Choose from 123 Fun Things to Do in Ireland
Jameson Distillery Bow St.
- A tour of this historic facility is a must-do for Irish whiskey enthusiasts.
- The Jameson Distillery Bow St. is wheelchair accessible.
- Children are welcome on distillery tours, providing they are accompanied by an adult.
Limerick
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O'Connell Bridge
- O’Connell Bridge is a must for sightseers and history buffs.
- Bring a camera as the bridge is a great spot for photo opportunities with the River Liffey as a backdrop.
- It’s possible to walk, drive, or take public transit across the bridge.
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
Founded in 1877, Dublin’s Archaeology branch of the National Museum of Ireland houses a vast and varied collection of precious archaeological finds. See well-preserved Iron Age bog bodies, Celtic gold jewelry, and other ancient treasures such as the eighth-century Ardagh Chalice, which was used to dispense altar wine, and the intricately detailed Tara Brooch.
The Basics
A common stop on hop-on hop-off tour bus routes of Dublin, this museum is designed to be explored independently. Tours and talks are held here occasionally, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Two of the three other branches of the National Museum of Ireland are also located in Dublin: the Natural History Museum on Merrion Square is a 10-minute walk, while the Decorative Arts and History location at Collins Barracks is about a 15-minute drive.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of Ireland is a must-visit for history and archaeology buffs, and anyone curious about Celtic art.
- All ground-floor galleries are accessible to wheelchair users, though the second floor is not.
- The museum houses a gift shop and a café serving locally sourced food.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Ireland is located on Kildare Street in Dublin. Take the Luas (tram) Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green and walk five minutes to the museum, or take the Red Line to Abbey Street and walk 10 minutes. Dublin Pearse railway station is just 10 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
The National Museum is open year-round. It attracts most visitors during the peak summer tourist season, and is busiest on weekends. Come on a weekday morning to experience the exhibits without the crowds.
The Bog Bodies
Among the most attention-grabbing exhibits in the museum’s collection are the bog bodies. These well-preserved Iron Age human figures were pulled from peat in the Irish countryside. As well as the jarring visible details—you can still see fingernails and even hair—they are also fascinating because of their backstories: according to archaeologists and historians, it’s likely they were victims of torture and ritual sacrifice.
Kilkenny
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O'Connell Street
- O’Connell Street is a must for shopping enthusiasts, history buffs, and sightseers.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as this street is best explored on foot.
- With wide, paved sidewalks and a central pedestrianized mall, O’Connell Street is easy for wheelchair users to navigate.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
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Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
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Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum
- Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum is a must for travelers with an interest in Irish history.
- Book a tour in advance to secure a spot at your preferred time.
- The ship is not wheelchair accessible.
Number Twenty Nine
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Kinsale
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Jameson Experience
- The Jameson Experience is a must for whiskey-lovers.
- The distillery has free Wi-Fi, parking, and an on-site restaurant.
- Tours visit indoor and outdoor areas, so bring along rain gear.
- The distillery is wheelchair accessible.
Kilmainham Gaol
- Entrance to Kilmainham Gaol is by guided tour only; visitors should arrive 15 minutes before their tour is scheduled to start.
- A café is located on the first floor, near the museum entrance.
- The ground floor of Kilmainham Gaol is wheelchair accessible; tours for limited-mobility visitors must be arranged in advance.
Leacanabuaile Fort
- Leacanabuaile Fort is fun families with children, who will enjoy running around the ruins.
- Take a camera to capture images of the neighboring Cahergall Fort from the ramparts of Leacanabuaile.
- Bring waterproof walking shoes and rain gear in case of wet weather.
National Gallery of Ireland
- The National Gallery of Ireland is a must for fine-art lovers.
- A café and gallery shop can be found in the museum’s Millennium Wing.
- Sunday is family day at the museum, with kid-friendly tours and drop-in activities.
- The National Gallery of Ireland is wheelchair accessible.
Howth
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Killarney National Park
- Killarney National Park is a must-visit for walkers, wildlife lovers, and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rainproof gear, as the weather here can be unpredictable.
- Day tours typically last between six and 11 hours.
- Most areas of Muckross House are accessible to wheelchair users. Ross Castle has only limited accessibility.
James Joyce Centre
- James Joyce Centre is a must for literary fans and Joyce enthusiasts.
- In addition to the permanent exhibits, special Joyce-related exhibits are often shown at the house.
- The ground floor of the building is accessible via ramp, though the exhibition spaces on the upper floors are accessible only by stairs.
Malahide Castle and Gardens
- Malahide Castle makes a great day-trip destination for history buffs and gardening enthusiasts.
- Malahide Castle tours last 45 minutes.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring rainproof gear so you can explore the grounds, no matter the weather.
- A visitor center, Avoca café, children’s playground, and shop are located on the estate.
- Special events, such as concerts, take place on occasion.
- The castle is wheelchair accessible.
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
- The Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is a must for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
- Pick up a floor plan on arrival to help plan your visit.
- The museum has a cloakroom, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities.
- There is seating in most of the galleries.
- All galleries in the museum are wheelchair accessible.