Search Results for 'National Museum'

The National Museum of Ireland is inviting people to discover some Christmas traditions from yesteryear, through a new programme of events and activities at Turlough Park, Castlebar, this month.

‘Westward Ho! Let us rise with the sun, and be off to the land of the west - to the lakes and streams - the grassy glens and fern-clad gorges - the bluff hills and rugged mountains - now cloud-capped, then revealed in azure, or bronzed by evening’s tints, as the light of day sinks into the bold swell of the Atlantic….’

The Cross of Cong, one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical treasures, was reputedly made at Cloncraff monastary, Co Roscommon. Its unsurpassed craftsmanship was inspired by its relic, a splinter of the wood of the cross on which Christ was crucified.

The story of the Claddagh ring, which is made up of a plain hoop attached to a hammered or cast bezel designed as two hands clasping a crowned heart, has so much folklore and myth attached to it that it is hard to know where legend ends and truth begins. The motif of clasped hands is usually referred to as a ‘fede’ or ‘hands in faith’ ring and has been used on love rings since Roman times. The heart, regarded by lovers as the seal of affection, made an appearance on rings at a later date, as did the crown which is the distinguishing feature of the Claddagh Ring from all the others.

With packages and attractive rates offering great value coupled with a range of interesting and exciting things to do, a break in Dublin makes more sense than ever.

The Galway civic sword and mace are among the finest specimens of municipal corporation insignia in Ireland; the sword is particularly noteworthy and can be compared with the best of civic swords in these islands. Swords and maces were first carried by the king’s servants as symbols of the authority of the king himself. As time went on, the mayors and bailiffs of towns acquired swords and maces of their own, some following charter grants, others by mere assumption without specific authority. These were usually borne before the dignitaries concerned when they went in procession or were actively displayed when they acted otherwise in their official capacity. Maces, which were originally weapons, are staves of authority. Swords symbolise the legitimate use of force.

The Galway City Museum will reopen its doors to the public on Tuesday July 21 at 10am.

THE COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions may have prevented us from going to the theatre and the art galleries, so instead theatre and exhibition is coming to us.

As the forthcoming annual Midlands Science Festival grows closer, local development agency Midlands Science is preparing to provide an array of incredible events and science fun across the Midlands region.

An East Galway TD has welcomed progress in efforts to return the Turoe Stone to Bullaun.