County Museum Dundalk facts for kids
| Músaem Chontae Dhún Dealgan | |
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| Established | 1994 |
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| Location | Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland |
| Type | County museum |
The County Museum Dundalk (which is Músaem Chontae Dhún Dealgan in Irish) is a museum in Dundalk, Ireland. It helps people learn about the history of County Louth. The museum is located in a special old building. This building used to be a warehouse way back in the 1700s.
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A Look Back at the Museum's Home
The building that now holds the museum has a long history. It was first built in 1780. Back then, it was a large storage place for grain. This grain was used by a distillery, which made alcoholic drinks. The distillery stopped making drinks in 1926.
From Tobacco to Treasures
Later, a tobacco company called P.J. Carroll & Co. bought the building. They used it as a warehouse for their tobacco products. As time went on, fewer people bought cigarettes. So, in 1989, the company gave the building to the local council. They wanted it to become a special place for learning and exhibitions.
Opening Its Doors
The old building was carefully fixed up and made new again. It officially opened as the County Museum in 1994. The Dundalk Town Council helps to pay for the museum.
Awards and Recognition
The museum has won many important awards over the years. It received two Gulbenkian Museum of the Year Awards in 1995 and 1999. It also won a Gold Award for the Best Commissioned Display in 1995. In 2000, it earned an Interpret Ireland Award. The museum was even named the Best Local Authority Museum in 2014.
What You Can See Inside
The County Museum Dundalk has many interesting things to see. Its collections show the history of County Louth. You can learn about everything from the Stone Age up to today. There are three main areas with permanent exhibitions.
Exploring Ancient Times
Some of the items on display are examples of Irish rock art. These are ancient carvings made on stones. You can also see objects connected to Oliver Cromwell. He was a famous historical figure.
Modern Technology in the Museum
In 2013, the museum added something very cool. They introduced a "virtual presenter" to their exhibitions. This is like a digital person who can tell you about the displays. It was one of the first of its kind in a European museum.
More to Discover
The museum is also chosen by the National Museum of Ireland to collect archaeological finds. This means they help keep important historical objects safe. The museum also hosts many other events. These include temporary displays, drama shows, music concerts, talks, and films.
