"Urney Chocolates grew out of a jam pot" was how Harry Gallagher once described the ascent of his chocolate factory from its humble beginnings. "Sweet Memories" visually narrates this courageous journey. The exhibition brings together stories and memories gathered over the years to tell the captivating tale of Urney Chocolates and to offer a fascinating slice of social history.
Permanent Exhibitions
The Country Village
New Permanent Exhibition opened June, 2009
This exhibition is in the process of refurbishment and will comprise of 6 large scale replicas of craft workshops. This exhibit illustrates the crucial role and function of crafts people in the village community.
The Great Irish Famine
New Permanent Exhibition opened July, 2008
This exhibition illustrates the economic and social aspects of the famine and outlines its importance in Irish and European history. It is also concerned with scientific and technological aspects such as how the potato blight arrived in Ireland, why the potato crop was so devastated by blight, the search for a cure and the control of blight today.
A History of Johnstown Castle Estate
New Permanent Exhibition opened May, 2007
This exhibition illustrates the social and familial history of the estate as well as architectural points of interest.
FUTURE EXHIBITIONS
Permanent Exhibitions
Irish Country Kitchens
New Permanent Exhibition June, 2010
This exhibition will trace the dramatic improvements in living conditions and the changing role of women in the domestic sphere; benefits resulting largely from the process of electrification. The exhibition will comprise of three large-scale replica kitchens, which were typically in use in rural Ireland in 1800, 1900 and 1940-50s. These kitchen replicas will be complimented by a vast and varied range of domestic household objects and early electrical appliances.
Temporary Exhibitions
Calender of future exhibitions is currently unavailable.
PREVIOUS TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS
“Vivat Linum: The RDS and the Irish Linen Industry”
8th June - 28th August, 2009
From its founding in 1731, the Royal Dublin Society has been involved in the creation and development of the Irish Linen Industry in Ireland, both north and south. This exhibition examines the role that the society played in this development through lavishly illustrated textual panels and objects. This exhibition was originally created for the RDS library and will be on display in a number of museums in Ireland over the next year.
"The Odyssey of the Potato"
7th July- 22nd August ,2008
In celebration of the International Year of the Potato in 2008, the International Potato Center (Peru) has prepared a travelling exhibition. This exhibition will be presented in different countries and throughout Europe and Scandinavia in 2008. This exhibition will illustrate the history, evolution and impact of the potato in today's world. Some of the subjects the exhibition deals with are: the potato's importance in pre-Columbian cultures: its discovery, introduction and dissemination within Europe: and its importance today for food security and economic growth in the developing world.
EVENTS
Children's Colouring Competition The competition will ran from the 1st May- 31st August, 2009
