ALONG WITH THE departure of Christmas comes the departure of many of its family friendly activities, from visiting Santa to going ice-skating.
If you’re stuck for things to do to keep the whole family entertained, fear not. We’ve rounded up six of the best kid-friendly museums around Ireland.
We reckon you’ll enjoy these spots as much as the little ones do…
Imaginosity: Known as Dublin Children’s Museum, Imaginosity is spread over three floors and features 19 educationally designed interactive exhibit spaces, including an art studio, children’s theatre and child-sized post office, butcher and bank. Booking in advance is strongly advised.
Suits: up to 9 years. When: Tuesday-Sunday. Where: The Plaza, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Costs: adults €8; children (3 years +) €8; toddlers €6; babies €2. Find more information here.
The Little Museum of Dublin: Explore the history of the capital with a guided tour around The Little Museum of Dublin. It isn’t so ‘little’, really, with over 5,000 items on display over three floors. Younger members of the family will be kept busy with worksheets. Book in advance to guarantee admission.
Suits: 4 years +. When: Monday-Sunday. Where: 15 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Costs: adult €10; children €8. Find more information here.
King of the Vikings: Immerse yourself in the Viking age with a virtual reality experience set in a reconstructed Viking house. You’ll learn all about what Waterford was like 1100 years ago. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Suits: 7 years +. When: Saturdays and Sundays. Where: 10 Bailey’s New Street. Costs: €7 per person. Find out more information here.
Irish Military War Museum: History buff or not, all members of the family will enjoy a trip to the Irish Military War Museum, where you’ll learn about Ireland’s involvement in both World Wars, as well as other military conflicts throughout history. Guests have the opportunity to drive a tank (booking required), take an audio tour and see genuine uniforms, equipment and hardware from the wars.
Suits: 4 years +. When: Saturdays and Sundays throughout January, Tuesday-Sunday thereafter. Where: Starinagh, Collon. Costs: adult €10; children €5. Find more information here.
Nano Nagle Exhibition: Introduce your kids to a slice of Cork history. Nano Nagle devoted her life to helping those less fortunate, and by the time of her death in 1784, had opened seven schools across Cork city, founded The Institute of Charitable Instruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and opened charitable accommodation for poor women. The exhibition will tell you all about her life, as well as life in 18th century Cork. There are interactive screens and a colouring area for kids.
Suits: 4 years +. When: Tuesday – Sunday. Where: Douglas Street, Cork City. Costs: adults €7.50; children (5 years +) €5; under 5s go free. Find more information here.
Old Irish Ways Museum: Delve into Irish history through the medium of various artifacts and collectibles from throughout the years at the Old Irish Ways Museum. Visit an old-style classroom, pub, kitchen and more as you take a walk through memory lane while younger members of the family experience a taste of what Irish life used to be like.
Suits: 4 years +. When: contact for opening hours. Where: Caherguillamore, Bruff. Costs: €5 per person. Find more information here.
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