Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
Lisburn
What it’s like
Free museum inside a 17th-century market house where kids can walk under old stone arches and see how Irish linen was made.
You wander through the story of flax and linen, from the raw plant to the finished cloth, inside Lisburn's old Market House. The building itself is part of the fun, walking under the arches of a place that's stood there since the 1600s. There are weaving and spinning workshops to catch too, which turn a look-round-a-museum morning into something a bit more hands-on.
It's free to get in, though they'll take a donation at reception if you fancy leaving one. That makes it an easy add-on to a Lisburn day out rather than something you have to plan your whole budget around. Last entry is 4:45pm and it's open Monday to Saturday, closed on 13 and 14 July if you're timing a visit around that.
There's no café on site, but the museum points you towards the town's cafés and restaurants, so you're not stuck if a snack break is needed. The building has full disabled access, a manual wheelchair on request, and a hearing loop. Parking is on-street and limited, though blue badge holders get free parking on the south side.
If you're bringing a dog, leave it at home unless it's a service dog. They look after textiles and taxidermy here, and even a friendly dog can carry in pests that damage that kind of collection. Groups of over five can book ahead, and there's a separate setup for coach parties with free guided tours thrown in.
Facilities
Need to know
- Last entry
- 4:45pm
- Parking
- Local on-street parking available but limited
- Wheelchairs
- Manual wheelchair available for use
- Dogs
- Service dogs only allowed in the museum
- Closed on 13 and 14 July every year
- Street parking nearby is limited, but blue badge holders get free parking on the south side
- Coach groups can drop off at the south side and park free a short walk away
- A hearing loop is fitted for visitors who need it
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
It's free to get in. There's a donation box at reception if you want to contribute.
Do we need to book?
Not for a regular family visit, turn up during opening hours. Groups of over five people do need to book ahead.
Is there a café at the museum?
There isn't one on site, but the town nearby has plenty of cafés and restaurants.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, full disabled access throughout the building, plus a manual wheelchair available on request at reception.
Can we bring the dog?
Only service dogs are allowed inside, as the collections include textiles and taxidermy that are vulnerable to pests.
What time is last entry?
Last entry is 4:45pm, with the museum open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am.
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