Our local museums

We are blessed with two museums within a mile of the house thanks to the OPW. That's the Office of Public Works  to those who don't know.

This week is Irish Heritage Week, celebrating the history and culture of Ireland and as such he OPW have made all museums free entry.

So being the non sunshine day that it was we decided to do a little tour of our local museums. First up was the brilliant and beautiful Blasket Centre. This building is IMHO a joy and settles into the landscape perfectly. With a nod to the islands it commentates and celebrates as it looks out to them.

Having done a few trips to the Great Blasket this summer it was a timely visit as we learnt so much more about the people, the landscape, their lives and challenges. One can only stand back in admiration at these people.

What we did discover is that the islanders, not having a bull on the island, had to bring the cows across to the mainland on the rowing boats to be inseminated!

And being the day that it was the OPW had laid on some traditional Irish music as well as an Irish dancer. The music flowed through the museum and was a beautiful accompaniment to exhibition.

As is the way in Ireland the girl behind the till selling the tickets popped out for a moment to join the musicians and sing a song. And a punter joined the Irish dancer for a few minutes on the floor. He is the one with ordinary shoes!

We then headed back to the museum in Ballyferriter village. We've passed this museum on many occasions and even popped into the bookshop but never thought of venturing into the exhibition itself. I think that this could be described as a bit of a gem of a place, absolutely fascinating and although we are of course biased we thought it had a lot to offer.