For an alternative approach to sightseeing, visitors’ centres mark a novel approach. Let experts do the work for you, giving you insights into local attractions that you might never have discovered on your own. Below you will find details of some of Ireland’s best visitors’ centres.
Newtownstewart Gateway Centre & Museum
Grange Court Complex, 21-27 Moyle Road, Newtownstewart, Tyrone
Newtownstewart is an area steeped in history and legend, and appropriately the Gateway centre and museum presents a unique display of artefacts dating from the 19th century. The “Dunbar Collection” is a delightful exhibition of Victoria, militaria, old toys, packaging and photographic equipment that together form a themed display of yesteryear. The centre also houses a recreation of a traditional farmhouse kitchen with its “half door” and ever present life-like “Alice”. Additionally Newtownstewart provides an ideal base for exploring the treasures of the Sperrins, of which gold is reputed to be one.
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Glendalough, Wicklow
Glendalough, famous for its monastic site founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, has a round tower, stone churches, and numerous crosses. The visitor centre houses an exhibition and an audio-visual show.
The centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. There is also a car/coach park close to the site.
The Old Bushmills Distillery
2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, Antrim
Visitors to the Old Bushmills Distillery experience for themselves the craft and skills of making an Irish single malt whiskey.
This the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, established by King James I in April 1608. Situated just a mile from the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, the distillery lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty rich in history and folklore.
Mizen Vision
The Mizen Head Visitor Centre, Mizen Head, Goleen, Cork
Mizen Head Signal Fog Station dates back to 1910 and is now open to the public.
The Mizen Vision Centre in the Keepers’ House and the Engine Room, the famous Suspension Bridge, the 99 Steps, and the breathtaking views along the south and west coasts guarantee a unique and authentic experience.
Royal Tara China Visitor Centre
Connolly Avenue, Mervue, Galway, Galway
Royal Tara has been making fine bone china in Galway since 1953.
The Royal Tara gift centre can be found the 18th-century Tara Hall - the old home of the Joyces, a Galway tribe. Tara Hall has a wonderful setting and has a private car park for your convenience.
Fine bone china with Irish patterns are available for sale, together with wood carved gifts called Islandcraft, Clara Ceramics gifts, and Clara stained glass gifts.
Irish National Stud And Japanese Gardens
Tully, Kildare, Kildare
The Japanese Gardens of Tully were designed by Colonel William Hillwalker between 1906 and 1910 and laid out by the Japanese Eida and his son Minoru. Planned to symbolise the life of Man, the landscapes are now of international renown and are acclaimed as the finest Gardens in Europe.
The Irish National Stud Company was formed in 1945. Its primary aim was to promote the interests of the Irish Bloodstock industry with a view to improving the quality of bloodstock in Ireland by providing the services of the highclass stallions on the farm.
The Stud at Tully consists of 958 acres of land, as well as 288 boxes for the accommodation of mares, foals, and stallions.
Navan Centre and Fort
81 Killylea Road, Armagh, BT60 4LD, Armagh
The Navan Centre interprets one of Ireland’s most important ancient monuments, Navan Fort, the Ancient capital and seat of the Kings of Ulster. From the ‘Real World’ of archaeology travel to the ‘Other World’ to hear legends of the Ulster Cycle. Visit the unique Iron Age/Early Christian period dwelling and, through Living History interpretation, learn about a past life. Finally, walk the path of history to the Navan Fort, the Ancient Seat of the Kings. Exhibitions are multilingual.
The Box in the Docks
Waterways Irelands Visitor Centre, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, Dublin
The Box in the Docks is an exciting visitor attraction located in Dublin’s city centre at Grand Canal Dock just off Pearse Street. The centre is an award-winning architectural structure which floats on the waters of Grand Canal Dock.
The centre takes visitors on a informative journey of Ireland’s inland waterways. The exhibit features child-friendly inter-actives, environmental displays, and much more.
