Irish Linen Centre, Lisburn, Co Antrim
Museumologist Aidan Walsh says this is the only place in Ireland where visitors can see linen being crafted. Not only does it contain lots of beautiful pieces, but the audio-visuals poignantly evoke the era of child labour in the linen mills. Glamorous and gritty, says Walsh. Open: Mon-Sat, 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m. all year. Free admission. Tel: 048-92663377 (from Republic).
National Museum, Collins's Barracks, Dublin 7
Out on a limb relative to the city centre, this under-visited annexe of the National Museum houses a very fine decorative arts collection, including silver, country furniture and, most recently, fashion through the ages. Open: Tues-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun 2 p.m.-5 p.m. all year. Closed Mondays. Admission free. Tel: 016777444
Strokestown Park House, Strokestown, Co Roscommon
Though the Famine Museum here is not really a museum, in that it has very few artefacts on show, the house and its restored walled garden alone make Strokestown a must. Illuminating the relationship between landlord and tenants, it was a remarkable personal project by local garage owner Jim Callery, aided by the vision of Luke Dodd. Open: daily 11 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Apr-Oct. Prices: adult £3.25/child £1.50. Tel: 078-33013
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co Down
Much better than Bunratty Folk Park because all of the buildings are real, if painstakingly reconstructed, and there are new additions every year to this town-in-the-making at Cultra. The Transport Gallery provides a splendid home for Medb, Ireland's greatest steam engine, and now includes vintage cars - even the gull-winged DeLorean. Open: daily all year, times and prices vary. Tel: 048-90428428
Waterford Treasures, Merchants Quay, Waterford
Housed in a converted warehouse known as The Granary, this is a wonderful exhibition of artefacts from the halcyon days of Waterford, including the Catholic bishop's cape in cloth-of-gold, royal charters and numerous finds from archaeological excavations. Modern display techniques are used throughout to enhance the visitor experience. Open: daily, times vary. Prices: adult £4/child £2. Tel: 0513045000
