, this museum will make a wonderful day out. It has exhibits dating from the earliest motorised vehicles. Jaguar, Renault, Morris, Mercedes, an MG and a 1904 Clement Talbot. Featured among the many cars and other motoring automobilia, signs, light garage equipment, books and posters on display.
10. Museum of Transport, Co Tipperary
If your little one is fascinated with cars, this museum will make a wonderful day out. It has exhibits dating from the earliest motorised vehicles. Jaguar, Renault, Morris, Mercedes, an MG and a 1904 Clement Talbot. Featured among the many cars and other motoring automobilia, signs, light garage equipment, books and posters on display.
Image via Pinterest.
