The history of Ireland goes as far back as the earliest civilizations. What better way to learn more about Ireland than to visit its many museums. National treasures have been painstakingly preserved in the museums found throughout the island. From pre-history to ancient Celtic times, to early Christianity, past conquests to recent modern history, Ireland’s many museums provide everything there is to discover about Ireland’s rich heritage.
The National Museum of Ireland in Dublin has two sites. The first site on Kildare Street exhibits artifacts of Celtic and medieval art interspersed with the history of Ireland’s independence. The second site in Collins Barracks displays decorative arts ranging from ceramics, silver, glassware, period furniture and weaponry.
The Natural History Museum in Dublin founded in 1857 houses collection of animals from all over the world, some now extinct. Examples are the rabbits, the grizzly bear, the basking shark and the giant Irish elk.
The James Joyce Museum stores a collection of Joyce’s mementos. The museum is located in Sandycove, Dublin. It is closed from November through March.
The County Museum in Dundalk, County Louth is housed in a restored 18th century warehouse where the history of County Louth is detailed.
The Donaghmore Workhouse Museum in County Laois was erected in 1853 to feed and provide shelter to 400 paupers. The house displays horse-drawn farm implements and native household goods from the past.
The Irish National Stud and Horse Museum in Tully, county Kildare shows the skeleton of the celebrated steeplechaser, Arkle.
The Cobh Museum in County Cork is housed in the old Scots Presbyterian Church. A collection of paintings, models and photographs of maritime history is displayed in this museum. The harbor in Cobh became the assembly point for fleets sailing the open seas during the Napoleonic Wars.
The Hunt Museum at the National Institute of Higher Education Complex in Limerick , County Limerick houses an international collection of major art and antiques dating from pre-Christian times up to the 20th century. It is a personal collection of John and Gertrude Hunt first presented to the public in 1976.
The Limerick Museum, a restored Georgian edifice at Castle Lane in County Limerick features an extensive display of the history of Limerick City and its surrounding neighbors starting from the Stone Age up to the 20th century.
County Galway takes pride in its Dartfield House Museum. This complex puts on view life-size replicas of the first horses in Ireland vis-Ã -vis its evolution. Different breeds of horses are also showcased.
The Famine Museum in Strokestown, County Roscommon displays the original documents and images of The Great Hunger.
Fort Dun Ri Military Museum in Buncrana, County Donegal was built during the Napoleonic Wars by the British. They occupied the fort until the 1930’s when it was taken over by the Irish Army. In the museum can be seen a large collection of artifacts detailing the history of coastal defense.
Belfast in Northern Ireland is home to Ulster Museum. The museum showcases an expansive collection of Irish archaeology, to decorative arts and treasures from the Spanish Armada and natural sciences.
Ballymoney Museum and Heritage Center in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland displays artifacts dating back to the earliest human settlements in Ireland.