History, nature, art, environment
Drogheda Museum
What is it?Drogheda Museum Millmount (formerly the Millmount Museum) is on a hilltop site at the southern end of Drogheda, Co Louth. It has three elements; the Martello tower with its military exhibition, the museum in the former military barracks, and a cultural quarter with craft studios, shops and art galleries.
Why visit?It offers an eclectic mix of historic and contemporary items of interest. The museum, which is curated by the Old Drogheda Society, has a unique collection of guild and trade banners as part of its industrial exhibition. It also houses an 18th-century kitchen, dairy and laundry. An exhibition on the post office includes early telephonic equipment.
Why now?Tomorrow from 1pm-6pm, as part of National Heritage Week, A Taste of the Past will invite adults and children to sample artisan foods made by traditional methods. Food producers will demonstrate butter-making, cheese-making and flour-milling.
Crafts such as weaving, textile art and marquetry will also be demonstrated. The artists based in the cultural quarter will give free art lessons to children. Traditional children’s games will be organised.
There is also a special summer exhibition entitled The Shelling of Millmount, which marks the 90th anniversary of the near destruction of the Millmount Martello Tower during Ireland’s civil war. The exhibition features rare images and eye-witness accounts of this historic event. On September 15th, there will be a Civil War re-enactment in the museum complex, with free admission. On September 16th, there will be a lecture titled The Irish Civil War – Foundation of Democracy or Counter-Revolution? The latter is part of the John Boyle O’Reilly Autumn School of lectures, which will run from 10am to 5.15pm on September 16th.
How do I get there?Follow the M1 north from Dublin and take exit eight. At the roundabout take the second exit signposted Drogheda. At second roundabout take the second exit signposted Drogheda. Continue driving on Platin Road. Turn left on to Beamore Road, past The Pheasant, and this turns into Duleek Street. The Martello tower will be visible on your left. There is parking within the complex, and in the surrounding streets.The museum is open from 10am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and from 2pm-5pm on Sundays.
Admission for adults is: museum only €3.50; tower only €3; museum and tower €5.50. For children: museum only €2.50; tower only €2; museum and tower €3. Students: museum only €3; tower only €2.50; museum and tower €4.
Tel: 041-9833097, droghedamuseum.ie.
