Free museums in Northern Ireland

The Botanic Gardens, a public garden in Belfast, Northern Ireland, spans 28 acres of south Belfast. This garden is a popular spot for office workers, students, and tourists alike. Its location on Stranmillis Road in Queen's Quarter, with Queen's University nearby, makes it easily accessible for visitors.

Explore this 332-hectare walled demesne dramatically set overlooking Strangford Lough and see the quirky mid Georgian mansion, home of the Ward family since the 16th century. An architectural curiosity, it is built inside and out in the distinctly different styles of classical and gothic. Children c

The Metropolitan Arts Centre, commonly known as the MAC, is a significant arts venue located in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast. It is a hub for a variety of artistic expressions, hosting a range of exhibitions, theatre performances, and experimental works. The MAC is a vibrant cultural hub in the city, providing a shared space for the community and visitors alike to engage with the arts.

Down County Museum is a museum in Downpatrick. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Maritime, Social History, Land Transport, Archives, Weapons and War, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Medicine, Costume and Textiles and Natural Sciences.

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum is a museum in Lisburn. The museum features exhibits related to Decorative and Applied Art, Archives, Personalities, Social History, Natural Sciences, Archaeology, Fine Art, Land Transport, Weapons and War, Science and Technology, Costume and Textiles, Coins and

The Johnston family’s decision to combine their traditional barbers skills with their interest in local railway history has led to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions. Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, Enniskillen has one of the largest collections of small Irish railway artef

Belfast Exposed, established in 1983, is a photography gallery located in Belfast. It holds the distinction of being Northern Ireland's first dedicated photographic gallery. This gallery has been a significant space for contemporary photography, as described by Sean O'Hagan in The Guardian in 2018.

Sentry Hill Historic House and Visitor Centre is a museum in Newtownabbey. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Archaeology, Weapons and War, Archives, Social History, Decorative and Applied Art and Literature.

The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum is a military museum situated in the Sovereign's House in Armagh, Northern Ireland. This museum is dedicated to the history and legacy of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, a regiment that has played a significant role in the military history of Ireland.

Newry and Mourne Museum is a museum in Newry. The museum features exhibits related to: costume and textiles, archaeology, maritime, archives and social history.

The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum is a military museum situated in the Sovereign's House in Armagh, Northern Ireland. This museum is dedicated to the history and legacy of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, offering a unique insight into the regiment's past.

Mid-Antrim Museum is a museum in Ballymena. The museum features exhibits related to: literature, fine art, music, trade and commerce, archives, land transport, archaeology, costume and textiles, agriculture, religion, coins and medals, law and order, photography, weapons and war, social history, dec

Ballycastle Museum is a museum in Ballycastle. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Social History and Decorative and Applied Art.

Ballymoney Museum is a museum in Ballymoney. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, natural sciences, archaeology, trade and commerce, photography, social history, costume and textiles, law and order, weapons and war and medicine. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: mo

The Ulster Aviation Society ('UAS') is a volunteer-run charitable organisation based in two historic World War II hangars at the former Maze prison site near Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Established in 1968, the Society is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Northern Ireland’s rich aviation heritag

North Down Museum exists to reflect, promote and protect North Down's historical, archaeological, artistic and cultural heritage. It's services will ideally cater for the widest possible cross-section of the local community, for visitors and for tourists. The North Down Museum features exhibits rela

Larne Museum and Arts Centre is a museum in Larne. The museum features exhibits related to: literature, industry, archaeology, land transport, weapons and war, archives, toys and hobbies, music, sport, agriculture, coins and medals, social history, maritime, photography and costume and textiles. Key

The Northern Ireland War Memorial, also referred to as the NI War Memorial and War Memorial, is a significant site located in Talbot Street, Belfast. Opened in 2007, it replaced an earlier building known as Memorial House, which was situated in Waring Street and was bombed during the Blitz in 1941. The memorial serves as a testament to the men and women of Northern Ireland who lost their lives in the two World Wars.

Palace Stables Heritage Centre is a museum in Armagh. The museum features exhibits related to: religion, weapons and war and social history.

The Roe Valley Country Park, located southwest of Limavady in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, is a forested area that encompasses a portion of the River Roe. This park is a natural haven, offering visitors a chance to explore the local flora and fauna, and enjoy the serene beauty of the river.

The Naughton Gallery, located at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland, serves as both an art gallery and museum. This cultural institution is a significant part of the university and offers a unique blend of art and history for visitors to explore.

Police Museum is a museum in Belfast. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, weapons and war, costume and textiles, land transport, personalities and social history.