Culture
24 Feb 26

Minister O’Donovan proposes new National Museum of Ireland Limerick branch dedicated to Women’s Stories

Patrick O'Donovan. Photo: Houses of the Oireachtas.

The new branch would open on O’Connell Street, Limerick - the home of the former International Rugby Experience.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D has announced his intention to open a new branch of the National Museum of Ireland in Limerick.

Minister O’Donovan updated the Government today on proposals to accept a purpose-built exhibition property on O’Connell Street, Limerick - the home of the former International Rugby Experience - under the State Property Act 1954.

The purpose-built exhibition building is set to host a permanent exhibition telling the stories of women in Ireland, following the recommendation of the recently published report of the Women’s Advisory Committee on Women’s Stories.

This multi award-winning building was designed by Niall McLaughlin, this year’s RIBA Royal Gold medal winner and previous winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize for architectural excellence.

Speaking today, Minister O’Donovan thanked the property owners, the McManus Family “for supporting this shared vision for the region.”

“It offers great potential to amplify the representation of women’s voices and lived experiences, in all their diversity, and with a special focus on under-represented and marginalised communities,” he continued. “It is a significant step in expanding the reach of our national cultural institutions beyond the Capital”

He also added that the Limerick project would join the Crawford Gallery in Cork, now undergoing a major redevelopment project, and the Museum of Country Living in Co Mayo as a new regional centre.

“I am conscious that there is a detailed process to undertake to realise this proposal, and I know that developing any new museum is a sensitive and complex process,” he concluded. “There are many factors to be considered, which will take time to fully work through. I am committed to working collaboratively with all involved to fully explore the potential and feasibility of this and I welcome the support of my Government colleagues as I and my Department work through this process.”