Heritage Council Recognises Excellence in Irish Museums at MSPI Awards

Museums from across Ireland have been recognised for their commitment to excellence in museum practice at the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Heritage Council at Croke Park today.

The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland supports museums in achieving and maintaining recognised standards across all aspects of museum practice, including governance, collections care, visitor services and management.

This year, three museums achieved Full Accreditation, three museums achieved Interim Accreditation, and ten museums maintained their accredited status under the programme.

Full Accreditation was awarded to Monaghan County Museum, Co. Monaghan; Glenveagh Castle Museum, Co. Donegal; and Photo Museum Ireland, Dublin. Interim Accreditation was awarded to The Clarke Museum of Irish History, Ballina, Co. Mayo; 14 Henrietta Street, Dublin; and Ballinglen Museum of Art, Ballycastle, Co. Mayo.

Museums maintaining their accredited status this year were the National Museum of Ireland Collections Resource Centre, National Museum of Ireland Turlough Park, National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks, Hugh Lane Gallery, National Print Museum, Fota House, Allihies Copper Mine Museum, Irish Agricultural Museum, Hunt Museum and Kilkenny Castle.

Speaking about the award, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, said:

"The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland is an important initiative that strengthens the museum sector by promoting the highest standards of caring for collections, engaging with visitors and governance. To achieve accreditation standards museums must demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding our shared heritage for future generations. This scheme supports continuous improvement across museums of all sizes and keeps our vital cultural heritage accessible and protected in communities nationwide. I heartily congratulate the teams from museums around Ireland who have worked so hard to meet these standards and protect our heritage."

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said:

"Accreditation through the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland is a significant achievement and reflects a museum's commitment to the highest standards of governance, collections care and public engagement. Today's awards recognise the commitment of the staff, volunteers and governing bodies who work every day to care for and share our heritage. On behalf of the Heritage Council, I congratulate all of the museums being recognised and thank them for the important contribution they make to their communities and to Ireland's cultural heritage."

The ceremony also included a special presentation marking the retirement of Lesley-Ann Hayden, former Museum Standards Programme for Ireland Programme Manager, whose work has been central to the development and success of the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland. Colleagues from across the museum sector joined in acknowledging her contribution to museums and heritage over many years.

The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland is managed by the Heritage Council and supports museums in achieving and maintaining recognised standards of excellence across all areas of museum practice.