Killarney Museums

(Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland)

Being a small town, there are understandably only a handful of museums located in Killarney, but all of these are family orientated and perfect for holiday makers. Muckross Traditional Farms, located near Muckross House, has the best scope for a day of learning about old crafts and daily life on a farm in County Kerry.

There is also a large model railway museum in Killarney, which is surprisingly presented as one of the world's largest and most impressive. Visitors may also like to check out the Museum of Irish Transport and its nostalgic vintage vehicles.

Muckross Traditional Farms

Address: Kenmare Road, Killarney, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 064 663 1440
Although Muckross Traditional Farms is not strictly a museum, it successfully recreates the farm life of old County Kerry. This site is near Muckross House and features attractive barns and farmhouses constructed with great attention to detail. All of the fields are worked and a carpenter, a blacksmith and a wheelwright (a person who repairs wheels) all work onsite. The kitchens are accurately represented and farm animals keep younger visitors entertained. Of note, the farms can be combined with Muckross House on the same ticket if you plan on visiting.
Open hours: daily, April, May, September and October - 13:00 to 18:00; June to August - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students, seniors, children, and families

Model Railway Museum

Address: Beech Road, Killarney, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 064 663 4000
This model railway museum has incredible detail and appeals to both adults and kids alike. Miniature trains run through a European landscape via the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Swiss Alps, other noted landmarks and, of course, Killarney's main sights. Visitors can push buttons and get in on the action. The Model Railway is easy to find, being conveniently close to the New Street car park, and comprises more than 50 trains and around 1.5 km / 1 mile of track. There is also Scalextric racing and other indoor entertainment, as well as a model shop.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students, children and seniors, children under three years old free

Museum of Irish Transport

Address: Scotts Gardens, Killarney, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 064 663 2638
Just a short walk from the Railway Station and off East Avenue Road, the Museum of Irish Transport is one attraction for automobile buffs, being packed with a well-preserved collection of vintage, veteran and classic cars. These cars include a Silver Stream and a Wolseley Siddeley, both of which are more than 100 years old. Visitors will also find a number of old motorbikes and bicycles, along with a recreated garage from the 1930s, complete with authentic tools, oil cans and even a calendar from that period.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children