Heritage Council rewards excellence on day of celebration for Irish museums

6 museums were celebrated at a ceremony in Kilkenny Castle today having achieved official accreditation under the Heritage Council’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI).

Established to promote professional standards in museums, selection under the MSPI is a major accolade with accredited museums considered to have attained excellence across a range of areas.

The Edward Worth Library, a book-collection assembled by the notable Dublin physician, Edward Worth, achieved full accreditation for the first time. Worth was a connoisseur collector who was interested in the book as a material object. His collection includes 3,432 historic volumes which are today housed in the former Dr Steevan’s Hospital, now the headquarters of the HSE.

Meanwhile, Butler Gallery in Kilkenny maintained full accreditation for the third time, while Cavan County Museum maintained full accreditation for the second time. Glebe House and Gallery in Dongegal, Kilmainham Gaol Museum and the Little Museum of Dublin all maintained full accreditation for the first time.

Factors taken into account during the assessment process include how museums care for their collections and visitors, as well as governance and management standards, and their education and exhibition programmes. Since its inception in 2006, the Irish museum sector has continued to embrace the programme with participation growing from 12 museum sites to 79 in 2024.

Commenting on today’s ceremony, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council Virginia Teehan said:

“The annual MSPI Awards Ceremony is a significant day in the calendar for the museum sector. It is a time to celebrate the exemplary practices in museum standards which fortify and professionalise the museums across Irelan. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the museums being awarded accreditation today, and am acutely aware of the tremendous effort and dedication that has gone into ensuring the implementation of best practices at all times. Your hard work not only preserves our cultural heritage but also enhances the educational and community value of our museums. Today, we celebrate your achievements and the high standards you uphold.”

Presenting the awards today, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, said:

“It’s a real privilege for me to be in Kilkenny Castle today, another MSPI-accredited site, and to be able to personally congratulate all of this year’s award winners. I know how hard these museums have worked for their accreditation and are richly deserving of this recognition. I am particularly pleased to see Butler Gallery, based in my own constituency, maintaining full accreditation for a very impressive third time.”

Notes for editors

Please contact Pearse Ó Caoimh to arrange an interview.

T. 085-8590378 E. pocaoimh@heritagecouncil.ie

*The museums receiving accreditation today are:

Full accreditation

Edward Worth Library (Dublin)

Maintenance of accreditation

Butler Gallery (Kilkenny)

Cavan County Museum (Cavan)

Glebe House and Gallery (Donegal)

Kilmainham Gaol Museum (Dublin)

The Little Museum of Dublin (Dublin)