James Larkin

The James Larkin gallery sits in Lisburn and Castlereagh, just outside Belfast - a space dedicated to the Irish labour leader whose statue you'll spot in Dublin. It's one of those places that catches you off guard if you're not specifically looking for it, which is a shame because the story here matters.

Inside, you'll find exhibits tracing Larkin's life from his early days through his activism and the workers' movements he championed. It's not a massive space - you can work through it in an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're properly engaged - but the displays are thoughtfully done. Photographs, documents, personal items tell the narrative of a man who genuinely changed how working people saw themselves.

This is squarely for history types and anyone with an interest in labour politics and Irish independence. Kids might find it a bit text-heavy unless they're already keen on the subject. Families doing a broader park-based holiday in the area - staying at Dundonald Touring Caravan Park or the glamping pods at Streamvale - could slot this in as a rainy afternoon option rather than a main event.

It's worth knowing that opening hours and admission fees aren't widely advertised, so ring ahead before you head over. Belfast's close enough that you could combine it with city attractions, but on its own, it's more of a purposeful visit than a passing stop. The location puts it within easy reach of the caravan parks though, which makes it convenient if you're based that way.