#MuseumWeekend
On my travels around Ireland researching The Darkness Echoing I visited hundreds of museums and heritage sites. In advance of #MuseumWeekend I thought I’d highlight some of them. Some of those listed below are well-known, others are a little off the beaten track, but all are well worth visiting. You can find out more about them by clicking on the links (or even better by buying a copy of The Darkness Echoing and using it to guide you on your way around Ireland’s history and heritage!)
Not all sites are open (and those that are have certain restrictions) so make sure to check websites or call in advance to make sure you’re not off on a wild goose chase (it has happened to me many, many times!)
Athlone Castle, Co. Westmeath – There are excellent displays to see with interesting information on the 1690 & 1691 Sieges of Athlone & more generally on Athlone history (and some of the best mannequins I’ve seen (& I’ve seen a lot!)). There are also lots of costumes for kids to try on!
Carromore Megalithic Tombs, Co. Sligo – A megalithic site that’s older than Newgrange (as you will be told several times!) Take a tour if you can – the tour I was on included a great mix of history, mythology and archaeology.
Dunbrody Famine Ship, New Ross, Co. Wexford – A well-oiled machine. This is a very well put together package with a guide, some video and panel text to prepare visitors before they climb aboard the replica famine ship and meet several of those who sailed to America from Waterford in the 1840s.
Dunmore Caves, Co. Kilkenny – A great mix of geology and history, with an intriguing mystery at its core. How did hundreds of people come to die in the cave and how much treasure is yet to be uncovered?
Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal – Glorious landscape and an interesting hunting lodge – a dark tale lies behind the pristine natural beauty.
Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, Co Galway - Well worth doing a tour of the Workhouse. Learn about life in the workhouse as you travel from the Boardroom through the schoolroom and the yards to the dormitories. There are fascinating stories and the site itself is well worth seeing.
Kilkenny Famine Experience, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Kilkenny - A unique and fascinating experience. Be guided through the Kilkenny Workhouse through audio and video while you walk around the shops and food court in the shopping centre. It’s well worth your time.
Youghal Clock Gate Tower, Co. Cork – It’s a tiny museum, but it tells a myriad of stories. Learn about the history of Youghal and the Clock Gate Tower itself. There are stories of trade, of imprisonment and what it was like to grow up living in the tower. And on a clear day the view from the top is marvelous.
