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Folklife Research Services

Aran jumper. National Folklife Collection

The bulk of the 37,000 objects in the Irish Folklife Collection are housed in purpose-built stores at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Many of the larger objects, including early 20th century farm machinery, are now housed in NMI's Collections Resource Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin or in Daingean, Co. Offaly.

As in any museum, only a small proportion of the division's collections are on public display. This part of the collection is available to the public during the opening hours of the Museum.

The Irish Folklife Division actively encourages research use of our collections. We will support access as best we can within our available resources. Please note, we ask that you contact us prior to seeking funding for projects, which are dependent on accessing our collections, to ensure we will have the capacity to meet your needs.

Anyone wishing to study aspects of the collections should, in the first instance, email the Folklife Duty Officer or telephone +353 94 9031755.

The Folklife division has a substantial library and archive. This is available for use by appointment. Please contact us for further details.


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