 |
To make a contribution to this section please email: editor@currane.net |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
The Museum of Country Life (opened in September 2001) is the first branch of the National Museum of Ireland to be located outside Dublin. |
||
|
Romanticism and Reality: |
Life in the past was not always as simple and romantic as the media portrays, here we see how our ancestors struggled to survive. There is also an introduction to Folklore and Folklife and a demonstration of how many simple implements, for example fishing weights and spade heads have barely changed over the years. |
|
|
Activities in the Home: |
How homes were built, maintained and furnished, how families were fed and clothed, how women cared for the home and what trades and crafts were employed to support the home. |
|
|
Working on Land and Water: |
How food was grown and the crops harvested, how livestock was managed, how turf was cut and saved. How some turned to the sea for their harvest and livelihood and how some, who were craftsmen, made tools, boats, furniture and utensils. |
|
|
Life in the Community: |
How people lived in a close-knit community and how they celebrated and mourned together. Includes St Bridget's Day, St Patrick's Day, Easter, May Day, Lúnasa and Samhain traditional celebrations, also Christmas, Christenings, First Communions, weddings and wakes. |
|
|
The Times: |
The political and economic changes in Ireland. |
|
|
The Natural Environment: |
How life in rural Ireland was influenced by the landscape and it's resources. |
|
|
Forces of Change: |
How life in rural Ireland has changed due to migration from countryside to town, emigration, improved communications, transport developments and the coming of electricity. |
|
|
We had a great day out at The Museum of Country Life and highly recommend it. The next time you are in Currane and looking for something to do on a rainy day, this is well worth the trip. The galleries are well laid out in fantastic surroundings, the exhibits are fascinating and well planned with many interactive displays. The staff are friendly and helpful. The shop is well stocked with many books that would be difficult to get hold of elsewhere and there is a beautiful range of postcards for sale at a reasonable price that would make excellent framed pictures. We did not use the cafe facilities but they looked clean and welcoming. The free literature is readily available and very informative. There are a number of lectures and craft workshops that take place regularly. If you are planning a visit you may consider timing it to coincide with one of these events. You can join the Museum's mailing list by visiting the web site (details below). |
||
|
Address: |
The Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo |
|
|
For Info. Telephone: |
1890 687386 |
|
|
Email: |
||
|
Web Site: |
||
|
Opening Hours: |
Tuesday -Saturday: 10am- 5pm |
|
|
Guided Tours: |
Available during opening hours. |
|
|
Access: |
All Museum buildings are wheelchair accessible. |
|
|
Currane.net is the community web site for people of Currane, their friends and relatives, and anyone with an interest in the Currane area. |