The principal museums of archaeological interest. Additional museums are listed in the Regional section.
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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND -
Information for visitors, and descriptions of the Museum's four divisions: Archaeology, Decorative Arts and History, Country Life, Natural History.
There is a searchable database of a sample of finds from all collections, with descriptions and illustrations.
- ULSTER MUSEUM
The different periods of Irish archaeology are described here, along with items from the museum's extensive archaeological collection. The site includes
visitor information and descriptions of educational facilities, and there are links to other museums in the National Museums Northern Ireland group.
- DUBLINIA
is an exhibition about mediaeval Dublin, recreating the sights, sounds and smells of both the Viking and later period, often with costumed guides
such as Olaf the Viking. Original artifacts are on display (lent by the National Museum). Dublinia offers a range of school tours and educational
activities, and runs FETAC courses for tour guides. It is situated in the former Christ Church synod hall, on the site of the mediaeval church of
St Michael the Archangel.
Facebook page
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The HUNT MUSEUM,
in Limerick, houses what was once the private collection of John and Gertrude Hunt. It is wildly eclectic, ranging from a XII Dynasty Egyptian figure
to a couple of Picasso drawings, but it does include an important collection of Irish archaeological material such as Neolithic flints and Bronze Age
material, including a Bronze Age shield and cauldron, and later Christian objects such as the unique 9th century Antrim Cross. The complete collection
is now available online.
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The KERRY COUNTY MUSEUM
aims to collect, record, preserve, display and communicate material relating to the archaeological, historical and cultural heritage of County Kerry.
The permanent collection charts the history of Kerry from the Mesolithic to 1949. The town of Tralee was only established in the 13th century. Nothing
survives of Mediaeval Tralee except for a few stones from the Dominican Friary, but in the museum's Medieval Experience you can stroll through the
streets, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of a bustling medieval community. You can find out what people wore, what they ate and where they
lived, and why the Fitzgeralds, the Earls of Desmond, who founded the town, also destroyed it.
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LIMERICK CITY MUSEUM -
Part of the Limerick City Council website, this gives details of the museum and gives access to a searchable online museum catalogue. Approximately
50,000 items are listed, ranging in date from the Middle Stone Age to the present day. Most items are illustrated by photographs or scans. The
database may be searched by keyword, name, catagory, location [provenance] or period.
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LOUTH COUNTY MUSEUM, Dundalk. Details of exhibitions,
opening hours, and what to do if you want to donate an artifact.
Another website for this museum.
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MONAGHAN COUNTY MUSEUM -
Award-winning museum displaying many artifacts from the region, including the 14th-century Cross of Clogher. Small website which is part of the
County Council website. Details about the museum, current and past exhibitions, and pictures of 'mystery objects' with the answers on another page.
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The WATERFORD MUSEUM OF TREASURES
is a modern museum with a well-displayed collection of prehistoric and mediaeval (especially Viking) material. The city centre was extensively
excavated between 1986 and 1992 and many of the finds are exhibited here. The website includes some photographs of the exhibition galleries.
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The IRISH MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION
is a voluntary body representing musums in Ireland. It maintains a comprehensive database of museums, historic houses, and other venues with public
exhibitions/collections, across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Association also provides information and support for those seeking
to improve their museum, and advertises vacancies. The IMA publishes an annual journal Museum Ireland and a twice-yearly Newsletter.
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The NORTHERN IRELAND MUSEUMS COUNCIL
is a company with charitable status, principally funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure for Northern Ireland. Its main aim is to
support local museums in maintaining and improving their standards. The Council provides grants, training and an accreditation scheme.
Thaddeus C. Breen
Comments and suggestions, please, to tbreen@xs4all.nl
Last revised 6 August 2010
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