An iconic Fender Stratocaster guitar owned by musician Rory Gallagher is one of a number of artefacts from Donegal that feature in Changing Ireland Galleries at the National Musuem of Ireland.

The Changing Ireland Galleries was officially launched today, marking the biggest expansion of public galleries at the National Museum of Ireland in over two decades. 

Highlights include key objects from Co. Donegal, which feature prominently throughout the exhibition.

Among them are a finely tailored hand-woven tweed suit made by Round Tower, a Gaeltarra Éireann brand, in the 1960s; a Fender Stratocaster guitar owned by musician Rory Gallagher (1948–1995), produced in 1961 and personally modified during the 1970s and 1980s, symbolising Ireland’s contribution to global rock music; and an elegant brooch of Wicklow gold set with a pearl from Lough Eske, Co. Donegal, representing the intersection of natural beauty and artistry unique to the region.

Queen’s Brooch designed by Edmond Johnson for West & Son, Dublin 1849. It’s made of Wicklow gold and set with a pearl from Lough Eske in Co. Donegal. .

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, Simon Harris, T.D., visited the National Museum to officially open the galleries.

The Changing Ireland Galleries feature hundreds of political, social and cultural objects from the Museum’s 20th and 21st century collections – extraordinary and everyday artefacts that have borne witness to the last 150 years. On entering the galleries, visitors are invited to reflect on the objects and consider the question “Cad Is Ann Éire Dar Leat?” – “What Is Ireland to You?”

A Donegal hand-woven tweed suit made by Round Tower, a Gaeltarra Éireann brand from the 1960s.

In keeping with the Museum’s desire to develop dynamic and engaging exhibits, the new galleries have been meticulously designed to accommodate regular changes in the display, giving the public unprecedented access to the collection and supporting the long-term conservation of the objects.  

Dónal Maguire, Keeper of Art and Industry, National Museum of Ireland with Rory Gallagher’s iconic Fender Stratocaster (1961).

Advertisement

Tánaiste Harris said: “These new galleries provide an important opportunity to reflect on and connect with Ireland’s story in fresh and deeply meaningful ways.

“It reminds us that our shared history is not static but continues to evolve with every generation, shaped by the people who call this island home.”