Amazing Offaly objects feature prominently in new exhibition at National Museum

Key objects from Offaly feature heavily in a new exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks, Dublin.

They will be part of the Changing Ireland Galleries which was launched during October marking biggest expansion of the public galleries at the National Museum of Ireland in over two decades. 

The exhibition was officially opened by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, Simon Harris, T.D. who was accompanied by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. and Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Kevin Boxer Moran T.D.

There are an array of objects from Offaly featured in the exhibition including a leather strap which was designed for use as a method of corporal punishment in school discipline during the 1930s. 

The new galleries opened following a full refurbishment to an area of Collins Barracks which had been untouched in almost 30 years since the departure of the Defence Forces. 

This was achieved due to capital funding from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s Decade of Centenaries Programme, and working in partnership with the Office of Public Works.

READ MORE: Permission granted to revive forgotten Offaly premises hailed as ‘great asset’

The Changing Ireland Galleries feature hundreds of political, social and cultural objects from the Museum’s 20th and 21st century collections from the extraordinary to the everyday artefacts which have borne witness to the last 150 years. 

As part of the theme of the gallery, visitors are invited to reflect on the question “Cad Is Ann Éire Dar Leat?” – “What Is Ireland to You?” as they observe many artefacts synonymous with the country's past throughout the exhibition.

The new galleries have been designed to accommodate regular changes in the display which will give the public unprecedented access to the collection as well as supporting the long-term conservation of the objects.  

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Speaking on the opening of the exhibition, Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "These new galleries provide an important opportunity to reflect on and connect with Ireland’s story in fresh and deeply meaningful ways. It reminds us that our shared history is not static but continues to evolve with every generation, shaped by the people who call this island home."

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. praised the impact that gallery can have stating: “The Changing Ireland Galleries are a legacy project of the Decade of Centenaries Programme and a testament to the power of cultural reflection. This new space at the National Museum ensures that our shared history, in all its complexity, can be explored by future generations.”

The Changing Ireland Galleries at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks is now open to the public with free admission for those who would like to experience a unique insight into Ireland's history through the exhibition.