1.0 INTRODUCTION Kildare County Council in association - Kildare.ie
1.0 INTRODUCTION Kildare County Council in association - Kildare.ie
1.0 INTRODUCTION Kildare County Council in association - Kildare.ie
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
<strong>1.0</strong> <strong>INTRODUCTION</strong><br />
<strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Council</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>association</strong> with The Heritage <strong>Council</strong> has commissioned this Audit of<br />
Museums and Public Collections <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> to ga<strong>in</strong> an overv<strong>ie</strong>w of the sector <strong>in</strong> the<br />
county. The Audit also aims to assess the extent of museum collections <strong>in</strong> the county and the<br />
services offered by the participat<strong>in</strong>g organizations. An important aspect of the survey is the<br />
analysis of the needs and aspirations of these organizations and to suggest ways <strong>in</strong> which the<br />
<strong>Council</strong> can facilitate the development and progress of these important <strong>in</strong>stitutions.<br />
Fifteen organizations have participated <strong>in</strong> this Audit of Museums and Heritage Venues which<br />
range from small private collections on display to the public to larger collections which are of<br />
national and <strong>in</strong>ternational importance. Some organizations may not have strong heritage<br />
collections but facilitate a liv<strong>in</strong>g heritage as a venue for drama soc<strong>ie</strong>t<strong>ie</strong>s and local community<br />
groups to come together. Others form local and regional <strong>in</strong>terpretive centres display<strong>in</strong>g the history<br />
and heritage of the county <strong>in</strong> graphic displays, supplemented by some important heritage objects.<br />
The Audit has identif<strong>ie</strong>d a great var<strong>ie</strong>ty of collections with objects which are of local, regional,<br />
national and <strong>in</strong> some <strong>in</strong>stances <strong>in</strong>ternational significance. Some collections themselves are of<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational significance.<br />
It is <strong>in</strong>tended that the <strong>in</strong>formation gathered through this Audit will facilitate the development of<br />
polic<strong>ie</strong>s with<strong>in</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Council</strong>, and its Heritage Office, for the care and welfare of<br />
important aspects of the county’s heritage.<br />
It is also envisaged that this Audit will contribute to a fuller understand<strong>in</strong>g of the diversity of the<br />
county’s heritage objects on public display. It may encourage the development of a co-ord<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
approach to the support and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g required by many of the organizations. help<strong>in</strong>g them to work<br />
co-operatively for the long-term benefit of the whole sector. Such a network would support and<br />
complement the objectives of the Heritage <strong>Council</strong>’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland.<br />
This Audit was prepared between June and September 2006.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 1
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<br />
Fifteen out of sixteen museums identif<strong>ie</strong>d by <strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Council</strong> have participated <strong>in</strong> the Audit<br />
of Museums and Public Collections.<br />
The geographical spread of museums is largely determ<strong>in</strong>ed by access to primary routes or<br />
national roads. Five museums are based <strong>in</strong> major urban centres while two are based <strong>in</strong> smaller<br />
village sett<strong>in</strong>gs. Five of the participat<strong>in</strong>g organizations are based <strong>in</strong> a rural sett<strong>in</strong>g and a further<br />
two, while <strong>in</strong> a rural sett<strong>in</strong>g, are set with<strong>in</strong> historic demesnes at the fr<strong>in</strong>ges of major urban centres.<br />
Proximity of national roads does not suggest greater access provided to organizations. In many<br />
cases the open<strong>in</strong>g of national roads has been detrimental to visitor numbers.<br />
Eight organizations are commercial Limited Compan<strong>ie</strong>s governed by boards of directors or<br />
committees. One forms part of <strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Council</strong>’s Library Service. One organization is a<br />
non-governmental organization with charitable status. One organization is owned by the Church<br />
of Ireland and governed by a vestry committee. Two organizations form part of state-bod<strong>ie</strong>s. One<br />
organization is owned and governed by a college form<strong>in</strong>g part of the National University of<br />
Ireland.<br />
Of the 13 historic propert<strong>ie</strong>s and/or gardens open to the public <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> under Section<br />
482 of the F<strong>in</strong>ances Consolidation Act, 1997, only Lodge Park Walled Garden and Steam<br />
Museum forms part of this Audit. Other propert<strong>ie</strong>s not avail<strong>in</strong>g of Section 482, but may be, <strong>in</strong> part,<br />
open to the public, are not <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> this Audit and have not been quantif<strong>ie</strong>d. Section 482<br />
propert<strong>ie</strong>s are <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the appendices at the end of the<br />
The Museums and Public Collections <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> cover a wide var<strong>ie</strong>ty of subject matter<br />
which is broadly representative of the sector nationally. The objects with<strong>in</strong> collections represent<br />
the follow<strong>in</strong>g subjects:<br />
Appl<strong>ie</strong>d Arts<br />
Archaeology<br />
Military<br />
Sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific<br />
Genealogy<br />
Agriculture<br />
Folk life<br />
F<strong>in</strong>e Art<br />
History<br />
Archives<br />
Library<br />
Maritime<br />
Natural history<br />
Ecclesiology<br />
Sc<strong>ie</strong>nce<br />
Intangible history<br />
The activit<strong>ie</strong>s, research and periodicals of the <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> Archaeological Soc<strong>ie</strong>ty (CKAS)<br />
should be acknowledged for the contribution the Soc<strong>ie</strong>ty has made to primary research activity on<br />
the history and archaeology of <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong>. The Soc<strong>ie</strong>t<strong>ie</strong>s journal, The Journal of the <strong>County</strong><br />
<strong>Kildare</strong> Archaeological Soc<strong>ie</strong>ty, first published <strong>in</strong> 1891 <strong>in</strong>cludes fifteen volumes. It is probably the<br />
s<strong>in</strong>gle most important collection of material relat<strong>in</strong>g to all aspects of <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong>’s heritage and<br />
which, to a greater extent, covers the ma<strong>in</strong> subjects of the previous paragraph. This volume<br />
would enhance the collection of many of the organizations participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this audit.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 2
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
3. KEY FINDINGS<br />
• Fifteen museum organizations and public collections participated <strong>in</strong> this Audit, while fourteen<br />
actually completed the questionnaire.<br />
• One of the fifteen museums <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> is not generally open to the public.<br />
• The Audit has identif<strong>ie</strong>d that fund<strong>in</strong>g is a universal issue affect<strong>in</strong>g the participat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organizations, whether the organization be a small largely privately funded operation or<br />
managed by a national or semi-state body.<br />
• Among many of the smaller organizations there is an openness and flexibility to learn from<br />
and co-operate with each other.<br />
• A fuller understand<strong>in</strong>g of the diversity of the county’s heritage objects on public display may<br />
encourage the development of a <strong>Kildare</strong> Museums / Collections Network. Such a network<br />
could provide support, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and advice for the county’s museums and heritage centres,<br />
help<strong>in</strong>g them to work co-operatively for the long-term benefit of the whole sector. Such a<br />
network would support and complement the objectives of the Heritage <strong>Council</strong>’s Museum<br />
Standards Programme for Ireland.<br />
• In the absence of a Regional <strong>County</strong> Museum there is no repository for the care and<br />
presentation of <strong>in</strong>dividual artifacts and collections as they arise.<br />
• There are a number of prevail<strong>in</strong>g themes that emerge <strong>in</strong> many of the museum heritage<br />
centres. These <strong>in</strong>clude the follow<strong>in</strong>g themes:<br />
- Revolutionary Nationalism (1798, 1916, etc.)<br />
- Early Christian History<br />
- Sa<strong>in</strong>t Brigid<br />
- The Boglands and Peat <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
- Military History and the Curragh<br />
- Folk life<br />
- The Fam<strong>in</strong>e<br />
- Quaker Life<br />
- Equestrian history<br />
- Gordon Bennett<br />
- Ernest Shackleton<br />
- Sport<strong>in</strong>g History and Influential Figures<br />
• Aspects of regional history which are largely ignored are as follows:<br />
- The Grand Canal and the <strong>in</strong>dustr<strong>ie</strong>s it supported<br />
- Archaeological sites<br />
- Architectural Heritage<br />
- Historic Famil<strong>ie</strong>s and Genealogy<br />
- Industrial Heritage<br />
- Agricultural History<br />
• Most organizations are reluctant to accept donations of objects of local or regional <strong>in</strong>terest<br />
own<strong>in</strong>g to difficult<strong>ie</strong>s aris<strong>in</strong>g from limited storage space and curatorial exper<strong>ie</strong>nce <strong>in</strong> deal<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with such objects.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 3
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
• Three (four when the Military Museum collection is <strong>in</strong>cluded) are of International relevance.<br />
Three are of National relevance. Thirteen of the museum collections can be said to be of<br />
regional and local relevance.<br />
• 86.6% of museums were established after 1970. The <strong>in</strong>terven<strong>in</strong>g 36 years has seen the<br />
establishment of a wide var<strong>ie</strong>ty of organizations, each forg<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>dividual mandate towards<br />
the shar<strong>in</strong>g of knowledge and artifacts of <strong>in</strong>terest to the county and the country as a whole.<br />
• One of the fifteen museums participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this survey is a member of the Irish Museums<br />
Association (IMA).<br />
• Six museums or organizations organized events specifically to co<strong>in</strong>cide with Heritage Week<br />
2006.<br />
• Five organizations have collections policy. It is not clear from the survey if the collections<br />
polic<strong>ie</strong>s are formally adopted <strong>in</strong> articles of <strong>association</strong> or management structures.<br />
• Generally speak<strong>in</strong>g, folk life and local history form the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal focus of museums and<br />
heritage centres <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong>.<br />
• The extent of documentation of collections is var<strong>ie</strong>d. Seven collections are not catalogued at<br />
all. Four collections are completely catalogued, 35% of one collection is documented and<br />
catalogued, and two museums have between 70% and 99% of the collections catalogued<br />
and documented.<br />
• Six museums are open Monday-to-Friday and also at weekends. Six museums are open<br />
Monday-to-Friday only. Eight museums are open dur<strong>in</strong>g normal bus<strong>in</strong>ess hours, i.e. from 9-<br />
10am and 4-5.30pm. One museum is open only dur<strong>in</strong>g the morn<strong>in</strong>g only and one museum is<br />
open <strong>in</strong> the afternoon only. One museum is not open to the public.<br />
• Eight museums are open all year though some have more limited open<strong>in</strong>g hours dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
off-peak season. Five museums are closed dur<strong>in</strong>g the off-season period.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 4
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
4.0 METHODOLOGY<br />
The Audit was divided <strong>in</strong>to three phases. The first phase <strong>in</strong>volved the development of a<br />
questionnaire the purpose of which was to allow participat<strong>in</strong>g organizations audit their own<br />
operations, provid<strong>in</strong>g an opportunity to self-evaluate the strengths and weaknesses. The<br />
questionnaires were returned and subsequently audited. The results of this audit form the basis of<br />
this report. The questionnaire was <strong>in</strong>terrogative and aimed to look at each organization under the<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g head<strong>in</strong>gs:<br />
• Management and staff<strong>in</strong>g structure:<br />
• Education and outreach facilit<strong>ie</strong>s<br />
• Development<br />
• Public Relations<br />
• Open<strong>in</strong>g hours<br />
• Visitor numbers<br />
• Services<br />
• Fund<strong>in</strong>g and grant aid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Fundrais<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• The Collection, collection policy and documentation<br />
• Conservation<br />
• Storage facilit<strong>ie</strong>s<br />
• Other facilit<strong>ie</strong>s such as café/shop/toilets/read<strong>in</strong>g room<br />
• Market<strong>in</strong>g and promotional strategy<br />
Phase two of the survey <strong>in</strong>volved site visits to participat<strong>in</strong>g organizations to v<strong>ie</strong>w the collections<br />
and venues at first hand, to ga<strong>in</strong> from them a more complete understand<strong>in</strong>g of the collections and<br />
remit. It also provided an opportunity to see the collections <strong>in</strong> display and <strong>in</strong> storage. The site visit<br />
also provided the opportunity to ask about the future tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g needs of the organizations.<br />
The quantify<strong>in</strong>g and collation of the questionnaire data forms the f<strong>in</strong>al part of this Audit report.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 5
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.0 AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE<br />
This chapter aims to provide a pen-picture of the focus of each museum organization <strong>in</strong> the<br />
country. What emerges from the Audit is the range of organizations that exist, whose collective<br />
aim is to promote and dissem<strong>in</strong>ate selected aspects of the heritage of the county through the<br />
<strong>in</strong>terpretation of historical data and local folklore.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 6
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.1 ATHY HERITAGE CENTRE<br />
ADDRESS: Town Hall<br />
Athy<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Margaret Walsh<br />
EMAIL: athyheritage@eircom.net<br />
PHONE: 059-8633075<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
Athy Heritage Centre was established by local bus<strong>in</strong>ess people under the guidance of Mr. Frank<br />
Taaffe and <strong>in</strong> <strong>association</strong> with the Athy Museum Soc<strong>ie</strong>ty. The centre is located <strong>in</strong> the important<br />
early 18 th century town hall <strong>in</strong> the centre of this historic charter town on Emily Square. The<br />
heritage centre occup<strong>ie</strong>s the ground floor of the structure while the Local Authority Athy Library<br />
occup<strong>ie</strong>s the first floor. The structure is <strong>in</strong> the ownership of the Local Authority.<br />
The heritage centre exhibition has been designed as a self-guide exhibition. It <strong>in</strong>cludes a number<br />
of objects on display which are outl<strong>in</strong>ed below. However the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal narrative of the exhibition<br />
centre is a ser<strong>ie</strong>s of <strong>in</strong>terpretive graphic displays cover<strong>in</strong>g the follow<strong>in</strong>g subject matter:<br />
• The early history of Athy and the Ford of<br />
Ae.<br />
• The med<strong>ie</strong>val Town<br />
• Military Outposts<br />
• Henry VIII and the Monaster<strong>ie</strong>s<br />
• The House of <strong>Kildare</strong> (the Fitzgeralds)<br />
• The Gordon Bennett Rally<br />
• The Civil development of Athy<br />
• The Grand Canal<br />
• World War I<br />
• John V<strong>in</strong>cent Holland<br />
• 1798 and the Confederate Wars<br />
• Fam<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
• Ernest Shackleton<br />
• Religious Diversity <strong>in</strong> Athy<br />
Objects on display comprise a wide var<strong>ie</strong>ty of material of local, regional and national <strong>in</strong>terest.<br />
Many smaller items are <strong>in</strong> secure glass topped timber-framed display cab<strong>in</strong>ets, while other<br />
objects, such as carved stonework are simply mounted on pl<strong>in</strong>ths and not secured. Objects are<br />
either displayed thematically, or are sporadically displayed with little articulation and reference to<br />
the exhibition themes. For <strong>in</strong>stance the Shackleton Room conta<strong>in</strong>s objects relat<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
Shackleton family and the expeditions of Ernest Shackleton. The religious room conta<strong>in</strong>s a<br />
number of objects relat<strong>in</strong>g to Quaker history and Roman Catholic heritage. The World War room<br />
and Gordon Bennett display also conta<strong>in</strong> objects relat<strong>in</strong>g specifically to these subjects. However<br />
throughout the exhibition there are a number of important objects such as carved stone, furniture,<br />
and a donation of v<strong>in</strong>tage bicycles which do not form an <strong>in</strong>tegral part of the exhibition narrative.<br />
Objects on display <strong>in</strong>clude (<strong>in</strong>ter alia) the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
A model of Shackleton’s ship Endurance made by albatross Models, England, and an orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />
sledge used dur<strong>in</strong>g one of Shackleton’s expeditions. Family effects of the Shackleton’s <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a Tabard cigarette box conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a biscuit from the 1914-1916 expedition. Fourteen Shackleton<br />
family portrait photographs, framed and mounted are fixed to the wall.<br />
The religious diversity room conta<strong>in</strong>s display cab<strong>in</strong>ets, one conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g silver items of religious<br />
significance. A book owned and signed by Abraham Shackleton (who established the Quaker<br />
School <strong>in</strong> Ballitore) with a date of 1761 entitled: The Works of the Long-Mournful and Sorely-<br />
Distressed ISAAC PENNINGTON. A volume entitled the Leadbeater Papers, The Annals of<br />
Ballitore, Letters from Edmund Burke, London, Bell and Daldy, 186 Fleet Street, published <strong>in</strong><br />
1862 <strong>in</strong> also <strong>in</strong>cluded. Another book entitled: Tales for Cottagers, Accommodated to the Present<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 7
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
Condition of the Irish peasantry, by Mary Leadbeater [sic], and Elizabeth Shackleton and dated to<br />
1814.<br />
The Gordon Bennett Rally exhibit <strong>in</strong>cludes a control stop watch from the 1903 Cup Race and<br />
event programmes.<br />
The World War I room is centred around a Le<strong>in</strong>ster Regiment Uniform dated to 1917.Elsewhere<br />
<strong>in</strong> the room a display cab<strong>in</strong>et conta<strong>in</strong>s of “war art” form<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g objects made from<br />
ammunition among other metal objects and form<strong>in</strong>g generally religious artifacts or memorials to<br />
lost sold<strong>ie</strong>rs.<br />
Miscellaneous objects <strong>in</strong>clude a number of f<strong>in</strong>ely carved early 17 th century stone fragments,<br />
almost all from Kilkea Castle. 13 th century carved stone grave slabs from Sa<strong>in</strong>t Michael’s<br />
Cemetery. A memorial cross to John Fitzgerald dated to 1620 fragmented <strong>in</strong> three p<strong>ie</strong>ces is also<br />
on display.<br />
There is not a reserve collection and none of the three dimensional objects are <strong>in</strong> storage. Some<br />
early 20 th century ordnance survey maps, stored <strong>in</strong> rolls are stored <strong>in</strong> the exhibition centre.<br />
A conservator has assessed and var<strong>ie</strong>f<strong>ie</strong>d the suitability of the exhibition space for the Shackleton<br />
with a recommendation that the sledge is displayed beh<strong>in</strong>d a glazed cab<strong>in</strong>et. Ultra Violet light<br />
filters have been fitted <strong>in</strong> many of the w<strong>in</strong>dows.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 8
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.2 BALLITORE LIBRARY AND QUAKER MUSEUM<br />
ADDRESS: Mary Leadbeater House,<br />
Ballitore<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Mary Malone<br />
EMAIL: ballitorelib@kildarecoco.<strong>ie</strong><br />
PHONE: 059-8623344<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION<br />
The ground floor of the Mary Leadbeater House conta<strong>in</strong>s the Ballitore library, read<strong>in</strong>g room, IT<br />
room and a staff kitchen and bathroom facilit<strong>ie</strong>s. The first floor conta<strong>in</strong>s three exhibition rooms,<br />
two of which are <strong>in</strong>terconnected. The rooms are thematic. The Mary Leadbeater Room, The Folk<br />
Life Room, and The Quaker Costume Room. The exhibitions comprise graphic display panels<br />
and objects on open display <strong>in</strong> each room.<br />
The Mary Leadbeater Room<br />
This room has graphic display panels compris<strong>in</strong>g panels on the follow<strong>in</strong>g subjects:<br />
• William and Mary<br />
• 1798<br />
• Quaker Village Life<br />
• Mary’s People<br />
• Ballitore Shackleton Family Tree<br />
• Mary Shackleton, the Writer (Edmund<br />
Burke and Maria Edgeworth)<br />
• Quaker Architecture<br />
Objects with<strong>in</strong> the Mary Leadbeater Room <strong>in</strong>clude a woven chair and writ<strong>in</strong>g bureau. A pr<strong>in</strong>t copy<br />
of a pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g of Richard Shackleton. Two oil-on-canvas portraits of William and Anna Plewman. A<br />
glass case conta<strong>in</strong>s two Peg dolls thought to be representative of Mary Shackleton’s bl<strong>in</strong>d aunt<br />
Sally and her fr<strong>ie</strong>nd Fanny Lyons.<br />
The Folk Life Room<br />
“The many and var<strong>ie</strong>d items on display represent the lives of people both liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> and around the<br />
village of Ballitore, from the 18 th century to the mid 20 th century.” The artifacts can be separated<br />
<strong>in</strong>to dist<strong>in</strong>ct categor<strong>ie</strong>s:<br />
• Domestic<br />
• Agriculture<br />
• Bus<strong>in</strong>ess and Trade<br />
Objects <strong>in</strong>clude a fam<strong>in</strong>e stick chair, photographs, draw<strong>in</strong>gs, a butter churn, a typewriter and<br />
objects of historic domestic <strong>in</strong>terest. Pa<strong>in</strong>ted dressers provide open displays for items of<br />
ethnographic and folk life <strong>in</strong>terest.<br />
The Quaker Costume Room<br />
This room, the w<strong>in</strong>dow open<strong>in</strong>gs of which have drawn bl<strong>in</strong>ds, <strong>in</strong>terconnects with the Folk Life<br />
Room. The objects are stored <strong>in</strong> cab<strong>in</strong>ets with a hygrothermograph monitor<strong>in</strong>g humidity and<br />
temperature levels <strong>in</strong> one cab<strong>in</strong>et.<br />
The objects <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• A parasol or sunshade, dated 1845-50<br />
• A chemise dated from the 19 th century<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 9
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
• An <strong>in</strong>fant gown and bonnet of 19 th century orig<strong>in</strong>s<br />
• A peler<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> popl<strong>in</strong> and silk dated to 1840-45<br />
• A gents fedora or Quaker had of 19 th century orig<strong>in</strong>s<br />
• A cottage bonnet of black sat<strong>in</strong> from the 1840s<br />
• A cottage bonnet of grey silk<br />
• A pair of dark brown apron<br />
• A lappet fated to the 1840s<br />
• A Quaker lady’s brown apron<br />
• An afternoon cap<br />
• A wedd<strong>in</strong>g dress ensemble worn by Jane Marian Richardson of<br />
• A photograph of Charlotte Beale and her daughter Emma, from Cork.<br />
• There are two portraits of James White and his wife, Lydia, nee Shackleton.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 10
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.3 IRISH PEWTER MILL<br />
ADDRESS: Moone<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Sean Cleary<br />
EMAIL: timol<strong>in</strong>pewter@eircom.net<br />
PHONE: 059-8624164<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
The Irish Pewter Mill was established <strong>in</strong> 1973. It is located <strong>in</strong> an 18 th century former corn mill<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g, which was partly converted to house residential accommodation and a workshop with a<br />
shop/museum of pewter to the front. The exhibition forms a narrative display on the development<br />
and application of Pewter and its manufactur<strong>in</strong>g processes, which is enlivened by a tour of the<br />
objects with Mr. Scully, who expla<strong>in</strong>s the development of the pewter manufactur<strong>in</strong>g from the<br />
hand-made to the <strong>in</strong>dustrialized.<br />
The items are on open display on wall mounted shelv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Many of the objects are of Dutch or English orig<strong>in</strong>s and range <strong>in</strong> date from the 17 th to the 20 th<br />
century. Most objects are moulds which are used to form the pewter objects. To the front of the<br />
house there are some early examples of pewter jugs, candelabras and platters.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 11
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.4 KILCULLEN TOWN HALL, THEATRE AND HERITAGE CENTRE<br />
ADDRESS: Lower Ma<strong>in</strong> Street<br />
Kilcullen<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Nessa Dunlea<br />
EMAIL: dunlea@eircom.net<br />
PHONE: 045-481613<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
The Town Hall, Theatre and Heritage Centre of Kilcullen was established by Mr. Pat Dunlea <strong>in</strong><br />
2000. It is housed <strong>in</strong> a former c<strong>in</strong>ema which was extended and converted to form the exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
structure. The Heritage Centre is governed by the Town Hall Committee which comprises local<br />
people, and members of the various community groups who use the Centre.<br />
The Centre comprises an open-plan multi-purpose space and the adjo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Theatre. The multipurpose<br />
space accommodates two display cab<strong>in</strong>ets with objects relat<strong>in</strong>g to the heritage of<br />
Kilcullen. The strength of this heritage centre is its broad community appeal as a meet<strong>in</strong>g place<br />
and theatre. The theatre and space are crucial to the fund<strong>in</strong>g of the Heritage Centre.<br />
There are 56 historic photographs, 30 theatrical photographs (The Capers) and 45 objects <strong>in</strong> the<br />
collection. All items on display are tagged with a sticker with the item number. These are then<br />
entered <strong>in</strong>to a hand-written catalogue. The Kilcullen Town Hall, Theatre and Heritage Centre<br />
m<strong>in</strong>utes.<br />
The items on display <strong>in</strong>clude a reproduction of a portrait of John La Touche by Angelica<br />
Kauffmann.<br />
The collection is limited and var<strong>ie</strong>d and of local <strong>in</strong>terest. The collection <strong>in</strong>cludes: a framed and<br />
mounted etch<strong>in</strong>g of Kilcullen Church of Ireland Church; a panel form<strong>in</strong>g a montage of historic<br />
build<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> historic photographs; framed and mounted cop<strong>ie</strong>s of Alex Taylor Maps of Co. <strong>Kildare</strong>;<br />
visitor and servants bells from Castlemart<strong>in</strong> House; One display forms a memorial to local man<br />
James Pender with personal effects such as mortuary cards, service medal and a forage cap.<br />
Military history is represented by pike heads from 1798, a British Army lance head from 1865; a<br />
Royal Irish Fusil<strong>ie</strong>rs Silver mounted swagger stick with owners <strong>in</strong>itials “J.L.B” and hallmarked<br />
London, 1908.<br />
A panel displays documentary photographs of the excavation of Dún Ail<strong>in</strong>ne archaeological site<br />
under the supervision of archaeologist Professor Bernard Wales <strong>in</strong> 1974.<br />
Other miscellaneous items <strong>in</strong>clude an example of an early telephone, and a Victorian Ordnance<br />
Survey cartographers measur<strong>in</strong>g cha<strong>in</strong>.<br />
A bellows by a local blacksmith along with an anvil and a c<strong>in</strong>ema projector are located <strong>in</strong> the<br />
entrance porch.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 12
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.5 KILDARE HERITAGE CENTRE<br />
ADDRESS: Market House<br />
Market Square<br />
<strong>Kildare</strong><br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Mary Stones<br />
EMAIL: kildaretownheritagecen@ireland.com<br />
PHONE: 045-530672<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
<strong>Kildare</strong> Heritage Centre was established <strong>in</strong> $. It is located <strong>in</strong> the restored 18th century market<br />
house. The Heritage Centre also functions as a representative of Fáilte Ireland and undertakes<br />
tourist <strong>in</strong>formation and support services under this remit. The heritage centre display is housed on<br />
the first floor <strong>in</strong> an open-plan s<strong>in</strong>gle space. The display is not collection based, though some<br />
items are on display. It is entirely <strong>in</strong>terpretive and self-guid<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
It comprises two elements:<br />
1. A multi-media display on the history of <strong>Kildare</strong> town.<br />
2. A self-guide graphic display on the history of the town and region.<br />
The multi media presentation is narrated by an actor represent<strong>in</strong>g a 7th century monk Cogitosus.<br />
It beg<strong>in</strong>s with the establishment of the church by Sa<strong>in</strong>t Bridget whose legacy is explored <strong>in</strong> the<br />
<strong>in</strong>terpretive panels.<br />
The display panels <strong>in</strong>clude the follow<strong>in</strong>g subject areas, which are also covered by the multi-media<br />
presentation:<br />
• Sa<strong>in</strong>t Brigid<br />
• The Monastic City<br />
• The Round Tower<br />
• A Cathedral Town<br />
• Med<strong>ie</strong>val <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
• The Fitzgeralds of <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
• The Abbeys of <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
• War and Rebellion<br />
• A Prosperous Town<br />
• The Gibbet Rath Massacre<br />
• A Garrison Town<br />
• The Curragh<br />
• Horse Rac<strong>in</strong>g and the Curragh<br />
• Horse Bread<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• The Irish National Stud<br />
• Japanese Gardens<br />
A number of important 17 th century stone architectural fragments which were found <strong>in</strong> the build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g restoration work and bel<strong>ie</strong>ved to be from Kilkea Castle, Athy, are displayed <strong>in</strong> the<br />
exhibition centre.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 13
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.6 LULLYMORE HERITAGE AND DISCOVERY PARK<br />
ADDRESS: Lullymore<br />
Rathangan<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Sean Judge<br />
EMAIL: lullymorepark@eircom.net<br />
PHONE: 045-870238<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park was established <strong>in</strong> 1993, as a private limited company<br />
and the Park aims to <strong>in</strong>terpret aspects of Ireland’s heritage and folklore and the bog landscape <strong>in</strong><br />
an <strong>in</strong>teractive way. To this end a number of key features have been developed.<br />
These features are as follows:<br />
A recreation of four thatched houses each of which accommodates a specific historical theme,<br />
which can be muddled at times. These are admirable, while not fully ach<strong>ie</strong>v<strong>in</strong>g verisimilitude. This<br />
is most obvious when the items on display and the graphic displays are not complimentary. Three<br />
thatched houses are clustered while one is located at a different part of the park. Regional and<br />
Local history is <strong>in</strong>terpreted on graphic display panels. The historical subject matter is limited to<br />
pre-Christian history and folklore, early Christian history, nationalism, the Fam<strong>in</strong>e and folk life.<br />
These aspects of the past are <strong>in</strong>terpreted and supplemented by a number of historical objects or<br />
objects which are recreations, some of which are relevant to the themes of the graphic displays.<br />
The Park has additional facilit<strong>ie</strong>s aimed at secur<strong>in</strong>g a steady repeat-visit market. The Funky<br />
Jungle is an <strong>in</strong>door adventure centre aimed at children. An outdoor adventure/play ground area<br />
called Fionn McCumhaill’s Adventure Playground. A “fun tra<strong>in</strong>” br<strong>in</strong>gs visitors around the park.<br />
Tea rooms are also available.<br />
House 1:<br />
This is a recreation of a two-roomed direct entry thatched house. A map of <strong>Kildare</strong> shows where<br />
garrisons, battles, yeomanry houses and rebel occupations, were located. The map also plots the<br />
regional flashpo<strong>in</strong>ts of the 1798 Rebellion <strong>in</strong> the country, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g: Prosperous, Clane, Naas,<br />
Athy, Gibbit Rath, <strong>Kildare</strong>, Monasterev<strong>in</strong>, Ovidstown, Timahoe Camp.<br />
The house also focuses on the early Christian history of Lullymore. This section of the house<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes:<br />
• Sta<strong>in</strong>ed glass w<strong>in</strong>dow<br />
• Bog oak model of the Lullymore<br />
monastic settlement<br />
• Aerial photograph of the graveyard and<br />
former monastic site<br />
House 2:<br />
• Replica of the Book of Kells<br />
• Replica of an Ogham Stone<br />
This is a recreation of a three-roomed direct entry thatched house. The house has a dual theme<br />
represent<strong>in</strong>g the rural way of life while also focus<strong>in</strong>g on the historical background from a regional<br />
perspective on the events surround<strong>in</strong>g the 1798 Rebellion. The Lullymore patriot John Doorley<br />
forms another focal po<strong>in</strong>t. There are panels on the follow<strong>in</strong>g historical topics:<br />
John Doorley; Ireland <strong>in</strong> the 1790s; Penal Laws; Grattan’s Parliament; Government Repression;<br />
and The United Irishmen, and the Battle of Rathangan.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 14
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
One room of the cottage is dedicated to a restored mid-20 th century Cart. It was built <strong>in</strong> 1957 by<br />
Ned Cox when he was 15. Other artifacts relevant to the thatched house <strong>in</strong>terior <strong>in</strong>clude: a<br />
kitchen dresser, bureau and settlebed, a butter churn and wrought-iron hearth furniture.<br />
House 3<br />
This structure forms a forge. In its s<strong>in</strong>gle room the centrally placed hearth forge is the focus of the<br />
exhibition. It is not operational. Many forgers tools and forged implements form part of this<br />
exhibition, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a timber and leather bellows, anvil, hammers and other tools.<br />
House 4<br />
A recreation of a three-roomed direct entry mud-walled thatched house, typical of many parts of<br />
<strong>Kildare</strong> until the 20 th century. It is located adjacent to a remembrance garden, the concept of<br />
which is to commemorate the Fam<strong>in</strong>e with 47 recumbent stone markers represent<strong>in</strong>g graves. The<br />
house is probably the most successful aspect of the Park, recreat<strong>in</strong>g a mud-walled thatched<br />
house, though the pitch of the roof structure is slightly off. This house is free of graphic display<br />
panels, and the furniture, fitt<strong>in</strong>gs and the spatial quality of the room are used to recreate the<br />
atmosphere of a thatched house. Furniture <strong>in</strong>cludes two beds, a dresser, hearth with wrought and<br />
cast-iron furniture flanked by snugs.<br />
A large themed cultivated garden is based on many aspects of Irish history and mythology. The<br />
various sections of this garden are:<br />
• The Dolmen Garden<br />
• The Ogham Garden<br />
• The Bee Garden<br />
• The Bird Garden<br />
• The Medic<strong>in</strong>e Garden<br />
• The Monastic Garden<br />
• The Newgrange Garden<br />
• The Cranóg Garden<br />
• The 1916 Garden<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 15
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.7 BOG OF ALLEN NATURE CENTRE<br />
ADDRESS: Irish Peatland Conservation <strong>Council</strong> (IPCC)<br />
Bog of Allen Nature Centre<br />
Lullymore<br />
Rathangan<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Nuala Madigan<br />
EMAIL: bogs@ipcc.<strong>ie</strong><br />
PHONE: 045-860133<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
The Irish Peatland Conservation <strong>Council</strong> was established <strong>in</strong> 1982 as a charitable organization.<br />
Orig<strong>in</strong>ally Dubl<strong>in</strong> based, the IPCC moved to Lullymore <strong>in</strong> 2004, acquir<strong>in</strong>g a property from<br />
Teagasc. The IPCC’s Bog of Allen Nature Centre is the public face of the organization, which has<br />
a wide remit <strong>in</strong> the lobby<strong>in</strong>g for and conservation of Ireland’s peatland heritage. The Centre is<br />
both the headquarters of the organization and also operates a number of important services.<br />
From the Centre the IPCC organizes and monitors a number of annual surveys <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the Frog<br />
Survey. The exhibition Centre has an entry fee.<br />
The core body of the Nature Centre exhibition and its format was <strong>in</strong>herited when the property was<br />
purchased from Teagasc. It forms part of a bus<strong>in</strong>ess development plan and requires updat<strong>in</strong>g. It<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>s with the <strong>in</strong>terior of a thatched house, with many items on display that were donated to<br />
Teagasc over the years. When the IPCC took over the ownership and management of the<br />
property many of those who donated objects on display began to remove the objects and the<br />
ambiguity of ownership status emerged with serious problem aris<strong>in</strong>g from a total lack of<br />
documentation on ownership and acquisition when the item was donated.<br />
The next section of the exhibition comprises an audio-visual display show<strong>in</strong>g “ Discover<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Wild Boglands”. It is housed <strong>in</strong> a room which displays panels on the Irish Army Corp and<br />
Lullymore Camp; Danes Road; the Monastic Settlement and the Murphy Family. Artifacts <strong>in</strong> this<br />
room are positioned on the floor and <strong>in</strong>clude an early Christian stone cross and a corn gr<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />
stone from an early Christian settlement.<br />
The pr<strong>in</strong>cipal exhibition room at ground floor level <strong>in</strong>terprets the ecology, heritage and<br />
archaeology of the bog. The exhibition explores bog cutt<strong>in</strong>g from the hand-cutt<strong>in</strong>g method to the<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrialization of this by An Bord Na Mona. Concurrent with the history of human <strong>in</strong>teraction<br />
with the bog is a ser<strong>ie</strong>s of displays on the ecology of boglands, its formation and flora and fauna.<br />
A three-dimensional display represents the various components of a bog and its associated<br />
wildlife. Along one side of the room there is a display entitled “Steps <strong>in</strong> Time Down Through the<br />
Ages” which plots the development of the bog from the resent day to 3000 BC. A mural plots the<br />
development while an open-display exhibit of tools and implements <strong>in</strong>dicate the human activity<br />
associated. These <strong>in</strong>clude: a sléan, a billy can, a turf barrow and a section of p<strong>in</strong>e or deal bog<br />
timber. The exhibition also <strong>in</strong>cludes sections on the follow<strong>in</strong>g aspects of bog heritage:<br />
• A mural of the History of the Bog of Allen<br />
• Plants of the Boglands<br />
• Insects of Irish Peatlands<br />
• Objects <strong>in</strong>spired by Bogs and Fens<br />
• New and Anc<strong>ie</strong>nt Treasures Recovered from Bogs and Fens<br />
A pre-Christian bog oak timber canoe and the skull and antlers from a Great Irish Elk are the<br />
most dramatic items on display <strong>in</strong> the exhibition. Smaller items housed <strong>in</strong> glass display cases<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude a display of bog <strong>in</strong>sects.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 16
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
A section of the exhibition is dedicated to the heritage of bog cutt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Ireland and Europe. It is<br />
centred around a large model of a peat briquette process<strong>in</strong>g plant. Graphic display panels show<br />
the development of the <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> Ireland dur<strong>in</strong>g the 1940s and 1950s. A display of briquette fuel<br />
from other European countr<strong>ie</strong>s is also on display.<br />
The first floor of the exhibition is dedicated largely to the natural heritage of bogs. The displays<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude naturalistic recreations of the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
• Fen Animals<br />
• Invertebrates<br />
• A Herborium<br />
• And a composite of exhibitions which have taken place that relates to the heritage of the bogs<br />
An important part of the organization and the centre is the on-go<strong>in</strong>g development of an extensive<br />
archive and library of material relat<strong>in</strong>g to the peatland heritage. The material is largely primary<br />
documentation <strong>in</strong> the form of surveys, sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific stud<strong>ie</strong>s, proceed<strong>in</strong>gs and papers. This archive is<br />
accessible <strong>in</strong> a read<strong>in</strong>g room by appo<strong>in</strong>tment. An on-l<strong>in</strong>e catalogue is be<strong>in</strong>g developed.<br />
Computers and other study implements <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g microscopes for on-go<strong>in</strong>g stud<strong>ie</strong>s and a<br />
photocopy<strong>in</strong>g service.<br />
A bog garden has recently been developed which has not yet been formally opened to the public.<br />
Central to this is a green house accommodat<strong>in</strong>g a collection of carnivorous plants.<br />
The IPCC provides an education service which is managed by the Environmental Education<br />
Officer. It <strong>in</strong>cludes an extensive classroom programme, which is Junior Certificate curriculum<br />
specific cover<strong>in</strong>g the follow<strong>in</strong>g subjects:<br />
Art, English, Gaeilge, History, Geography and Sc<strong>ie</strong>nce.<br />
Resource packs aimed at both primary and post-primary level and the modulated education<br />
programme are available to be downloaded from the website.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 17
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.8 NATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM, SAINT PATRICK’S COLLEGE<br />
ADDRESS: Sa<strong>in</strong>t Patrick’s College<br />
National University of Ireland<br />
Maynooth<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Dr. Niall McKeith (curator)<br />
EMAIL: niall.mckeith@nuim.<strong>ie</strong><br />
PHONE: 01-7083780<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
Owned and managed by Sa<strong>in</strong>t Patrick’s College Maynooth, the ecclesiological collection of the<br />
College was established as a museum <strong>in</strong> 1934 by the Trustees of the College and Dr. William<br />
Moran, Professor of Dogmatic Theology was appo<strong>in</strong>ted its first curator. From the 1950s the<br />
museum was developed to <strong>in</strong>clude the collection of sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific apparatus of Rev. Nicholas Callan<br />
(1799-1864) and other <strong>in</strong>struments from the Physics Department of the college which are of<br />
historic sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific <strong>in</strong>terest. The <strong>in</strong>struments of Monsignor Gerald Molloy (1834-1906) also form part<br />
of the collection.<br />
The museum build<strong>in</strong>g comprises a free-stand<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>gle-storey s<strong>in</strong>gle-roomed space, orig<strong>in</strong>ally top<br />
lit through a cont<strong>in</strong>uous ridge roof light, and <strong>in</strong> more recent times lit artificially with no natural light<br />
enter<strong>in</strong>g the museum. All objects on display have been housed <strong>in</strong> purpose-designed secure<br />
display cab<strong>in</strong>ets which form part of a re-design of the museum <strong>in</strong> recent years.<br />
Extensive published documentation exists on both aspects of the collection. Sa<strong>in</strong>t Patrick’s<br />
College, Maynooth, Museum of Ecclesiology was published <strong>in</strong> 1995, form<strong>in</strong>g a re-edited and<br />
revised catalogue by Dr. McKeith, based on the earl<strong>ie</strong>r Tóstal Catalogue. The Sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific<br />
Apparatus of Nicholas Callan and other Historic Instruments, is an illustrated catalogue by<br />
Charles Mollan and John Upton, published 1994.<br />
The Ecclesiological museum has been catalogued under 25 categor<strong>ie</strong>s and <strong>in</strong>cludes objects from<br />
the 15 th century onwards. The collection covers the follow<strong>in</strong>g categor<strong>ie</strong>s:<br />
• Irish Illum<strong>in</strong>ated Manuscripts<br />
• Altar Plate<br />
• Ecclesiastical Bells<br />
• Boxes for Altar Breads<br />
• Reliquar<strong>ie</strong>s<br />
• Monstrances<br />
• Pectoral crosses,<br />
• Representations of the Crucifixion<br />
• Penal Crosses<br />
• Rosar<strong>ie</strong>s<br />
• Oil Stocks<br />
• Croz<strong>ie</strong>rs<br />
• Relics<br />
• Statuary.<br />
• Vestments<br />
• Eastern Church and Foreign<br />
• Danial O’Connell<br />
• Letters and Documents<br />
• Maynooth College<br />
• Medals and Medallions<br />
• Mass Rocks<br />
• Altar Stones<br />
• Altar Bread Tongs<br />
• Miscellanea<br />
• Models<br />
The highlights <strong>in</strong>clude The Mar<strong>ie</strong> Anto<strong>in</strong>ette Vestments made by her Lad<strong>ie</strong>s-<strong>in</strong>-wait<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
presented by the Queen to Rev. Dr. Patrick O’Byrne, chapla<strong>in</strong> to the Duc a’Angouleme, and The<br />
Maria Barbara of Braganze Vestements, which were presented to the Irish College <strong>in</strong> Salamanca.<br />
Also <strong>in</strong> this collection is a section dedicated to Danial O’Connell, which <strong>in</strong>cludes a wax death<br />
mask, religious books and correspondence owned by O’Connell.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 18
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
The Sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific Apparatus are arranged under the follow<strong>in</strong>g categor<strong>ie</strong>s, which then form<br />
subcategor<strong>ie</strong>s. The pr<strong>in</strong>cipal categor<strong>ie</strong>s are:<br />
• Chemistry and Analysis<br />
• Electricity and Magnetism<br />
• Heat<br />
• Hydrostatics<br />
• Light<br />
• Mechanics<br />
• Meterology<br />
• Pneumatics<br />
• Sound<br />
• Survey<strong>in</strong>g and Navigation<br />
• Other Instruments<br />
The highlights of this collection <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong>struments made or used by Callan <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g: electromagnetic<br />
coils, <strong>in</strong>duction coils (which Callan <strong>in</strong>vented) and the Wimshurst Electrostatic generator,<br />
of lat 19 th century orig<strong>in</strong>s. Many <strong>in</strong>struments made by the Dubl<strong>in</strong> based firms of John Spencer &<br />
Son, Samuel & Son, Yeates & Son add to the <strong>in</strong>terest and relevance of many on display.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 19
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.9 LODGE PARK WALLED GARDEN AND STEAM MUSEUM<br />
ADDRESS: Lodge Park<br />
Straffan<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Robert Gu<strong>in</strong>ness<br />
EMAIL: <strong>in</strong>fo@steam-museum.<strong>ie</strong><br />
PHONE: 01-6273155/6288412<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
In 1988 the nave and transepts of St. Jude’s church was dismantled by Robert Gu<strong>in</strong>ness and reerected<br />
on the grounds of Lodge Park to house the Steam Museum. The Spire of the church<br />
rema<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> situ <strong>in</strong> Inchicore. The Steam Museum was formally opened by President Mary<br />
Rob<strong>in</strong>son <strong>in</strong> July 1992. It is housed <strong>in</strong> the grounds of Lodge Park, the restored walled garden of<br />
which is also opened to the public. An extensive catalogue of the exhibition is available on l<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
An access fee appl<strong>ie</strong>d to the museum and gardens.<br />
The Steam Museum:<br />
The museum is divided <strong>in</strong>to three dist<strong>in</strong>ct sections. The Power Hall focuses on stationary steam<br />
eng<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> steam, that were made &/or worked <strong>in</strong> brewer<strong>ie</strong>s, distiller<strong>ie</strong>s, factor<strong>ie</strong>s and ships<br />
throughout Ireland. The eng<strong>in</strong>es on exhibit are impressive <strong>in</strong> scale and form. Included <strong>in</strong> the<br />
exhibition are the follow<strong>in</strong>g: the Independent Six Pillar Beam Eng<strong>in</strong>e from the Murphy’s Distillery<br />
<strong>in</strong> Cork, dates to the early 19 th century; the exhibition also <strong>in</strong>cludes a S<strong>in</strong>gle Pillar Beam Eng<strong>in</strong>e<br />
made for the Smithwicks Brewery <strong>in</strong> Kilkenny; a Triple Expansion Vertical Inverted Mar<strong>in</strong>e Eng<strong>in</strong>e<br />
is also <strong>in</strong> the collection. Each eng<strong>in</strong>e is accompan<strong>ie</strong>d by an <strong>in</strong>formation panel which can be easily<br />
read from the public walkway. Supplementary murals depict<strong>in</strong>g the operation and function of<br />
certa<strong>in</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>es have been pa<strong>in</strong>ted on the walls.<br />
The Richard Gu<strong>in</strong>ness Hall displays a large collection of historic prototype model locomotive<br />
eng<strong>in</strong>es from the early 19 th century. These are housed separately <strong>in</strong> timber-framed glazed display<br />
cases raised on four legs. A ser<strong>ie</strong>s of portraits of the <strong>in</strong>ventor/eng<strong>in</strong>eers responsible for the<br />
prototypes are displayed on the walls. These appear to be of 20 th century orig<strong>in</strong>s and may form<br />
cop<strong>ie</strong>s of orig<strong>in</strong>als.<br />
A f<strong>in</strong>al room which <strong>in</strong>cludes a large work<strong>in</strong>g model which is prompted to operate by <strong>in</strong>frared<br />
sensors shows a cross section of a m<strong>in</strong>e and the eng<strong>in</strong>e used to pump water out of the pit and<br />
also to transport work<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> and out. Also <strong>in</strong> this room is an exhibition of miscellanea relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
aspects of steam power and <strong>in</strong>dustrial heritage. On display <strong>in</strong> this room <strong>in</strong>clude framed pr<strong>in</strong>ts of<br />
steam-powered ships, a framed photographic portrait of Capta<strong>in</strong> Robert Halp<strong>in</strong> of T<strong>in</strong>nakilly, Co.<br />
Wicklow and objects such as a model of a steam-powered ship and the crest of the Great<br />
Southern Railway. A large archive cab<strong>in</strong>et with documentation and maps is present <strong>in</strong> the<br />
exhibition, but not opened for general public access.<br />
Other services provided <strong>in</strong>clude the Steam<strong>in</strong>g Kettle Teahouse. In the enclosed courtyard<br />
between the museum and teahouse there is an out-door d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g area and an orig<strong>in</strong>al Showman’s<br />
Liv<strong>in</strong>g Wagon is on display.<br />
The museum shop and an <strong>in</strong>teractive playroom for children are both aimed at <strong>in</strong>dustrial heritage.<br />
The walled gardens <strong>in</strong>clude a restoration of a 19 th century glasshouse and a 17 th century lead<br />
cistern amongst the formally laid out flower beds, lawns and vegetable gardens.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 20
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong>tenance and conservation works to the eng<strong>in</strong>es on display is carr<strong>ie</strong>d out on site <strong>in</strong> a large<br />
purpose-built structure which is not open to the public.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 21
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.10 THE HORSE MUSEUM<br />
ADDRESS: The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens<br />
Tully<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Freda O’Connell<br />
EMAIL: japanesegardens@eircom.net<br />
PHONE: 045-521617<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
The Horse Museum is a recent development at the Irish National Stud. It is housed <strong>in</strong> a former<br />
stable build<strong>in</strong>g, which has been adapted to form two open-plan <strong>in</strong>terconnect<strong>in</strong>g rooms which tell<br />
the story of the horse rac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> Ireland. The museum is really an <strong>in</strong>terpretive centre as<br />
the majority of the exhibition is illustrated by graphic display panels, and historic objects that<br />
relate to this history are few. The Irish National Stud also provides an extensive gift shop and<br />
restaurant as well as the important Japanese Gardens and Sa<strong>in</strong>t Fiachra’s Garden.<br />
The most prized object <strong>in</strong> the exhibition is the skeleton of Arkle, which was donated to the Irish<br />
National Stud by its former owner Anne, Duchess of Westm<strong>in</strong>ster. Other objects <strong>in</strong>clude a 19 th<br />
century weigh chair, farr<strong>ie</strong>r implements and tools,<br />
A two-sided glass display case houses miscellaneous objects some of which are not related to<br />
the theme of the exhibition. These <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• The Rac<strong>in</strong>g Colours of Jockeys from three different races<br />
• A medal<br />
• A rolled up copy of the Irish F<strong>ie</strong>ld periodical<br />
• A horoscope manuscript of Hall Walker, founder of the Irish National Stud<br />
• A whip<br />
On the opposite side of the display case there is:<br />
• An 18 th century Iron Rowel Spur ad Bridle bit<br />
• A 9 th Century AD Yew Saddle Pommell<br />
• A late 13 th Century jug spout from Wood Quay, Dubl<strong>in</strong><br />
• Breed<strong>in</strong>g Records.<br />
An Audio-visual display <strong>in</strong>cludes excerpts from the follow<strong>in</strong>g races:<br />
• Dawn Run W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Gold Cup <strong>in</strong> 1986<br />
• V<strong>in</strong>tage Crop W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Melbourne Cup <strong>in</strong> 1993<br />
• Danoli W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Hennessy Gold Cup <strong>in</strong> 1997<br />
• Cardeas W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Trigo Stakes <strong>in</strong> 1994<br />
• Arkle W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Cheltenham Gold Cup <strong>in</strong> 1964<br />
• Nij<strong>in</strong>sky W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Epsom Derby <strong>in</strong> 1970<br />
Graphic displays <strong>in</strong>corporate some artifacts such as a copy of the Aga Kahn trophy, a 17 th and<br />
18 th century horse shoe, the hoof of Blanford, cop<strong>ie</strong>s of the F<strong>ie</strong>ld, a leather side saddle, horse<br />
shoes worn by Nij<strong>in</strong>sky, Ridgewood and Royal Charger. There is also an <strong>in</strong>teractive element to<br />
the exhibition with “Did you know” facts dispersed throughout, an electronic weigh<strong>in</strong>g-<strong>in</strong> device<br />
which records body weight, and a display which measures height <strong>in</strong> hands. A model of a horse<br />
head allows the v<strong>ie</strong>wer to complete the fitt<strong>in</strong>g of a bridle with the aid of step-by-step <strong>in</strong>structions.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 22
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
The themes of the graphic display panels are as follows:<br />
• The orig<strong>in</strong>s of the horse<br />
• Early history<br />
• The horse <strong>in</strong> Ireland<br />
• Work and the horse<br />
• The orig<strong>in</strong>s of rac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• The Steeplechase<br />
• How horserac<strong>in</strong>g works<br />
• Arkle<br />
• Irish rac<strong>in</strong>g before 1850<br />
• Irish rac<strong>in</strong>g 1850-1940<br />
• Irish rac<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce 1940<br />
• Equestrian sports<br />
• Breed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Ireland<br />
• The Irish National Stud<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 23
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.11 THE MILLITARY MUSEUM<br />
ADDRESS: College Pearse Barracks<br />
Curragh Camp<br />
The Curragh<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Cdt. Ciara Ware<br />
EMAIL: ciara.ware@defenceforces.<strong>ie</strong><br />
PHONE: 045-445195<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
The Military Museum is housed <strong>in</strong> a build<strong>in</strong>g which has two rooms both accessible only from<br />
outside. One is a store for objects not on display the other is the museum room. The museum is<br />
arranged with timber-framed glass wall cab<strong>in</strong>ets which l<strong>in</strong>e all four sides. A number of larger<br />
objects are on open display on the floor of the museum. Free-stand<strong>in</strong>g glass cab<strong>in</strong>ets form<br />
secondary displays.<br />
There is an obvious problem with condensation and damp with<strong>in</strong> the museum and mildew is<br />
present on the walls. Electric storage heaters are fitted <strong>in</strong> the museum. On-go<strong>in</strong>g ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of<br />
the roof and w<strong>in</strong>dows is required. The museum build<strong>in</strong>g is locked and alarmed when not<br />
occup<strong>ie</strong>d.<br />
It is generally not accessible to the public.<br />
The collection can be divided <strong>in</strong>to two dist<strong>in</strong>ct sections.<br />
The first part forms an exhibition of the collection of artifacts of warfare donated to the Irish<br />
Military by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty.<br />
The second forms an exhibition of Irish Military history.<br />
The objects on display are clearly tagged and catalogues are held by the Defense Forces.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 24
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.12 MONDELLO PARK’S MUSEUM OF MOTOR SPORT<br />
ADDRESS: Mondello Park<br />
Robertstown<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Ian Beatty<br />
EMAIL: ibeatty@mondellopark.<strong>ie</strong><br />
PHONE: 054-860200<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
The Museum of Motor Sport is housed <strong>in</strong> a purpose-built museum build<strong>in</strong>g atmospheric<br />
temperature and humidity controlled by two large de-humidif<strong>ie</strong>rs. A radio-l<strong>in</strong>ked security system<br />
monitors access from ground level and potentially from the roof. CCTV monitors the museum<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the daytime.<br />
It is opened for feature events at Mondello race course or by appo<strong>in</strong>tment. Entry is free when<br />
opened by appo<strong>in</strong>tment. There is general <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the museum by group tours, car clubs,<br />
Gordon Bennett Tourists and the hospitality market.<br />
The core collection is part of the private collection of Mart<strong>in</strong> Birrane, who owns Mondello Park. He<br />
purchased Mondello <strong>in</strong> 1985. The collection <strong>in</strong>cludes thirty-five cars, though generally five are out<br />
of the country at any one time.<br />
An education programme aimed at transition year students called “Steer Clear” is an <strong>in</strong>itiative of<br />
organization to raise awareness of motor safety. As part of this programme a tour is provided of<br />
the exhibition which looks at the development of safety technology <strong>in</strong> the motor rac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 25
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.13 CATHEDRAL COLLECTION<br />
ADDRESS: Sa<strong>in</strong>t Brigid’s Cathedral <strong>Kildare</strong> and Round Tower<br />
The Square<br />
<strong>Kildare</strong> Town<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Kenneth Dunne<br />
EMAIL: mkdunne@eircom.net<br />
PHONE: 045-521229<br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
Sa<strong>in</strong>t Brigid’s Cathedral is located off the ma<strong>in</strong> market square of <strong>Kildare</strong> town. It houses a number<br />
of objects specifically relat<strong>in</strong>g to the cathedral and grounds, where the round tower, Sa<strong>in</strong>t Brigid’s<br />
kitchen (a burial tomb), and high cross are located. Objects on display are either of<br />
archaeological or ecclesiastical importance. The objects on display are not organized or<br />
<strong>in</strong>terpreted systematically, and really, it is the cathedral itself, with its f<strong>in</strong>e sta<strong>in</strong>ed glass w<strong>in</strong>dows,<br />
three-manual Conagher organ, baptismal font and sanctuary furniture which provide the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the cathedral. A number of important items, which are either <strong>in</strong> regular use dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
services or which are too valuable to be displayed <strong>in</strong> the cathedral are stored <strong>in</strong> the vestry.<br />
Donations are suggested <strong>in</strong> l<strong>ie</strong>u of an entry fee. A fee appl<strong>ie</strong>s to climb the round tower. Security is<br />
an ongo<strong>in</strong>g issue. A number of break-<strong>in</strong>s have resulted <strong>in</strong> the theft of important objects. More<br />
recently a bible open on the altar lectern was stolen. There is an antiquated heat<strong>in</strong>g system <strong>in</strong> the<br />
cathedral, which is due for renewal, and there is no means of regulat<strong>in</strong>g humidity with<strong>in</strong> this large<br />
space.<br />
An <strong>in</strong>formative illustrated guide to the cathedral, its grounds and history, is on sale with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
cathedral and produced <strong>in</strong> 1978-79 and up-dated <strong>in</strong> 2000. Another important publication is Sa<strong>in</strong>t<br />
Brigid’s Cathedral <strong>Kildare</strong>, A History, edited by Raymond Gillesp<strong>ie</strong>, and published by the <strong>County</strong><br />
<strong>Kildare</strong> Archaeological Soc<strong>ie</strong>ty <strong>in</strong> 2000-2001.<br />
On enter<strong>in</strong>g the cathedral <strong>in</strong> the south transept there is an <strong>in</strong>terpretive exhibition the subject of<br />
which is the development of Christianity <strong>in</strong> the vic<strong>in</strong>ity, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the follow<strong>in</strong>g subjects:<br />
• The Celts – A long journey to Ireland<br />
• Blood thirsty but clever<br />
• Celtic pagans<br />
• Sa<strong>in</strong>t Brigid<br />
• Christianity<br />
Objects on display <strong>in</strong> the Cathedral <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• A framed display of med<strong>ie</strong>val floor tiles<br />
• O’Carolan’s Chair<br />
• A mid 16 th century alter tomb effigy dedicated to Gerald Wellesley, 7 th Duke of Well<strong>in</strong>gton<br />
• A alter tomb from Great Cashel Priory<br />
A display cab<strong>in</strong>et beside the timber screen clos<strong>in</strong>g off the vestry from the nave <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
miscellaneous objects found on the grounds of the cathedral. These are:<br />
A 15 th and 18 th century wax seals; co<strong>in</strong>age; a 17 th century leather bound Irish bible owned by<br />
Thomas Cooke (dated to 1697 though now bel<strong>ie</strong>ved to be earl<strong>ie</strong>r); an orig<strong>in</strong>al 19 th century<br />
photographic image of the cathedral prior to restoration; a “table of fees” for burials and<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 26
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
ceremon<strong>ie</strong>s performed for the public by John Brown, Parish Registrar; a Neolithic stone axe; a<br />
petrif<strong>ie</strong>d stags horn; a document dated 1672 record<strong>in</strong>g the appo<strong>in</strong>tment of George Medlicott to<br />
the Registry of the Dean and Chapter; a book of maps and descriptions of Ireland dated to 1674.<br />
A display document<strong>in</strong>g the restoration of a sta<strong>in</strong>ed glass w<strong>in</strong>dow by the Abbey Sta<strong>in</strong>ed Glass<br />
Studio.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 27
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.14 GOLF MUSEUM<br />
ADDRESS: Golf<strong>in</strong>g Union of Ireland<br />
National HQ<br />
Carton Demesne<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Kenneth Dunne<br />
EMAIL: alan@gui.<strong>ie</strong><br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
The Golf Museum was recently established by the Golf<strong>in</strong>g Union of Ireland. The museum is<br />
located with the new headquarters of the Union <strong>in</strong> Carton Demesne. It is housed <strong>in</strong> a restored<br />
game-keepers house. The museum is managed by one member of staff of the Union and<br />
governed by committee. The museum build<strong>in</strong>g comprises an entrance hall/stairhall and reception<br />
space, a large exhibition space and two smaller exhibition rooms at ground floor level and two<br />
rooms at first floor level. At ground floor level the two smaller exhibition spaces house graphic<br />
displays on the history of golf as a sport with a focus on the Royal and Anc<strong>ie</strong>nt <strong>in</strong> Ed<strong>in</strong>burgh,<br />
Scotland and the history of the Golf<strong>in</strong>g Union of Ireland.<br />
As such the museum does not yet have a collection. However the Union is open to donations and<br />
is will<strong>in</strong>g to accept items bequeathed by collectors. A problem fac<strong>in</strong>g the museum is the high cost<br />
of golf<strong>in</strong>g artifacts which are avidly collected by <strong>in</strong> Ireland and abroad. An acquisitions policy has<br />
not yet been drafted by the museum.<br />
The m<strong>in</strong>utes of the Golf<strong>in</strong>g Union, which are archived may be v<strong>ie</strong>wed as a basis of the collection.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 28
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
5.15 CASTLETOWN HOUSE<br />
ADDRESS: Castletown Demesne<br />
Celbridge<br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
CONTACT: Joanna Crams<strong>ie</strong>, OPW<br />
EMAIL: jcrams<strong>ie</strong>@duchas.<strong>ie</strong><br />
SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION:<br />
The responsibility for the care, conservation and management of Castletown House passed from<br />
the Castletown Foundation to the Office of Public Works (OPW) <strong>in</strong> 1994. The Foundation still has<br />
an advisory role <strong>in</strong> the management and conservation of Castletown. The contents are still the<br />
property of the Castletown Foundation.<br />
Access to the <strong>in</strong>terior of Castletown is tightly controlled and is operated on the basis of guided<br />
tours only. Thirteen rooms are designated for public access. At basement level there are offices,<br />
restaurant and book shop, public toilets and the wait<strong>in</strong>g area for tours to beg<strong>in</strong>. Access is only<br />
provided to rooms at ground and first floor level. The second floor level, most of the basement<br />
level, the flank<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>g pavilions and farm build<strong>in</strong>gs are not accessible.<br />
The pr<strong>in</strong>cipal rooms open for public v<strong>ie</strong>w<strong>in</strong>g are:<br />
• The Entrance and Stair Hall<br />
• The D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Hall<br />
• The Butler’s Pantry<br />
• The Brown Study<br />
• The Red Draw<strong>in</strong>g Room<br />
• The Green Draw<strong>in</strong>g Room<br />
• The Pr<strong>in</strong>t Room<br />
• The State Bedroom<br />
• The Healy Room<br />
• The Map Room<br />
• The Upper Corridors<br />
• The Pastel Room<br />
• The Long Gallery<br />
Access <strong>in</strong> each room is controlled by rope barr<strong>ie</strong>rs and the prescribed path is l<strong>in</strong>ed with carpet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> order to protect the orig<strong>in</strong>al floor cover<strong>in</strong>g. Some protective l<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g has been placed aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
damask or silk wall hang<strong>in</strong>g at sensitive areas close to the public pathway <strong>in</strong> each room. The<br />
objects on display <strong>in</strong> Castletown are <strong>in</strong>tegral to the guided tour. Objects are presented as<br />
furniture with<strong>in</strong> the rooms which are presented sparsely furnished. Roller bl<strong>in</strong>ds are drawn at all<br />
times.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 29
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
6.0 GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS<br />
The distribution of museums and public collections <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> is spread relatively evenly<br />
throughout the county with the result that the population of the county has easy access to a wide<br />
range of cultural centres and collection based organizations. The accompany<strong>in</strong>g distribution map<br />
<strong>in</strong> table 1 shows clearly the spread of the 15 organizations relative to major urban centres and<br />
major road networks.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>troduction of major routeways and the programme of by-pass<strong>in</strong>g major towns has had a<br />
negative effect on many of the smaller organizations that rely primarily on the rambler tourist<br />
market rather than a susta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>digenous market. Conversely, the improvement of the road<br />
network has improved access to major visitor attractions which form part of organized coach-tour<br />
groups.<br />
There are two areas of the county which are notably lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a museum or publically accessible<br />
collections. The areas are the northwest of the county around Monasterev<strong>in</strong> and Newbridge<br />
(notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g the valuable contribution of the Riverbank Arts Centre) and around Naas<br />
(notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g the contribution of the Moat Theatre), the Local Authority adm<strong>in</strong>istrative centre of<br />
the county where there appears to be a dirth of heritage facilit<strong>ie</strong>s despite a rich cultural history <strong>in</strong><br />
each area.<br />
The heritage of the Grand Canal and the history of the <strong>in</strong>dustr<strong>ie</strong>s and trad<strong>in</strong>g it supported <strong>in</strong> the<br />
county which runs east-west through the north of <strong>Kildare</strong> is also largely ignored by museums and<br />
heritage centres.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 30
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
LEGEND<br />
TABLE 1: DISTRIBUTION MAP OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS<br />
IN COUNTY KILDARE<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal routes (N7,<br />
M7, N4, M4, N81)<br />
Museum/Public<br />
Collection<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 31
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
7.0 SURVEY FINDINGS<br />
The survey has been devised to identify the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal management structures of the museums<br />
and specifically aim<strong>in</strong>g the areas of collections and collections policy, day to day management,<br />
staff<strong>in</strong>g, l<strong>in</strong>ks with other organizations, facilit<strong>ie</strong>s offered to the public, fund<strong>in</strong>g and resourc<strong>in</strong>g, and<br />
future plans. The follow<strong>in</strong>g analysis of the museums sector <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> has been<br />
extrapolated from data suppl<strong>ie</strong>d dur<strong>in</strong>g site visits to each museum and questionnaires completed<br />
by the museum. Sixteen museum organizations were contacted as part of this survey. Of this<br />
number fifteen organizations cooperated with the survey Audit. Fourteen of the fifteen<br />
organizations completed the questionnaire.<br />
The museums and public collections <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> are var<strong>ie</strong>d <strong>in</strong> size and collection focus.<br />
Five museums are operated by national State bod<strong>ie</strong>s or the local authority. Such bod<strong>ie</strong>s <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
the Office of Public Works, Sa<strong>in</strong>t Patrick’s College (NUI, Maynooth), the Defense Forces, the<br />
Church of Ireland and The National Stud. The rema<strong>in</strong>der of the museum organizations form either<br />
private profit-mak<strong>in</strong>g “visitor attractions”, small s<strong>in</strong>gle-focus private collections, or largely selffund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
heritage centres, managed by committees of local bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>terests, which also operate<br />
as tourist <strong>in</strong>formation services draw<strong>in</strong>g tourists to the region, and hopefully <strong>in</strong>to the heritage<br />
centre exhibit. The Audit has identif<strong>ie</strong>d a broad diversity of artifacts on public display which is<br />
largely of regional or local <strong>in</strong>terest, and <strong>in</strong> some cases national and <strong>in</strong>ternational.<br />
7.1 Establishment of Museum or Public Collection<br />
86.6% of museums were established after 1970. The <strong>in</strong>terven<strong>in</strong>g 36 years has seen the<br />
establishment of a wide var<strong>ie</strong>ty of organizations, each forg<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>dividual mandate towards the<br />
shar<strong>in</strong>g of knowledge and artifacts of <strong>in</strong>terest to the county and the country as a whole.<br />
- Four museums and organizations were established after 2000.<br />
- Four museums and organizations were established after 1990.<br />
- Five museums and organizations were established after 1970.<br />
- Two organizations were established before 1970.<br />
7.2 Museum Affiliations<br />
Only one of the fifteen museums participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this survey is a member of the Irish Museums<br />
Association (IMA). Four museums <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> participated <strong>in</strong> the Irish Museums Survey of<br />
Museums <strong>in</strong> Ireland, 2005.<br />
7.3 Heritage Week<br />
Eight museum organizations have not participated <strong>in</strong> Heritage Week <strong>in</strong> the past. Six museum<br />
organizations have participated <strong>in</strong> Heritage Week. Only six museums or organizations partook <strong>in</strong><br />
Heritage Week 2006.<br />
7.4 Collections policy<br />
The majority of organizations do not have a collections policy. As many of these organizations<br />
have limited collections rely<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipally on graphic display panels on local and county heritage<br />
and history, this is understandable. However, the absence of a collections policy is still apparent<br />
even <strong>in</strong> organizations with a small number of items on display where the objects do not appear to<br />
relate to the graphic display of the museum and where supplementary <strong>in</strong>formation on the objects<br />
is limited. The absence of a collections policy <strong>in</strong> some larger, more formalized organizations, is<br />
less understandable. In two cases the absence of a collections policy has limited effect on the<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 32
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
coherence or management of the collection as plans to expand or reduce the collection, do not<br />
exist. For <strong>in</strong>stance, the Sc<strong>ie</strong>nce and Ecclesiastical Museum or the Military Museum has a specific<br />
focus, and therefore the collection is self-conta<strong>in</strong>ed, rationalised, and coherent.<br />
Six organizations have identif<strong>ie</strong>d that a collections policy does not exist. One of the three<br />
identif<strong>ie</strong>d the <strong>in</strong>tention to create one <strong>in</strong> the future. Four organizations did not answer this question<br />
and it can be assumed that the organizations <strong>in</strong> question did not see the relevance of a<br />
collections policy to the organization or that one did not exist.<br />
Five organizations have collections policy. It is not clear from the survey if the collections polic<strong>ie</strong>s<br />
are formally adopted <strong>in</strong> articles of <strong>association</strong> or management structures. It is often difficult,<br />
particularly with smaller organizations that are struggl<strong>in</strong>g to develop locally and regionally relevant<br />
artifact collections to refuse artifacts voluntarily offered by members of the public. To refuse may<br />
damage the good will and appreciation of the organization and to accept can often cause difficulty<br />
for the organization to <strong>in</strong>terpret and l<strong>in</strong>k the artifact to the exist<strong>in</strong>g collection on display, or to store<br />
of the artifact, should its immediate relevance to the display collection not be apparent.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g are examples of the collections polic<strong>ie</strong>s:<br />
“We aspire to collect items that reflect the past <strong>in</strong> our region, so that those who may follow us,<br />
may benefit from this collection.”<br />
Kilcullen Heritage Centre.<br />
“To raise awareness about the collection and to add relevant items to enhance the collection and<br />
to conserve the collection <strong>in</strong> its present stare. In addition we aim to use the collection <strong>in</strong> our<br />
heritage and education programmes.”<br />
Irish Peatlands Conservation <strong>Council</strong><br />
“To house a broad selection of rac<strong>in</strong>g cars from across the spectrum with vary<strong>in</strong>g history”<br />
Mondello Park<br />
“To preserve the chucks, moulds and masters used to make pewter table and houseware”<br />
Timol<strong>in</strong> Pewter Mill<br />
"To provide for the cultural, historical and <strong>in</strong>formation requirements of visitors to Athy and<br />
residents with a high quality visitor attraction, tourist office and gift shop service."<br />
7.5 Subject Areas of Collections<br />
Athy Heritage Centre<br />
On a collective basis, the museums and public collections <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> cover a broad range<br />
of subject areas which are representative of the social, political, technological and historical<br />
development of the county. The subject areas are as follows:<br />
% Subject Area % Subject Area % Subject Area<br />
6.25 Appl<strong>ie</strong>d arts 6.25 Geology 6.25 Maritime<br />
25 Archaeology 6.25 Genealogy - Military<br />
12.5 Agriculture 43.7 History 12.5 Natural history<br />
25 Folk life 6.25 Library 18.75 Sc<strong>ie</strong>nce<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 33
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
12.5 F<strong>in</strong>e art 6.25 Archives 12.5 Intangible history<br />
12.5 Sport<br />
While the Audit has been collated with accuracy when the <strong>in</strong>formation is presented <strong>in</strong> percentage<br />
form, the reality can be slightly skewed. For <strong>in</strong>stance, while sc<strong>ie</strong>nce represents only 18.75% of<br />
areas covered by museums, there is one collection (<strong>in</strong> percentage terms 6.25% of the total<br />
number of museums <strong>in</strong> the county) devoted almost entirely to the subject and is therefore far<br />
more comprehensively represented, than for <strong>in</strong>stance history, which appears to be represented <strong>in</strong><br />
the collections of 43.7% of the organizations.<br />
There is also a balance required when a quantitative assessment of a collection is concerned.<br />
The size of a collection is only one aspect of the importance of a collection. Equally important is<br />
qualitative analysis, and perhaps more important is how the collection, whatever its size, is<br />
curated, <strong>in</strong>terpreted and presented.<br />
Military history is very strongly represented by the Military Museum managed by the Defence<br />
Forces. The core collection donated by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty is of <strong>in</strong>ternational importance.<br />
Unfortunately a completed questionnaire was not forthcom<strong>in</strong>g from the Defense Forces and so<br />
limited <strong>in</strong>formation has been obta<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
Local history is strongly represented, largely <strong>in</strong>terpreted through graphic displays. Archaeological<br />
artifacts, mostly carved stonework appears to be late med<strong>ie</strong>val, and form<strong>in</strong>g either effig<strong>ie</strong>s or<br />
architectural fragments.<br />
As <strong>Kildare</strong> does not have a coastl<strong>in</strong>e the subject of Maritime heritage is one of the least<br />
significance subject areas covered by museums <strong>in</strong> the county. However there are strong l<strong>in</strong>ks to<br />
maritime history with the explorations of Ernst Shackleton. The Athy Heritage Centre has<br />
dedicated part of the centre to Shackleton, his explorations and family history. It should also be<br />
noted that <strong>Kildare</strong> has a long history and <strong>association</strong> with <strong>in</strong>-land waterways. However, this<br />
aspect of the <strong>in</strong>dustrial and economic history of the county is largely ignored.<br />
7.6 Significance and Relevance of Collections<br />
In the survey form the relevance of collections has been prescribed as be<strong>in</strong>g of International,<br />
National, Regional and Local. These areas of relevance do not suggest levels of importance. The<br />
challenge of identify<strong>in</strong>g the relevance of a collection is important to an understand<strong>in</strong>g of a<br />
collection and how it should be presented to the public. Difficult<strong>ie</strong>s arise when collections are<br />
<strong>in</strong>terpreted <strong>in</strong> a subjective manner, without a clear understand<strong>in</strong>g of the relevance of objects <strong>in</strong><br />
collections.<br />
Eleven of the fifteen museums surveyed have stated that collections of <strong>in</strong>ternational importance<br />
are held by the museum. Six of the museums have identif<strong>ie</strong>d collections of national relevance.<br />
Only four have stated that the collection is of regional importance and only five have stated that<br />
the collection is of local importance.<br />
The reality is that three (four when the Military Museum collection is <strong>in</strong>cluded) are actually of<br />
International relevance. Three are of National relevance. Thirteen of the museum collections can<br />
be said to be of regional and local relevance.<br />
7.7 Size of Collections<br />
The size of collections <strong>in</strong> museums and heritage centres var<strong>ie</strong>s greatly. As already stated, many<br />
of the organizations participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the survey hold small collections. Collections vary greatly <strong>in</strong><br />
size. The largest, the Irish Peatlands Conservation <strong>Council</strong> which holds approximately 10,000<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 34
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
items. The National Sc<strong>ie</strong>nce Museum, Sa<strong>in</strong>t Patrick’s College, Maynooth, holds a collection of<br />
approximately 1000 artifacts. The smallest collection is that of <strong>Kildare</strong> Heritage Centre, which<br />
holds 4 artifacts. It should be noted that the Golf Museum has yet to develop a collection. Most,<br />
however, have collections compris<strong>in</strong>g up to 100 artifacts.<br />
As collections are modest <strong>in</strong> size most of the museums display all the artifacts with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
collection. Eight of the museums display 70% or more of the collection. In many cases the<br />
museums have limited storage and therefore must display all the collection. This has additional<br />
issues with regard to the expansion of the collection and the flexibility of the museum or<br />
organization where temporary exhibitions are concerned.<br />
N<strong>in</strong>e of the participat<strong>in</strong>g museums either do not, as policy, or cannot, due to space restrictions<br />
and the <strong>in</strong>flexibility of the museum spaces, offer temporary exhibitions. Five of the museums<br />
surveyed do offer temporary exhibitions.<br />
7.8 Display of Collections<br />
Six museums display artifacts conta<strong>in</strong>ed with display cab<strong>in</strong>ets. Some cab<strong>in</strong>ets are designed<br />
specifically for the collection <strong>in</strong> question, such as at the Military Museum, the costume room at the<br />
Ballitore Quaker Museum, the Athy Heritage Centre and the National Sc<strong>ie</strong>nce Museum at Sa<strong>in</strong>t<br />
Patrick’s College, Maynooth. Castletown House displays artifacts <strong>in</strong> the style of an 18 th century<br />
country house, and the Rac<strong>in</strong>g Museum at Mondello Park displays thirty cars. In both cases the<br />
objects are on open display, and access to and conservation of the objects is strictly monitored.<br />
In some museums artifacts are displayed thematically to evoke an atmosphere, i.e. rural country<br />
life, and as a result the objects are on open display, such as the folk kitchen at the Bog of Allen<br />
Nature Centre, the recreations of the thatched house <strong>in</strong> Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park,<br />
the Shaker-style kitchen dressers <strong>in</strong> the Ballitore Library and Quaker Museum, and Sa<strong>in</strong>t Brigid’s<br />
Cathedral <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> town. In these organizations there is heightened risks to the security, stability<br />
and conservation of the artifact.<br />
Seven museums provide supplementary <strong>in</strong>formation panels directly related to the objects on<br />
display. Three museums provide limited supplementary <strong>in</strong>formation on the display collection.<br />
Three museums provide no supplementary <strong>in</strong>formation on artifacts on display. The format of<br />
supplementary <strong>in</strong>formation panels ranges from small typed labels relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>dividual objects or<br />
a s<strong>in</strong>gle label which <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>in</strong>formation on a range of artifacts, usually <strong>in</strong> the same display case.<br />
Where artifacts do not have supplementary <strong>in</strong>formation, such as at Castletown, guided tours<br />
provide supplementary <strong>in</strong>formation on all aspects of the house and its contents.<br />
7.9 Documentation and Catalogu<strong>in</strong>g of Collections<br />
There are a range of techniques for the documentation and catalogu<strong>in</strong>g of collections available.<br />
For smaller collections it may be more practical to operate hand-written catalogues or a simple<br />
Microsoft Access database.<br />
CATAOLUGE TYPE No.<br />
Computerised 2<br />
Hand written 4<br />
Card <strong>in</strong>dex 2<br />
Un-catalogued 6<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 35
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
Six museums have labeled artifacts while a further six are not. The rema<strong>in</strong>der did not answer the<br />
question.<br />
The extent of documentation of collections is var<strong>ie</strong>d. Seven collections are not catalogued at all.<br />
Four collections are completely catalogued, 35% of one collection is documented and catalogued,<br />
and two museums have between 70% and 99% of the collections catalogued and documented.<br />
In <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> the extent of documentation of collections is limited. There are however<br />
exemplars of catalogu<strong>in</strong>g of collections which could be adopted by other less formulated<br />
collections. These <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
7.9.1 The Military Museum:<br />
The Chester Beatty collection of the Military Museum is precisely catalogued with each artifact<br />
clearly display<strong>in</strong>g a tag with the catalogue number attached by fibre thread. Comprehensive<br />
handwritten catalogues reference all the tagged artifacts.<br />
7.9.2 The National Sc<strong>ie</strong>nce Museum:<br />
Both aspects of the museum, the sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific apparatus collection of Nicholas Callan and the<br />
ecclesiastical collection are catalogued <strong>in</strong> handwritten catalogues. These catalogues have been<br />
revised, updated and published.<br />
Breen, P. J., Ed., St. Patrick’s College Maynooth Museum of Ecclesiology, a catalogue of<br />
ecclesiastical Items Spann<strong>in</strong>g two centur<strong>ie</strong>s of the College history, Sa<strong>in</strong>t Patrick’s College,<br />
Maynooth, 1995<br />
Mollan, Charles, Upton, John, The Sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific Apparatus of Nicholas Callan, and other Historic<br />
Instruments, Sa<strong>in</strong>t Patrick’s College, Maynooth, 1994.<br />
7.10 Day-to-Day Management of the Museum<br />
7.10.1 Open<strong>in</strong>g Hours<br />
Open<strong>in</strong>g hours vary greatly and often depend on the nature of the organization. For <strong>in</strong>stance<br />
greater open<strong>in</strong>g hours are provided by those who operate profit mak<strong>in</strong>g compan<strong>ie</strong>s such as<br />
Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, which rely on access charges to run the organization.<br />
Six museums are open Monday-to-Friday and also at weekends. Six museums are open<br />
Monday-to-Friday only. Eight museums are open dur<strong>in</strong>g normal bus<strong>in</strong>ess hours, i.e. from 9-10am<br />
and 4-5.30pm. One museum is open only dur<strong>in</strong>g the morn<strong>in</strong>g only and one museum is open <strong>in</strong><br />
the afternoon only.<br />
Eight museums are open all year though some have more limited open<strong>in</strong>g hours dur<strong>in</strong>g the offpeak<br />
season. Five museums are closed dur<strong>in</strong>g the off-season period.<br />
7.10.2 Staff<strong>in</strong>g and Volunteers<br />
The s<strong>in</strong>gle greatest challenge of most museums surveyed is the provision of adequate numbers<br />
of staff. Most museums, which do not form part of a much larger organization, are generally<br />
serviced by one permanent or part-time staff member.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 36
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
Seven museum organizations have only one full-time staff member. Six museum organizations<br />
have more than two full-time staff members. Larger organizations where the museum forms only<br />
part of a much larger organization, such as the Horse Museum at the Irish National Stud, or the<br />
Bog of Allen Nature Centre, at the Irish Peatlands Conservation <strong>Council</strong> Headquarters <strong>in</strong><br />
Lullymore, have greater numbers of full-time staff<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Six organizations do not operate a volunteer staff<strong>in</strong>g support structure. Three organizations<br />
engage only one volunteer. Other organizations have engaged between five and eight volunteers<br />
each. One museum operates with only two volunteers and no full-time staff members.<br />
The roles and dut<strong>ie</strong>s of staff members <strong>in</strong> the museums organizations participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this survey<br />
are rarely exclusive to one professional role. In most cases, where there is only one full-time staff<br />
member the dut<strong>ie</strong>s generally span day-to-day management, market<strong>in</strong>g and development. In total<br />
only four full-time staff members engaged <strong>in</strong> curatorial work with<strong>in</strong> the museums, and none are<br />
engaged exclusively as professional curators. There are no conservators engaged as full-time<br />
staff members. However, it should be noted, that two organizations reta<strong>in</strong> the services of a<br />
conservator on a consultancy basis. Three full-time staff members are <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the educational<br />
services of the museum or organization.<br />
7.11 Visitor Facilit<strong>ie</strong>s Offered by Museums and Public Collections<br />
The visitor facilit<strong>ie</strong>s offered by museums and public collections range from basic services to<br />
professional museum services.<br />
7.11.1 Services<br />
The most prevalent services offered by museums and organizations range from basic public<br />
services such as toilets and disabled access to more educational services such as leaflets on<br />
collections and guided tours. Three organizations have responded yes to the provision of Audiovisual<br />
guides. This appears to be a misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g of the term as <strong>in</strong> reality these organizations<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude a static audio-visual presentation as part of self-guided exhibitions. Courses, lectures and<br />
family events are poorly served by museums and organizations.<br />
SERVICE No.<br />
Toilets 11<br />
Café 5<br />
Shop 8<br />
Guided tours 12<br />
Courses 1<br />
Lectures 5<br />
Family events 4<br />
Leaflets on collection 10<br />
Reproductions 5<br />
Published catalogues 5<br />
Audio-visual guides 3<br />
Disabled access 9<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 37
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
7.11.2 Size of Museum Build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to the survey f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs five museum build<strong>in</strong>gs are between 100 - 500 sq. meters <strong>in</strong> size.<br />
Another five are between above 1000 sq. meters <strong>in</strong> size. Four organizations did not answer or<br />
did not know the size of the build<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
7.11.2 Visitor Attendance Records<br />
Six museum organizations do not keep records of visitor attendance. Eight organizations do keep<br />
some form of visitor records with vary<strong>in</strong>g degrees of accuracy. For <strong>in</strong>stance, one organization<br />
rel<strong>ie</strong>s on a visitors book which is filled out on a voluntary basis. In all cases where details of visitor<br />
attendance has been suppl<strong>ie</strong>d for the Audit, records show that the numbers visit<strong>in</strong>g museums <strong>in</strong><br />
Co. <strong>Kildare</strong> is ris<strong>in</strong>g year-on-year.<br />
Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park has the greatest visitor attendance figures for the years<br />
2000 to 2005 rang<strong>in</strong>g from 18000 <strong>in</strong> 2000 to 35,000 <strong>in</strong> 2005, grow<strong>in</strong>g exponentially <strong>in</strong> the<br />
<strong>in</strong>terven<strong>in</strong>g years. Castletown has a consistently healthy visitor attendance of between 10,500<br />
and 11,500 visitors between the years 2003-2005 respectively.<br />
Of the seven museum organizations that suppl<strong>ie</strong>d percentage data on the breakdown of the<br />
visitor profile (schools, tourists, famil<strong>ie</strong>s), the follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation emerges:<br />
- 23.1% of visitors are school groups<br />
- 48.8% of visitors are tourists<br />
- 30.8% of visitors are famil<strong>ie</strong>s<br />
7.11.3 Fund<strong>in</strong>g and Resourc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Capital fund<strong>in</strong>g support for the establishment and development of many on the museums or<br />
organizations s<strong>in</strong>ce the mid 1990s has been suppl<strong>ie</strong>d by two key fund<strong>in</strong>g mechanisms <strong>in</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
<strong>Kildare</strong>. These are KELT (<strong>Kildare</strong> European Leader Teoranta) who operate the Leader +<br />
programme, which is due to expire at the end of this year. For day-to-day fund<strong>in</strong>g five museum<br />
organizations rely almost entirely upon entrance ticket revenue and revenue generated through<br />
facilit<strong>ie</strong>s such as the café and shop to fund other aspects of the museum.<br />
Fund<strong>in</strong>g Mechanism No.<br />
Public-f<strong>in</strong>anced fund<strong>in</strong>g 2<br />
Fundrais<strong>in</strong>g activit<strong>ie</strong>s 3<br />
Access charges 9<br />
Benefactor 1<br />
Charitable status 2<br />
Membership 4<br />
Only two of the 15 participat<strong>in</strong>g organizations seek grant aid or annual contributions from public<br />
bod<strong>ie</strong>s such as the Heritage <strong>Council</strong>, Arts <strong>Council</strong>, or Local Authority.<br />
Imag<strong>in</strong>ative on-go<strong>in</strong>g fund-rais<strong>in</strong>g activit<strong>ie</strong>s are practices by only three museum organizations.<br />
Fund-rais<strong>in</strong>g is a time consum<strong>in</strong>g and demand<strong>in</strong>g means of generat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>come. The Irish<br />
Peatland Conservation Trust has created some very imag<strong>in</strong>ative ways <strong>in</strong> which to generate<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 38
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
<strong>in</strong>come. Such activit<strong>ie</strong>s <strong>in</strong>clude the project-specific fundrais<strong>in</strong>g appeals dur<strong>in</strong>g the Christmas<br />
season, the “share certificates” scheme or “Stamp that Collection“, where voluntary donations of<br />
stamps is encouraged. The stamps are recycled and sold, and the proceeds help cover the salary<br />
of the education officer.<br />
Eight museum organizations engage <strong>in</strong> some form of market<strong>in</strong>g and promotional strateg<strong>ie</strong>s.<br />
Examples of such activit<strong>ie</strong>s <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• Direct mail advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Adverts <strong>in</strong> local newspapers<br />
• Adverts on local radio stations<br />
• <strong>Kildare</strong> Faille website<br />
• Promotional leaflets at various outlets <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g other heritage/museum organizations<br />
• Assessment of official census records<br />
• The organizations own website<br />
• Tour company brochures<br />
• Magaz<strong>in</strong>e advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
7.12 Care of Collections<br />
This aspect of the Audit questionnaire addresses the storage and condition of artifacts. It should<br />
be noted that only two museum organizations engage the services of consultant conservators.<br />
With<strong>in</strong> the <strong>County</strong> the most rigorous conservation programme of conservation and house-keep<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is operated by Castletown House. A consultant conservator has undertaken a full condition<br />
assessment of all artifacts on display and <strong>in</strong> storage, which is updated annually. Each artifact has<br />
a record sheet on which the condition of the item is recorded and house-keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>structions are<br />
provided. An annual conservation programme targets different artifacts each year.<br />
Generally speak<strong>in</strong>g the approach to the care of artifacts can be described as basic housekeep<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The environmental conditions of museum rooms is only controlled and monitored by one<br />
organization. One other organization operates a hydro-thermograph <strong>in</strong> one display cab<strong>in</strong>et.<br />
Only three organizations have a designated storage space for the reserve collection. In each of<br />
these three spaces, the environmental conditions are not adequately regulated. In one case, the<br />
objects are very carefully stored <strong>in</strong> stacks and covered with dust sheets that are bound to prevent<br />
slid<strong>in</strong>g. It should be noted that most organizations do not require storage space as a reserve<br />
collection does not exist. Conversely, the last of storage space will limit the expansion potential<br />
for the collections of many of the museum organizations.<br />
Seven organizations describe the condition of artifacts <strong>in</strong> their care as be<strong>in</strong>g either good or very<br />
good, while only two organizations say reasonable or adequate. It is clear from the survey that<br />
there is a general lack of awareness and knowledge of the requirements to stabilize the condition<br />
of objects on display and <strong>in</strong> storage.<br />
7.13 Significant Difficult<strong>ie</strong>s Encountered<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g difficult<strong>ie</strong>s have been identif<strong>ie</strong>d by the participat<strong>in</strong>g organizations. It is noteworthy<br />
that the issues affect<strong>in</strong>g these organizations are exper<strong>ie</strong>nced by all, despite the size and<br />
prom<strong>in</strong>ence of the organization. The differences occur <strong>in</strong> the ability of the organization to respond<br />
to and counteract the effects of the difficult<strong>ie</strong>s encountered.<br />
• Generat<strong>in</strong>g fund<strong>in</strong>g and resources for on-go<strong>in</strong>g management, staff<strong>in</strong>g and development of<br />
organizations.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 39
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
• Access to other collections to develop permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions.<br />
• Theft and vandalism has been exper<strong>ie</strong>nced by some organizations and is one which a<br />
potential threat to all participat<strong>in</strong>g organizations.<br />
• For organizations operat<strong>in</strong>g a voluntary donation rather than a mandatory entry fee the<br />
exper<strong>ie</strong>nce is one of reluctance by visitors to offer a contribution.<br />
• Some organizations have acknowledged that good conservation practice poses a challenge<br />
to the care of artifacts <strong>in</strong> collections.<br />
• Facilitat<strong>in</strong>g potential <strong>in</strong>come generat<strong>in</strong>g supplementary and complementary events due to<br />
lack of staff and management resources to coord<strong>in</strong>ate such events.<br />
• The absence of a bus<strong>in</strong>ess/management plan and the lack of exper<strong>ie</strong>nce <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g such<br />
plans, which is acknowledged to be of major importance for future development of an<br />
organization, is a major issue for smaller organizations.<br />
• Poor or out-dated visitor facilit<strong>ie</strong>s, the updat<strong>in</strong>g of which is prohibitively expensive.<br />
• On-go<strong>in</strong>g market<strong>in</strong>g, promotion and advertis<strong>in</strong>g of the organization and the collection, with<br />
few suitable forums for such advertis<strong>in</strong>g available regionally or nationally. The larger<br />
organizations overwhelm the identity of smaller organizations.<br />
• Strateg<strong>ie</strong>s and modalit<strong>ie</strong>s for the effic<strong>ie</strong>nt management of small organizations and heritage<br />
centres.<br />
• Develop<strong>in</strong>g a well-run and practical volunteer support system.<br />
• Development of a tourist trail which identif<strong>ie</strong>s all the heritage site, museums and visitor<br />
attractions <strong>in</strong> the county.<br />
• Availability of exper<strong>ie</strong>nced and professional staff and staff tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• Appropriate accurate and visible road signage to highlight the location of organizations.<br />
• Attract<strong>in</strong>g susta<strong>in</strong>ed visitor numbers with the open<strong>in</strong>g of major routeways and town bypasses.<br />
• To properly display and <strong>in</strong>terpret artifacts, their history and function.<br />
7.14 Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and Other Opportunit<strong>ie</strong>s<br />
Organizations were asked to prepare a wish-list of th<strong>in</strong>gs they would like to see happen to<br />
promote and develop their organization <strong>in</strong> the future. It has proved a mean<strong>in</strong>gful process as it<br />
allowed the organizations to focus on shortcom<strong>in</strong>gs and areas of difficulty they are exper<strong>ie</strong>nc<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g list has been adapted from suggestions offered by organizations.<br />
• The development of documentation standards for artifact collections is required by most<br />
organizations. With<strong>in</strong> the county there are excellent examples of documentation practices.<br />
The exper<strong>ie</strong>nce of these museums can be shared with other organizations.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 40
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
• The care and management of collections has been identif<strong>ie</strong>d as a critical aspect of improv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the museum sector <strong>in</strong> the county. The areas of conservation, storage, monitor<strong>in</strong>g, display<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
security and handl<strong>in</strong>g of artifacts<br />
• The provision of support <strong>in</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g up a group network of museums and organizations to<br />
share exper<strong>ie</strong>nces and difficult<strong>ie</strong>s with a v<strong>ie</strong>w to overcom<strong>in</strong>g these difficult<strong>ie</strong>s and<br />
establish<strong>in</strong>g a co-operative approach to the promotion of all organizations.<br />
• Promotion of jo<strong>in</strong>t projects and <strong>in</strong>itiatives that will fulfill the mission statement of organizations<br />
and develop a greater public awareness.<br />
• A loans network to share a rotat<strong>in</strong>g collection of artifacts specific to <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong>. This will<br />
be of particular relevance to heritage centres with limited collections and limited ability to<br />
manage and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> permanent collections. Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the development of this programme<br />
can be facilitated, through an annual <strong>Kildare</strong> museums symposium that may allow for the<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
- Participat<strong>in</strong>g museums present papers on their orig<strong>in</strong>s and collections<br />
- Share <strong>in</strong>novative ideas on management and fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
- Discussion on establishment of rov<strong>in</strong>g temporary exhibition (<strong>in</strong>cl. content, exhibits, etc.)<br />
- Discussion on establishment of Co. <strong>Kildare</strong> Museums Website<br />
- Allow for development of on-go<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and improvements<br />
- Call for donations of important artifacts of regional relevance<br />
• Solv<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancial difficult<strong>ie</strong>s is a universal problem for all organizations. Follow<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
optimistic period of expansion <strong>in</strong> the museum sector <strong>in</strong> the last 30 years many are now<br />
exper<strong>ie</strong>nc<strong>in</strong>g difficult<strong>ie</strong>s <strong>in</strong> obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g fund<strong>in</strong>g. Capital fund<strong>in</strong>g appears to be more readily<br />
available than fund<strong>in</strong>g for day-to-day operational costs which puts many organizations under<br />
severe pressure. There is great need for tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the methods of fundrais<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
management.<br />
• Many organizations were established because of the enthusiasm of <strong>in</strong>dividuals or groups of<br />
people, though perhaps without a clear idea of what the organization can offer the general<br />
public. Consolidation and development of the remit and raison d’etre of organizations and<br />
focus<strong>in</strong>g their future direction is required.<br />
• Workshops <strong>in</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>istrative skills <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g day-to-day management, communication, staff<br />
and volunteer coord<strong>in</strong>ation should be considered.<br />
• The provision of less restrictive grant mechanisms has been expressed by one organization,<br />
however this is not feasible. This does, however, suggest that many organizations are<br />
overwhelmed by the var<strong>ie</strong>ty of grant fund<strong>in</strong>g mechanisms available and the var<strong>ie</strong>d qualify<strong>in</strong>g<br />
criteria which can be confus<strong>in</strong>g. There is scope with<strong>in</strong> a tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g programme to develop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
successful approaches to grant applications and the various grant fund<strong>in</strong>g that are on offer.<br />
• Development of a “museum trail” for <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> can be prepared through develop<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
network of museums, perhaps a county committee on museums, with a v<strong>ie</strong>w towards<br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g a self-susta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g sector.<br />
• The provision of improved highly visible road signage to direct tourists to museums and<br />
visitor attractions throughout the county.<br />
• The development of a <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> museums website that could be managed and<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed by committee compris<strong>in</strong>g participat<strong>in</strong>g museums may provide a dynamic<br />
market<strong>in</strong>g and educational strategy for the sector <strong>in</strong> the county. The Northern Ireland<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 41
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
Museums <strong>Council</strong> (NIMC) website is an excellent example of such a website. <strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
<strong>Council</strong> may be <strong>in</strong> an opportunity to facilitate the development of such a website.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 42
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006<br />
APPENDIX<br />
HISTORIC PROPERTIES OPENED TO THE PUBLIC UNDER:<br />
In <strong>County</strong> <strong>Kildare</strong> there are 13 propert<strong>ie</strong>s open to the public under Section 482 of the Taxes<br />
Consolidation Act, 1997. Of these only one forms part of the Audit. The list of propert<strong>ie</strong>s is as<br />
follows:<br />
Celbridge Lodge, Celbridge<br />
Coolcarrigan House & Garden, Naas<br />
Farmersvale House, Kill<br />
Furness, Naas<br />
The Glebe House, Kilcullen<br />
Gr<strong>ie</strong>semount, Ballitore<br />
Harristown House, Brannockstown<br />
Kildrought House, Celbridge (Village)<br />
Leixlip Castle, Leixlip, Co <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
Moone Abbey House & Tower, Moyglare Glebe<br />
Lodge Park, Straffan, Co <strong>Kildare</strong><br />
Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997.<br />
Under this section of the Act qualify<strong>in</strong>g propert<strong>ie</strong>s must open to the public for build<strong>in</strong>gs/gardens <strong>in</strong><br />
the State which, hav<strong>in</strong>g received determ<strong>in</strong>ations from the<br />
Commissioners of Public Works/M<strong>in</strong>ister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the<br />
Islands/M<strong>in</strong>ister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that they are<br />
<strong>in</strong>tr<strong>in</strong>sically of significant horticultural, sc<strong>ie</strong>ntific, historical, architectural or aesthetic<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest and which have also received determ<strong>in</strong>ations from the Revenue Commissioners that<br />
either –<br />
a) reasonable access to the build<strong>in</strong>g/garden is afforded to the public, or<br />
b) <strong>in</strong> the case of certa<strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs, that the build<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong> use as a tourist accommodation<br />
facility for at least six months <strong>in</strong> any calendar year, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g at least four months <strong>in</strong> the<br />
period from the 1st May to 30th September.<br />
On the issue of reasonable public access, the Revenue Commissioners must be<br />
satisf<strong>ie</strong>d that the follow<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>imum requirements are met:<br />
• Access to the whole or substantial part of the build<strong>in</strong>g/garden must be available at the same<br />
time<br />
• Access is afforded for a period of at least 60 days <strong>in</strong> any one year <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g not less than 40<br />
days dur<strong>in</strong>g the period May 1- September 30 <strong>in</strong>clusive of which 10 days are either Saturdays<br />
or Sundays<br />
• The daily v<strong>ie</strong>w<strong>in</strong>g times must be at least four hours<br />
• The admission price, if any, must be reasonable so as not to preclude the public from seek<strong>in</strong>g<br />
access to the build<strong>in</strong>g/garden<br />
• Open<strong>in</strong>g times must be advertised <strong>in</strong> local or national papers, and<br />
• A sign must be erected outside the build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g open<strong>in</strong>g times.<br />
• With regard to open<strong>in</strong>g times of build<strong>in</strong>gs/gardens which received Revenue determ<strong>in</strong>ations<br />
prior to 23 March 2000, the new requirements <strong>in</strong>troduced by Section 49 of the F<strong>in</strong>ance Act,<br />
2000 (that the 40 day m<strong>in</strong>imum access requirement dur<strong>in</strong>g the period 1 May to 30 September<br />
must now <strong>in</strong>clude 10 days which are either Saturdays or Sundays) only appl<strong>ie</strong>s where<br />
qualify<strong>in</strong>g expenditure is <strong>in</strong>curred <strong>in</strong> chargeable periods beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g on or after 1 October 2000.<br />
• Any request for a determ<strong>in</strong>ation received after 23 March 2000 must comply with the new<br />
requirements <strong>in</strong> full.<br />
CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 43