Mountmellick Museum, Province of Leinster, Ireland

5Judith38Cork_Ireland 5:00 PM Jul 14, 2018

A special gem and a tribute to Mountmellick's Quaker heritage
We visited this museum last week and it is a truly wonderful gem. Our tour guide (Paddy Buggy) was highly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and interesting with a warm, friendly approach. He led us through the museum which commemorates Mountmellick's past along with the lives of its people. It felt like history being brought to life. Samples of some incredible "Mountmellick work" are on display while an example of a trunk is also displayed, representing the type of luggage belonging to one of the many poor workhouse girls who were dispatched to Australia in the 1800s - a journey which took 6 months. If you are in or near Mountmellick, why not visit this museum and be transported back to a very different time? It was also fascinating to hear of the work done by the Mountmellick Development Association (MDA) which is an amazing example of "self-aid". Mountmellick is a town of about 4000 people (if I recall correctly) and the MDA is an excellent representation of the town's vibrancy. And after all of that, there is a super restaurant on-site which we found to be very reasonable. A pleasant (and convenient) place to enjoy a meal or snack after your tour.

5Mary H 5:00 PM Jul 26, 2016

A Quaker Legacy
We visited the Mountmellick Craft Museum in Co Laois recently and were welcomed by Mrs Dolores Dempsey who gave us a wonderful tour of the historical and cultural legacy of the Quaker heritage in Laois and throughout Ireland. Whilst we were attending for a tour of the beautiful hand crafted white on white embroidery there is so much more to hear and learn about. If you have an interest in genealogy the Museum has a database of Quaker records dating back to the 17th century. Mrs Dempsey is not only an inspiring teacher and skilled embroiderer she is also an historian and the love of of her craft and county are infectious. The museum houses wonderful examples of antique and modern white on white work and they are determined to keep this Mountmellick work alive. They run regular workshops, groups or one to one tuition is available. Beginners, improvers and master embroiderers are all catered for by advance booking. Drop in classes are held on Tuesdays (8 - 10pm) from September - March - no booking necessary. We attended an embroidery class patiently tutored by Mrs Dempsey! The exhibition embroidery both antique and modern is inspiring. This is not a tour to be rushed so allow a leisurely morning or afternoon to enjoy this wonderful craft. There is a pleasant cafe for snacks or lunch nearby and a car park also on site. We were inspired by our visit and wish the Museum every success for the future.