The exhibits at the museum – The galleries at Dartfield, the Historic Horse Museum and Irish Heritage Centre, are filled with exhibits that will fascinate visitors of every age. Colourful graphic panels display information about the evolution of the Irish horse, its use through history and how the different horse breeds developed. There are exhibits of historic farm machinery and carriages which will give visitors an insight into the vital role played by the Irish horse throughout history. Amongst the historic carriages is a brougham which once belonged to Lillie Langry.

Dartfield is dedicated to showcasing a world that is rapidly being forgotten in our fast paced modern society in an environment filled with Irish horses, Connemara ponies and some of Irelands unique dog breeds. Within the museum complex there are displays that show what life was like in the countryside with exhibits of carriages, farm machinery and cars as well as showing the old rural way of life. Discover what it was like to live in an old country cottage, or endure the famine. In conjunction with Galway University, we have a fabulous exhibition of the geology of Connemara, some of the rocks in this display are over 300 million years old. The museum has extensive galleries which are easily explored.

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, but please allow extra time for treasure hunt/farm walk/nature trail. Our friendly and courteous staff will be happy to advise on time to allow for the extra activities.

"Historic Museum (1800 - 1900's)

Our new exhibits cover all aspects of Irish Life in the 1800 and 1900's.
The Museum will house a huge range of exhibits that would have been commonly used in every day life during this period, with items detailing what life would have been like in the villages, shops and farms.

Horsepower is also exhibited at the museum. Around 1899 the horse began to see his work load lessening with the invention of the Horseless carriage. Dartfield houses a wide range of veteran cars dating from 1901 – 1930 during this period the Horseless Carriage became known as the motor car. 2008 is the 100th Anniversary of Ford Model T’s. Henry Ford, a farmer’s son from Cork was the original Founder of the Ford Car Company. The Model T Ford was the most Famous Car of it's time manufactured in 1908 - 1927. 16 Million Model T cars were manufactured in total by Ford. Dartfield is commemorating this with a fantastic exhibition of veteran cars.