Latest news with #NationalMuseumofIreland
Irish Independent
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Over 50 Mayo children's books to be showcased at Cruinniú na nÓg
June 7 will see the launch of The Children's Books of Mayo Map in the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar at 2pm. Led by Mayo County Library and Mayo County Council's Culture and Creativity Team, with the support of local authors, illustrators, publishers, and booksellers, the map aims to celebrate the unique literary landscape of Mayo and inspire children to visit their local libraries, discover new books, and explore the places that inspired these books. Local artist Melanie Whelan was commissioned to design and illustrate the Children's Books of Mayo Map. The launch of the map will include an exhibition called 'Islands of Imagination' showcasing the characters created by children during a series of workshops held across Mayo in the lead-up to the launch. Ms Whelan, who led the workshops, described the Children's Books of Mayo Map as 'a dream project'. Austin Vaughan, County Librarian and Creative Ireland Coordinator, Mayo County Council, described the project as 'a great way to celebrate the stories inspired by Mayo, and talent from Mayo'. Cruinniú na nÓg is a national day celebrating the creativity of young people, with events taking place around the country. A range of other creative activities and book readings will take place at in the National Museum of Ireland at 11.30am to 4pm to coincide with the launch of The Children's Books of Mayo Map. The Children's Books of Mayo Map features a diverse selection of books, ranging from illustrated storybooks to graphic novels, available in both English and Irish. A complete list of the featured books is provided on the back of the map.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
Go green in Dublin
100 Weekends in Europe by Lonely Planet spotlights green spaces in and around Dublin, Ireland. If you were to plan a weekend in Dublin, you'd imagine a city break. Maybe gazing at the archaeological treasures of the National Museum of Ireland, taking a stroll around the Trinity College campus, having a drink and taking in the top-floor view at the Guinness Storehouse ( or listening to music in a Temple Bar pub. All great Dublin experiences. But also worth including on your itinerary are the city's green spaces: St Stephen's Green, the most popular; Merrion Square, an elegant public garden; Herbert Park, full of locals enjoying outdoor sports; and Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. And there's much more greenery of the less manicured variety on Dublin's southern doorstep in County Wicklow, a wild land combining coastal splendour with a mountainous interior studded with chilly lakes, glacial valleys and the remains of an early monastic site. For a taste of this Garden of Ireland, set off on the Wicklow Way hiking trail ( from Rathfarnham on Dublin's outskirts and see how far you get. Hike in Glendalough In the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough (the valley of two lakes) is considered one of Ireland's most beautiful spots, thanks to its wild and romantic landscapes. It's also a great place to hike and to view the impressive ruins of an ancient monastic site and its famous round tower. The valley is crisscrossed by nine trails, the longest of which is about 10km long. Set off from the national park information centre ( near the upper lake carpark. A bus service (St Kevins bus; links Dublin to Glendalough twice a day in just under one hour, 30 minutes. Be intoxicated by Powerscourt Gardens The eminent 19th century horticulturist Daniel Robinson, creator of the splendid Powerscourt Gardens, was allegedly sometimes too drunk to stand in the exceptional gardens he designed. You too will be intoxicated by the terraces, statues, water features and grottoes of the vast green spaces Robinson created, where over 200 varieties of trees and plants grow. Elsewhere on the estate, seek out the 121m Powerscourt waterfall, accessed by road and footpath. From Enniskerry, 18km south of Dublin, it's a short walk to Powerscourt. Saunter through a coastal garden just outside Bray, a popular seaside resort with a long promenade along the beach: Killruddery House & Gardens ( is a mix of historic manor house (guided tour compulsory) and one of Ireland's oldest gardens, where an impressive collection of statues and plants flourishes. From Dublin, Bray is just 20km south and can be reached by bus in less than 45 minutes. Admire Dublin from Howth Summit The pretty port of Howth sits on a green peninsula 15km northeast of the Irish capital (30 minutes by train). The hill overlooking the town provides spectacular views of Dublin Bay back to the city. Howth also has a castle with grounds that contain a dolmen (ancient tomb) and medieval ruins. Buy local at Avoca Handweavers It was in the tiny village of Avoca, located in a wooded valley in County Wicklow, that Avoca Handweavers ( Ireland's most famous traditional clothing manufacturer, was born. To stock up on knitwear and elegant handmade souvenirs, there are two branches: 11-13 Suffolk Street, in central Dublin; or Kilmacanogue, 5km (3 miles) southeast of Enniskerry, at the company's headquarters, which occupies a 19th century arboretum. More time? Mt Usher Gardens: A green paradise on the edge of Ashford, 50km south of Dublin. Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens: Ornamental gardens set around an 18th century manor house, 65km south of Dublin. Kilmainham Gaol: In Dublin, this former prison houses a remarkable museum retracing the painful process that led to Irish independence. Great Sugar Loaf: The Great Sugar Loaf is County Wicklow's iconic peak (501m), a conical shape looming over the village of Kilmacanogue, 35km south of Dublin. The round system It's my round! The getting-a-round-in system of paying for a drink with the person/people who bought you one is the foundation of Irish pub culture, summed up very simply by the Irish saying: "It's impossible for two men to go to the pub for just one drink." Make sure you follow this sacred rule. And why not comply with a pint of famous Guinness, the black stout developed in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, which is said to take its flavour from the water of the Wicklow Mountains. Practicalities How to get there & around Dublin Airport has flights to destinations across Europe and the rest of the world. Once in the city, in addition to buses and trams for getting around, the Dublin Area Rapid Transport (Dart) provides a fast train service to the coast, as far as Howth. Enniskerry, a good base for visiting Powescourt and Glendalough, is 45 minutes by Dart, then 30 minutes by bus 185. Where to stay County Wicklow is a popular weekend destination for Dubliners, so book early. You'll find everything from hostels and backpacker campsites to farmhouses converted into B&Bs and manor houses transformed into luxury hotels. Among these, the Powerscourt Hotel & Spa ( is a huge, luxury option right on the Powerscourt Estate. Events In September, the weather can be surprisingly mild, making it a good time for hiking and enjoying the Dublin Fringe Festival ( with over 100 shows being held in the streets and bars of the capital. The book 100 Weekends in Europe by Lonely Planet, $55 RRP. Available at Whitcoulls or contact
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Irish Examiner
National Museum to unveil rare Irish medieval manuscripts in landmark international exhibition
A landmark medieval exhibition displaying rare manuscripts will be launched at the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) today, May 29. The free exhibition, Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe, focuses on early medieval Ireland and its profound impact on European intellectual and cultural life. Among the rare manuscripts on display are Isidore's Etymologiae, a 20-volume 7th-century encyclopedia exploring the meaning of words; Priscian's Institutiones Grammaticae, a Latin grammar book containing thousands of Old Irish marginal notes by monks; and the Irish Gospels of St Gall, a rare mid-8th-century illuminated manuscript. The Gospels feature vibrant and striking portraits of the Evangelists, vivid scenes of the Crucifixion, and the earliest known depiction of the Last Judgement. These manuscripts will be displayed alongside over 100 extraordinary artefacts, including the Lough Kinale Book Shrine — Ireland's oldest and largest container for a sacred book — the Ardshanbally Brooch, found near Adare in Co Limerick and dating from the 8th or 9th century, and a Viking sword discovered in the River Shannon in 2018. The exhibition will run from May 30 until October 24. This marks the largest-ever loan of these priceless artefacts, in what Cathal O'Donoghue, Chair of the NMI, has called "the most significant exhibition at the National Museum, Kildare Street in decades." The launch will take place in conjunction with Karin Keller-Sutter, president of the Swiss Confederation, who played a key role in securing the loan of 17 manuscripts from the Abbey Library of St Gall in Switzerland. The manuscripts trace the journeys of Irish monks who travelled across Europe in search of exile, refuge, and learning—bringing with them Ireland's unique artistic and scholarly traditions. They also reflect a 1,400-year-old connection between Ireland and Switzerland, dating back to the arrival of St Gall in the Swiss city of St Gallen in 612. An Early Medieval brooch-pin discovered at Ardshanbally last year that will be on display at the NMI. File picture: Fran Veale/Julien Behal Photography Arts and culture minister, Patrick O'Donovan said: 'This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see these manuscripts in Ireland and displayed alongside a fascinating array of artefacts that reflect their contents. "It's fascinating to see that researchers today are still discovering new insights into objects over 1,000 years old, and I would like to commend the collaboration between the Museum and the Abbey Library of St. Gall, as well as with UCC and TCD, in this regard.' Lynn Scarff, director of the NMI, added: 'In addition to the honour of hosting this exhibition, it has been wonderful to have developed and grown the collaborative relationship between the National Museum of Ireland and so many scholars and researchers across Ireland and Switzerland in the development of the project".
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- RTÉ News
'World first' exhibition shows medieval Ireland's connection to Europe
The National Museum of Ireland has launched a landmark exhibition exploring early medieval Ireland and its impact on Europe, called 'Words on the Wave: Ireland and St Gallen in Early Medieval Europe'. Described as a "world first", the exhibition, which will be opened by Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, presents 17 early medieval manuscripts that are coming to Ireland on loan from Stiftsbibliothek St Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Maeve Sikora, keeper of Irish antiquities at the National Museum, said the exhibition is about portraying "the connectedness" between Ireland and continental Europe adding, "people coming and people going, ideas coming and going, artefacts coming and going". It is the largest ever loan of treasured manuscripts from Stiftsbibliothek with many contemporaries of the books of Kells and Durrow on display. The exhibition also features more than 100 objects from the medieval world from which the manuscripts emerged, with many on public display for the first time. Ireland's oldest book shrine, Lough Kinale Shrine, will be on display for the first time following a period of conservation at the National Museum after discovery at the bottom of a lake in Longford. Many of the manuscripts from Stiftsbibliothek St Galle's collection have Irish connections, with some of them attributed to Irish scribes. These manuscripts are returning to Ireland for the first time in more than 1,000 years. Stiftsbibliothek St Galle in Switzerland, which is home to one of the world's most significant collections of early medieval manuscripts, has loaned the manuscripts which will offer visitors a unique opportunity to see the precious works in Ireland. Written on vellum, the manuscripts reflect the journeys of early medieval Irish monks like St Gall and St Columbanus. Highlights in the exhibition include Isidore's Etymologiae, the earliest surviving copy of this 7th-century encyclopaedia of word meanings, considered an 'internet' of the ancient world. Priscian's Institutiones Grammaticae also features, which is a Latin grammar book unique for the thousands of scribbles in the margins by the monks in the old Irish language. The translations of Latin into old Irish were essential in reconstructing the once lost language and visitors can get a glimpse into the everyday thoughts of these monks through their doodles, witty banter, and grumbles about the Vikings, hangovers and the quality of the ink in the margins of the manuscript. The exhibition includes the late 8th century book, Codex Sangallensis 51, which is one of the rarest in the world, and the vellum reliquary label which dates to around 700AD. This small but significant label contains the earliest known written reference to St Brigid. St Gall, who was a companion of Columbanus, was one of the Irish monks who left Ireland in the 6th century. This lesser known saint, called Gall or Gallus, is recognised through the historic city of St Gallen, which has been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site, and is a unique repository of Irish history and culture. St Gall later went on to found a monastery in 612 in Allemania (close to lake Constance in modern day Switzerland) which was an important point on the pilgrimage route to Rome. Subsequently, an abbey school and library were established there by the 8th century. As the exhibition demonstrates, journeys such as the voyage by St Columbanus and St Gall carried not only people but also manuscripts, ideas, and artistic traditions, connecting the small island of Ireland to a much larger continent. The manuscripts on loan to the museum comprise a mixture of books thought to be written in Irish monastic settlements, which later travelled to Europe with Gall and Columbanus, and texts penned by Irish scribes in St Gallen. To bring the exhibition to life, the National Museum, which holds the world's largest collection of early medieval Irish objects will feature more than 150 objects from its collection to illustrate the level of contact between Ireland, Britain and the continent in the early medieval period. Included in the exhibition will be the findings of new research, which researchers say have significantly enrichened their understanding of Ireland's Golden Age. On display in the exhibition for the first time are artefacts from the museum's national collection, many with the results of new research and carbon dating. The Faddan More Psalter, found on a Tipperary bog is another highlight while also featuring is the Ardshanbally Brooch which was recently discovered during an excavation. From Co Donegal, there is a collection of chopped-up metal artefacts from the shores of Lough Foyle attesting to Viking presence in this area. Honouring the two countries' shared history, the Swiss library has furnished the National Museum of Ireland with its illustrious manuscripts marking the library's largest loan ever. For such an institution to bestow more than a couple of manuscripts at a time is practically unheard of, the museum stated. 'Words on the Wave: Ireland and St Gallen in Early Medieval Europe' is free to visit in the museum's Kildare Street location from May until October.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Rare book shrine goes on display for the first time after 39 years of conservation
A book shrine found at the bottom of a Longford lake that has undergone an epic 39 years of conservation work at the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) will go on display after the official opening of a new exhibition on Thursday. 'There is a sense of satisfaction and relief that the shrine is now available for the public to view and appreciate,' said Paul Mullarkey, an NMI conservator who has worked on the shrine over 39 years, since just after it was found in 1986. 'To be honest there is also a slight sense of loss as I have had the shrine in our labs for over 20 years.' The Lough Kinale Book Shrine will be displayed as part of an exhibition of 17 manuscripts and objects at the NMI called Words on the Wave: Ireland and St Gallen in Early Medieval Europe. READ MORE The shrine was found by metal detectorists in 1986 buried in a lake about 2 kilometres northeast of Abbeylara, Co Longford. 'A book shrine is a decorative box that contained a manuscript associated with a saint or revered ecclesiastic,' said Mr Mullarkey. 'The box was permanently sealed, with no direct access to the contents.' Book shrines are unique to Ireland. There are only eight in existence, and the Lough Kinale Book Shrine is considered to be the most important of them all. 'Its importance lies in that we have a shrine that has not undergone modification or repairs and we can see what the other book shrines have lost,' Mr Mullarkey said. [ 'It belongs with the books of Kells and Durrow.' Illuminated manuscripts back in Ireland for the first time in more than 1,000 years Opens in new window ] 'The shrine is made from an oak box on to bronze plates, and decorative mounts were attached by nails. 'It is approximately the size of a large telephone directory, 35cm in length, 28cm wide and 12cm in thickness. 'A large cross, five bosses, four circular medallions, along with openwork panels of animal and abstract ornament, dominate the front. 'Hinged fittings forming snake heads were attached at each end to accommodate a thick leather strap, and this would have been used to display and carry the shrine during ecclesiastical and ceremonial functions. 'When intact the structure was completely sealed along the edges and corners with tubular binding strips, preventing access to the contents.' The Lough Kinale Book Shrine, found in Tonymore North, Co Longford, in 1986 Crucially, the sediments in which the broken-up shrine was found were lacking in oxygen, the key gas responsible for decomposition of organic material, enabling its wood to survive since the 9th century, or even earlier. The fact that pieces of the shrine were found together, rather than scattered around the lake bed, suggests it may have been wrapped in a cloth before being thrown from a boat, and smashing on the lake bottom, Mr Mullarkey said. Shortly after the pieces of the shrine were found, they were put on public display in a water tank at the NMI for about six months. There followed a four-decade long effort to preserve the cracked wood and metal of the object, and understand how its pieces fitted together. 'It is definitely one of the longest, if not the longest, conservations of an object in the museum's history,' Mr Mullarkey said. 'I have been working on the front metal piece for the last 15 years.' The shrine is a valuable object today, though Mr Mullarkey declined to put a price on it. 'Some manuscripts from Ireland have ended up on the Continent, or were used for bartering for horses and so on,' he said. 'The Vikings, if they got hold of it, would have known its value.'
