NMD Museums

08/09/2026

🏛 OBJECT OF THE MONTH 🏛
Embossing Press: DOWDM:1983_97

Stop by Down County Museum to see our newest Object of the Month! 🎉

Embossing presses like this example were commonly used in the Victorian era to stamp a raised, ink-free ownership seal onto the pages of a book.

When the handle was pushed, the paper would be pressed between two specialised metal plates, or “dies”. One die would have a raised inscription, and the other recessed, forming the material in between to the desired shape.

07/09/2026

Any history lovers remember the Great Northern Hotel in Warrenpoint?

Anyone remember what happened after it shut?

This week's has Newry and Mourne Museum looking at all the businesses that operated out of this iconic building?

The Great Northern Hotel at Warrenpoint was originally known as the Beach Hotel, which opened with fifty rooms on Easter Monday, March 1885.

After being purchased by the Great Northern Railway Company, the name changed to the Great Northern Hotel at some point in the late 1890s.

In 1923 the hotel closed. The hotel was sold to the Sisters of Mercy to use as a school which opened a year later as Our Lady of Lourdes Boarding School. Now the former hotel is the St. Joseph’s Home.

05/09/2026

Thanks for highlighting our case Daniel Kirkpatrick - Author!

It's great to see them appreciated, we hope they encourage a curiosity about the everyday lives of those that came before us 🙂

Dating across several prehistoric periods, these small objects rarely attract the attention given to Ireland's great monuments.

A museum case can bring together flint tools, pottery fragments and worked stone. Individually, most look fairly ordinary. Together, they give us evidence for the practical activities of people who lived here thousands of years ago.

Prehistoric archaeology often depends on hundreds of ordinary objects like these to reconstruct how people made things, prepared food and went about their daily lives.

The monuments may be the most impressive remains. The small finds often tell us what people actually did.

05/09/2026

Did you know that we had local celebrities in our 1980's exhibition?

We have a gold disc awarded to local band Rosetta Stone who had major success in the 1980s with hits such as Hiding from Love and Straight from the Heart.

Did you listen to any of these tracks? Or is there one you loved that we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments ⬇

04/09/2026

Newry and Mourne Museum has organised a programme of events for all ages for European Heritage Open Days 2026, inspired by the theme Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine.

The programme highlights design and traditions connected to the Museum’s latest exhibition, Categorically Celtic – Traditional Design in Irish Art, Politics and Popular Culture, which explores the significance of Celtic art in Irish life.

Saturday, 12 September

11:00am – 12:30pm | Spark the Imagination: Illuminated Letters Workshop (ages 5–11) 🎨☘
Young explorers will embark on an exciting, guided tour of the exhibition before diving into a hands-on creative session. Children will reimagine ancient Celtic symbols to design their own vibrant artwork.
Spaces are limited; advance booking is essential.

2:00pm – 3:00pm | Museum Tour🏛
Immerse yourself in history with a tour of the museum, featuring full access to our temporary exhibitions, Categorically Celtic and Making Waves.

2:30pm – 4:00pm | Tales of Wonder: Myths and Music with Sinéad McAleavey🌀🎶
Prepare to be spellbound. Experience the magic of Ireland’s past as acclaimed artist Sinéad McAleavey breathes life into ancient legends through thrilling stories and enchanting music.

Sunday, 13 September

1:00pm – 2:00pm | Museum Tour 🏛
Missed Saturday’s tour? Step inside for an inspiring walk-through of the museum’s galleries alongside the Categorically Celtic and Making Waves exhibitions.

2:30pm – 4:00pm | Master the Craft: Celtic Knotwork Painting (ages 16+)🪢☘🖌
Unleash your inner artist. Join award-winning painter and instructor Orla Barry for an immersive watercolour workshop. Learn the secrets of intricate Celtic knotwork and paint your very own masterpiece to take home.
Spaces are limited; advance booking is essential.

If you wish to book for any of the events, email:

[email protected]

04/09/2026

Anyone remember this store?

This Newry and Mourne Museum is looking back at several shops in the area. Starting with P. Campbell's shoe shop which was located on Castle Street.

The cross-carved stone located in Gallery 1, was found at that location before the store was demolished in the 1960s. It was relocated to the walls at the Victoria Bakery before settling into its new location at the Museum. Included is a photo of the stone embedded in the walls during McCann's operations.

03/09/2026

Queen James: Passion, Politics and Plantations at the Heart of the Monarchy:
Join historian and broadcaster Gareth Russell at Down County Museum on September 15th for a fascinating exploration of the life and reign of James VI and I, one of the most influential and controversial monarchs in British and Irish history. 🫅

Gareth Russell is a historian and broadcaster, who was educated at Down High. He studied history at Oxford and his postgraduate at Queen’s. He is the author of the new best-selling book “Queen James,” about the private of life of James I, which was adapted into a BBC documentary earlier this year.

Tickets can be obtained at:
https://nmdmuseums.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173692118

03/09/2026

It's Throwback Thursday! 🎉

Can you guess the location we've picked this week? 🤔
📸

02/09/2026

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Any history lovers know this street?

Can anyone guess how it's connected to the history of nursing in our area?

If you know comment below and if you'd like to know more, check out this week's article in the link in the comment below 😄

01/09/2026

Discover a new perspective on the 1798 Rebellion at the "Thousands are Flocking to the Standard" 1798 Rebellion in County Down Conference.

Over two days, leading historians, academics and local researchers will explore and share the experiences and motivations of the people who took part in the United Irishmen rebellion in County Down.

📍 10 September at Bangor Castle
📍 11 September at Down County Museum

Plus enjoy guided 1798-themed tours at both venues.

🎟 Both one day and two day tickets are available.

For more information or to book your place, visit:

https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on/thousands-are-flocking-to-the-standard-1798-rebellion-in-co-down-conference



Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford



Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Discover unexplored aspects of the 1798 rebellion in County Down in this two day conference. Tickets £20 for each day, £35 for a two-day ticket