Best History Museum in Bunratty

"The Georgian Custom House in Newtown Pery contains a riveting collection of historical artefacts and art donated by the antique dealer and antiquarian John Hunt. Like the best museums the Hunt is a big mishmash, with more than 2,500 objects, as diverse as an Ancient Egyptian amulet, paintings by Renoir, Gauguin and Picasso, a bronze horse attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (but recently disproven) and tons of religious artefacts. One of the outstanding pieces is the Antrim Cross, made of bronze and enamel and produced in the 800s."

"Although named for its benefactors, this museum, opened in 1997, is also a treasure hunt. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers and otherwise poke around the finest collection of Bronze Age, Iron Age, medieval and modern art treasures outside Dublin. Highlights include a Syracusan coin claimed to have been one of the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for his betrayal of Christ, a Renoir study, a Gauguin painting, a Giacometti drawing and works by Picasso and Jack B Yeats."

"Peruse the three collections of the Hunt Museum on your own time with this prepaid pass. The ticket is valid anytime during opening hours and allows independent travelers to explore at their leisure. The collection contains a variety of items from Ireland and across the world, from paintings to sculptures to other curiosities."

"Although opened in 1916, the Limerick Museum has only been housed in its current location in the attractive old Henry Street friary since 2017. Regarded as one of the top free things to do in Limerick, this important local attraction focuses on collecting and preserving artifacts related to the city's long and rich history. With more than 60,000 items dating from the Stone Age right up to today, highlights of a visit include a chance to see a rare collection of Limerick lace, local silverware, as well as clothing and weaponry."

"Featuring exhibitions of the largest meteorite to ever fall on the British Isles, Stone Age and Iron Age archaeological artefacts, and the largest collection of Limerick lace, this museum has enough to keep you interested all day. Address: Henry St, Limerick"

"Within a 170-hectare forest 800m south of the centre, this stunning 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and landowners who engaged in harsh evictions and forced emigration of local people in the 19th century. There's a simple cafe and a garden centre. Woodland trails wind around the surrounding forest, which has a colourful array of plants including magnolias, acacias, acers, oaks, monkey puzzle trees, bamboo, ferns, banana trees, hydrangeas and a beech maze."

"28 O'Connell Street, Limerick V94 N8CC IrelandAsian, Thai, FusionLunch, Dinner, Late Night, DrinksDelivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service[email protected]+353 61 279 788http://www.lanathai.ie/"

"1-2 Lower Glentworth Street, Limerick V94 WF63 IrelandAsian, Thai, HealthyLunch, Dinner, DrinksDelivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Table Service[email protected]+353 61 591 043http://zozabb.ie"

"A glance at the Ireland of old is on offer at this riverside, long-ruined castle. Adare Desmond is essentially a shell of the old structure, but there’s enough left to justify tours, and the buildings and their surrounds make for a fantastic slightly off-the-beaten-track exploration. There’s a sacred fairy ring just around the corner, and very little development visible from the sight, giving this a real sense of the Ireland of its 13th century construction."

"Just outside the town of Adare (which we recommend in its own right, see below) Adare Desmond Castle is a 13th-century riverside fortress, now in ruins, sat right next to an ancient ring fort. Regular tours during the summer give an insight into the spot’s revolutionary history while an exhibition gives a sense of life at the castle through the Middle Ages."

"The mythical side of Irish life (which is still fairly widely loved, if perhaps seen locally as a little clichéd) is one of the great Irish experiences for many people. Terra Nova is a magical garden that contains an ancient fairy fort dating back thousands of years, though the addition of modern fairy statues and magical touches will probably entice most visitors. Atmospheric, to say the least."

"Limerick, winner of the Best Garden in Ireland, it is a magical day out for families and gardeners alike and is home to Ireland’s Largest Fairy Gift Shop."