This Summer why not take the family on an unforgettable trip through time to explore 9000 years of history in spectacular new exhibitions packed with hands-on features at Down County Museum.

Down County Museum is located in the historic town of Downpatrick in the eighteenth century Gaol of Down, and as well as restored cells and gaol buildings, the museum has recently unveiled major new exhibitions on the history of the County.
Down Through Time is now open in the refurbished Governor’s Residence building of the old Gaol. This takes the visitors through the story of Down from prehistory to modern times. Over 1,200 objects are now showcased in fully accessible surroundings.

The displays have been planned with families in mind and as well as showing highlights of the museum’s diverse collections, include object based puzzles for children, replica dressing up costume, models to explore and historical games to play. Children can touch real prehistoric tools, rebuild a prehistoric pot, explore an Early Christian monastery and an Early Modern tower house. They can also have a go at Viking weaving or making a Victorian quilt, play a game from World War II or make a Norman floor tile, as well as dressing up as Viking, Victorian and 1940s children. For all visitors additional features include real and replica objects to touch, computer based databases of objects, sites and photographs, gallery audio points which tell the stories of important historical events or personalities and drawers of smaller objects to examine. The museum has also developed important facilities for visitors with visual impairments including a tactile orientation model of the site, and a special audio tour of the museum. Other audio tours are available in French, German, Spanish and Irish.

Other facilities at the museum include a tearoom and shop and a specially designed children’s activity room located in the old Gaol dayroom. This year’s theme for the activity space is medieval. Children can play some games, try on costume, practise battle skills, design some stained glass or a coat of arms, make gruesome gargoyles or write ballads!

The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm on weekdays and 1pm to 5pm at the weekend. Admission to the museum is free. Full details of all facilities are available from the museum on +44 28 4461 5218 or visit www.downcountymuseum.com.

RECIPE

1 famed gourmet town

30 hours of music

20 sculptures

7 authors

5 poets

8 theatre shows

Sprinkle with sunshine as needed, stir in a picturesque harbour bobbing with boats and mix vigorously.

Result - Kinsale Arts Week! July 7-15

A nine-day feast of cultural delights will give locals and visitors alike another reason to visit one of Ireland’s most picturesque seaside towns - Kinsale. The third annual Kinsale Arts Week (July 7-15), under new artistic director Deborah Dignam will feature a diverse and vibrant programme bridging visual art, music, dance, comedy, architecture, literature, film, theatre, kids’ events, workshops and outdoor spectacle. Up to 30,000 people are expected to attend an energetic, surprising and uncompromising programme at this ‘boutique festival’ with over 70 events.

Some of the cultural experiences in store for audiences include:
- Edna O Brien reading in The Trident Hotel on a sunny summer evening
- Remy and Paul, international sandsculptors from Holland and the UK creating a unique sculpture in the centre of Kinsale
- John Boyne reading in the Friary Space
- A swinging seafood session with Ross Lewis of Chapter One cooking up a storm at Fishy Fishy Cafe
- Gabriel Rosenstock reading poetry on a boat cruising the harbour
- Artist Eilis O Connell bringing together the largest collection of her sculptures ever shown in Ireland
- Clare Langan's films screened in a disused chemist
- Classical Mexican cinema screened in a hair salon - SALON CINEMA

For further information visit www.kinsaleartsweek.com

Armagh County Museum - Summer Exhibition

The Armagh Art Club Summer Exhibition taking place from 1st July to 31st August is an annual event that has been taking place at the museum for over 40 years. It is a great opportunity to view paintings from the county and further afield, with an added bonus that the works are for sale.

Whether you are a first-time visitor, or on a return trip, a visit to Armagh County Museum is an ideal way to begin exploring the orchard county and Saint Patrick's cathedral City. Admission to the Museum is free.

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10-1pm & 2-5pm

For further information telephone +44 28 3752 3070 or visit www.armaghcountymuseum.org.uk