Experience the history of Munster Vales! /

The nights may be getting dark earlier and the weather may be getting colder, but for anyone planning to visit Munster Vales during the winter months, there is still plenty to do and see in the region.

Munster Vales, the area encompassing the Comeragh, Knockmealdown, Galtee, Ballyhoura and Nagles mountain ranges in the south of Ireland, has several fascinating museums and heritage sites where you can learn all about the region’s history.

We’ve outlined some of the many great places to visit during the winter months for a fun and educational vacation.

The Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, Tipperary

Located in the Clonmel Civic Center of Tipperary, this state-of-the-art visitor experience brings Tipperary’s rich hidden history to life through characters and stories. Founded in the 1940s, visitors can immerse themselves in stories of castles and conquests, bravery, superstition, murder and death. You can also learn all about rural life in 19th century Tipperary and ‘meet’ a host of characters from the worlds of sports and entertainment. The collection is also one of the largest museum collections in Ireland.

The de Valera Museum & Bruree Heritage Centre, Limerick

The Éamon de Valera Museum and Bruree Heritage Center is a must see museum for anyone interested in politics. The museum contains a unique and fascinating collection of de Valera’s personal belongings, along with a variety of items documenting life in Bruree in the early 1900s. Located where Éamon de Valera grew up, the Visitor Center uses audiovisuals, graphic panels, and displays of personal memorabilia from history to tell its fascinating story. The cottage where he once lived is now preserved and the national school he attended is now also a museum dedicated to his memory.

Thomas Fitzgerald Museum, Limerick

Also in Limerick is the Thomas Fitzgerald Museum in Bruff. Thomas Fitzgerald was the grandfather of John F. Kennedy and this museum is dedicated to his memory and to the world famous family. The museum contains a photographic exhibit from when JFK visited Limerick in 1963, the Fitzgerald family tree mural, and an exhibit from Caroline Kennedy’s visit in 2013. There is also a life-size bronze statue of JFK and interestingly the bible that is part of the statue is the one Thomas Kennedy brought with him in 1852 when he emigrated from Bruff to Boston! The Visitor Center is an absolute must for anyone interested in the Kennedy family and learning about their connection to the region.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

If you are reading this article anywhere other than A Luxury Travel Blog, chances are this content has been stolen without permission.

Please note the web address above and contact A Luxury Travel Blog to notify them of this issue.

Thank you for helping us fight content theft.

Lismore Heritage Centre, Waterford

Located in the old courthouse, Lismore Heritage Center gives you the chance to tour Lismore Castle virtually and learn all about its fascinating history with the brilliant Lismore Castle Experience. You may not know that the castle was once the home of Broadway performer Adele Astaire and John F. Kennedy’s sister Kathleen Kennedy. Be sure to also do the Lismore Guided Town Tour where you’ll learn all about the Viking invasions and Lismore’s 12th century Roundhill Norman Settlement. Another highlight is the Robert Boyle Escape Room, where you can see if you can help the famous scientist solve some of the most puzzling scientific questions.

Nano Nagle Birthplace, Cork

If you’re looking for a place to relax from the stresses of modern life, a visit to the birthplace of Nano Nagles might be for you. The center gives visitors the opportunity to reconnect with life through reflection and the discovery of new depths. The heritage center offers retreats, cosmic walks and events. Nano Nagle was born in Ballygriffin in the 18th century. She opened her first school in 1754 and taught children during the day and visited and cared for the sick at night. She also founded the Sisters of the Presentation in 1775. Her contribution to education has even led some historians to note her important work in saving Irish culture and the center wants to continue her work.

There is absolutely no shortage of places to discover the history and heritage of Munster Vales, and we hope you will soon consider visiting us and experiencing it for yourself.

Tríona O’Mahony is Munster Vales’ Destination & Marketing Manager. The main aim of Munster Vales is to promote the geographical area as a unique brand, connecting counties Waterford, Tipperary, Cork and Limerick and everything in between.

If you would like to become a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to boost your profile, please contact us.