Ballyjamesduff
The mission of
Cavan County Museum is to "collect,
conserve and ultimately display the material heritage and culture of Co. Cavan
and its environs, for the benefit of the public.
Exhibition galleries feature unique artifacts dating from the stone age up
until the twentieth century, material spanning over 6000 wars of occupation in
Cavan. Displays of notable interest
include the Killycluggin stone and the three-faced Corleck Head, two of the
most recognisable examples of Celtic spirituality in the country."
Cavan County Museum houses a fine collection of Gaelic Football memorabilia, some rare prehistoric Celtic jewelry, and even an archaeological display of treasures like the rare Sheela-na-gig, the three-faced Corleck Head, a sliotar (hurling ball) made of animal hair, and a replica of the famous Killycluggin Stone (carved in the La Tene Celtic artwork style and said to have been bashed by St. Patrick).
One absolutely striking feature of the museum is the galleries, depicting everyday culture, customs, dress, and traditions of critical periods in Ireland's rich history. These include a Medieval Gallery, 17th Century Gallery, Famine Gallery, and Archaeology Gallery.
With such impressive collections-visual and historical feasts-this is a stellar example of conservation and preservation of material heritage. Storytelling and clay modelling, available when requested, along with art shows featuring local artists of all types, distinguish the Cavan County Museum as destination worthy.
Contact details:
Tel: 353 49 8544070
Fax: 353 49 8544332
Email: ccmuseum@eircom.net
How to get there:
From Dublin: N3 to Cavan Town; from Belfast: A3 to Cavan Town. Well signposted. Museum is located outside of Cavan Town on Virginia Road in Balleyjamesduff.
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007