NI’s Best Museum Visits
Northern Ireland is home to an excellent selection of museums. As the weather gets colder and cosy indoors become more attractive, it is a good season to explore some of the best museums across Northern Ireland. What's more, many of the museums have special events and exhibitions to check out these coming months.
From castles to dinosaurs and aeroplanes to local artefacts, there is so much to explore and experience at Northern Ireland's museums. If you’re in need of a culture fix or just searching for something fun to do with loved ones, here are five of NI’s best museum visits.
1. Titanic Belfast, County Antrim
If you are a local and have still not visited Titanic Belfast then now is the time!
Explore the hands-on displays and underwater exploration theatre with the award-winning walking Discovery Tour, or take your time and make your way through the exhibitions at a calm and leisurely pace. Walk along re-created decks and cabins and discover real stories from survivors of the sinking ship.
Find out more information on the Titanic Belfast website.
2. Enniskillen Castle Museum, County Fermanagh
If you’re looking for a great day out with the family, a trip to the Enniskillen Castle Museum is an excellent choice. Despite being situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, you’re guaranteed more than just breath-taking views.
The castle was built 600 years ago and includes key artefacts ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. Feel like royalty for the day and take the whole family to explore inside the stone walls of this mesmerising historical castle.
Find out more on the Enniskillen Castle Museum website.
3. Ulster American Folk Park, County Tyrone
Immerse yourself in the story of Irish emigrants who braved the rough seas to America during the Irish Famine with a visit to the
Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh. Here, you’ll wander through the streets and pop into thatched cottages, meeting lots of historical characters along the way. The open-air museum has 30 buildings and exhibitions to explore, so you’ll have plenty to keep you busy during your visit.
Check out more details on the
Ulster American Folk Park museum website.
4. Ulster Museum, Belfast, County Antrim
Nestled in the heart of Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a smart way to fill up a free morning or afternoon.
The exhibition spaces are often filled with great art, photography and artefacts that will easily fill up a few hours. Not to mention the museum's cute gift shop for an opportunity to pick a few unique and thoughtful gifts.
Bring little ones to the Discovery Zones in the museum to find out more about more about nature, science, and for an opportunity to explore their creative side.
Take a look on the Ulster Museum website for news on upcoming exhibitions and events coming up.
5. Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, County Down
The Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum is based in Lisburn’s Old Market House. The building was once a significant meeting and marketplace in the 17th-century. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in what life would have been like in yesteryear.
Free guided tours and workshops are on offer, making the museum an ideal day out if you want to try some weaving and spinning of your own.
Do you have a favourite museum in Northern Ireland? Share your recommendation on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #SmarterLiving and we might just share it.