Tipperary Museum of Hidden History to re-open
The Tipperary Museum of Hidden History is getting ready to re-open its doors to the public from July 6th. Since having to close in the middle of March due to the Covid-19 restrictions, staff at the museum has been working on preparing a brilliant new programme of exhibitions and events for the big re-opening.
The Tipperary Museum of Hidden History is this year celebrating 20 years at Mick Delahunty Square in Clonmel. To mark the occasion the museum is launching the ‘Rediscovery of Mick Delahunty's Lost Recordings’. Recently the recordings of several of Mick Delauhunty Shows, which hadn’t been heard in over 72 years, were discovered on four vinyls at the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History. The tracks were recorded in 1948 but never released to the public and were forgotten about until now.
Some of the other features of the museum that visitors will be able to explore include areas that are based on themes which focus on people and not only on “things”. The journey through the museum crosses seven distinct sections and starts with an interactive area which asks the question “who am I?”.
Visitors will be able to:
• Explore the tales of two worlds - from rural life in 19th century Tipperary to the big houses on the River Suir Valley
• Relive the past through the lives of a host of heroes from the world of sports and entertainment
• Hear stories of murders, murderers, innocent men being hanged, and gentlemen who defended their honour with pistols and swords
• See the beautiful gold tabernacle made by the Sisters of Charity
• See the Carrick on Suir Gold Coin Hoard on loan from the National Museum of Ireland
• Feel how clammy a body in a suitcase is!
The museum has also been collecting Covid-19 related material to document the impact of the pandemic on people’s everyday lives, which will form the basis of a new collection in the coming years to inform future generations.
Speaking about the reopening, Marie McMahon said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome visitors back to the museum after what has been a difficult few months for everyone. We have new protocols in place to ensure that the safety guidelines are adhered to and that a visit to the museum is an educational and enjoyable experience for everyone. We are also really excited to have discovered these lost recordings of Mick Delahunty’s shows and reopening the museum on such a high note. Mick Delahunty features in the Museums new redevelopment and it can now be seen by the public. The CD will be available in early August 2020.”
Based in Mick Delahunty Square, Clonmel, the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History is a state-of-the-art interactive visitor experience located in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. The Museum, which was refurbished in October 2019 following funding by Tipperary County Council and Fáilte Ireland, brings Tipperary’s rich hidden history vividly to life through memorable historic characters and amazing stories. With over 25,000 artefacts it is one of the largest museum collections in Ireland. The museum caters for international visitors with audio guides in six languages for this wonderful experience.
A museum was first established in Clonmel in the 1940s before the County Museum officially opened in Mick Delahunty Square in the year 2000. The Tipperary Museum of Hidden History is located on the site of a former prison and was the location of Ireland’s only Borstal from 1906 – 1956.
OPENING HOURS
New opening hours: The Tipperary Museum of Hidden History is open Monday to Friday from 10am – 3.30pm and admission is free. Audio-guides are available in six languages.
Booking details: Visitors can book a visit by emailing museum@tipperarycoco.ie or call 0761 06 5252.The multi-sensory experience is a must-see on your journey in Tipperary and Ireland’s Ancient East. Visit http://www.hiddenhistory.ie & http://www.tipperarycoco.ie/museum