Plans for Museum of Country Life slammed

Anton McNulty

A CASTLEBAR councillor believes that development plans for the Museum of Country Life are ‘not ambitious enough’. The councillor, Fianna FΡil’s Al McDonnell, also believes that ‘forces’ are scuppering the museum’s long-term viability.
At last week’s monthly meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District, which was held in the Community Centre in Turlough, Cllr McDonnell claimed that the plans would prevent the museum from realising its potential to treble its visitor numbers.
“I am concerned the plan is not ambitious enough and that forces have been working against the museum since day one,” he said, adding: “A number of people for various reasons have ceased employment and have not been replaced. This is a concern to me.”
Established in 2001, the Museum of Country Life in Turlough House is part of the National Museum of Ireland and is the only national museum outside of Dublin.
The museum’s exhibits focus on Irish rural life between 1850 and 1950. The facility is considered one of the jewels in the crown of Mayo tourism, attracting in the region of 100,000 visitors every year.
However, in recent years, concerns about the future viability of the museum have been expressed. In 2014, these fears were discussed at a board meeting of the National Museum following a funding shortfall, and partial or full closure was considered.
While worries about the museum’s immediate future have since been allayed, Cllr McDonnell said Mayo County Council should be fully informed of any development plan, and have an input. Cllr McDonnell was supported by a number of his colleagues in the Municipal District.
Turlough House was purchased by Mayo County Council in 1991. Originally the site of a medieval De Burgo castle, Turlough House was built in 1865 and owned by the Fitzgerald family of Waterford. It was designed by the celebrated Victorian architects Woodward and Deane, who also designed the National Museum on Kildare Street.
When it was purchased by Mayo County Council, it was in a derelict state. Its renovation cost £3 million.