The Butter Museum — Attraction in Cork

Make sure you know about live presentation date and time! During my recent visit to the Irish Butter Museum in Cork, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I learned about one of Ireland’s most iconic exports. The museum, located in the heart of Cork, offers a delightful and quirky insight into the history, culture, and craftsmanship behind Irish butter. From the moment I stepped in, the museum had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff eager to share their knowledge. The exhibits were well-curated and informative, covering everything from the ancient butter-making processes to the modern-day success of brands like Kerrygold. One of the highlights for me was seeing the traditional butter churns and learning about the complex process that turns milk into the golden product we know and love today. The museum is not overwhelmingly large, making it easy to explore at your own pace. There are also interactive displays that provide a hands-on learning experience, which I found particularly engaging. For anyone interested in Irish food culture or the country’s agricultural history, this museum is a hidden gem. I also enjoyed the small gift shop at the end, where you can purchase various butter-related products, from artisanal butters to themed souvenirs. Overall, I highly recommend visiting the Irish Butter Museum, especially if you’re in Cork and looking for something unique and educational. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a history buff, or just curious, it offers a charming and...

The Butter Museum, located in Cork’s historic Shandon district, offers a fascinating look into Ireland’s butter-making heritage—from traditional methods to the global success of Kerrygold.

Tickets: Adults: €5 | Students/Seniors: €4 | Children: €2 Kids under 12 go free with family Group rates available with prior booking

Opening Hours: March–April & Nov: Wed–Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 11:00–16:00 May–Oct: Mon–Sat 10:00–16:00, Sun 11:00–16:00 Dec–Feb: Sat & Sun only Bank Holiday Mondays: 11:00–16:00

Parking: No on-site parking, but street parking and public car parks are nearby. Use Cork’s parking app or discs for metered zones (approx. €2.50/hour).

Facilities: Fully accessible with clean, modern toilets.

Overall: A quirky, educational stop that showcases an important part of Irish culture. Great for families, tourists, and anyone curious about...

This is exactly the sort of offbeat destination my husband likes to pick, & as usually happens, I enjoyed it, despite having doubts going in. The museum is in the old Butter Exchange building in Cork, and exactly what the Butter Exchange was & why it was central to Ireland's success gets clearly explained.

There's a video of old-fashioned churning (wish there'd been a demonstration or a try-it-yourself, but understand that would be very expensive), testimonies of fairies & witches 'stealing' the butter from the churns, all sorts of historical tools, displays about the history of cattle stealing -- and the crock of 1,000 year old butter. I kid you not.

So, if you want to know what exactly Kerrygold butter is, and why it tastes so good (mmm, Irish butter), spend a little time here....