KERRY COUNTY Museum was named museum of the year yesterday after being described as “a vibrant cultural resource for the Kerry community and the island as a whole”.
The museum awards, which were jointly hosted by the Heritage Council in partnership with the Northern Ireland Museums Council, also bestowed the accolade “highly commended” on Knock Museum in Co Mayo.
The National Museum of Ireland won “Best Exhibition” for its Soldiers and Chiefs; The Irish at War at Home and Abroad since 1550.
Down County Museum was highly commended for its exhibition Down Through Time as was Derry City Council Heritage and Museum Service’s Tower Museum for its An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera.
The Best Education and Outreach Project winner was South Tipperary County Museum for its heritage in schools project.
Separately yesterday, the Heritage Council’s Museum standards programme also accredited three museums – Knock Museum, Waterford Museum of Treasures and the National Print Museum.
The standards programme, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, sets out to improve all aspects of Ireland’s museum practice.
Commenting on Kerry Museum, chief executive of the Heritage Council Michael Starrett said it was “a vibrant cultural resource for the Kerry community and the island as a whole.
“Its in-depth and engaging exhibitions programme, together with its education and community programme, are testaments to the hard work and commitment of the staff at this museum.”
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