Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne
Accredited regional museum in an 1875 schoolhouse at Baile an Fheirtéaraigh on the Dingle Peninsula, on its geology, archaeology and history.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Músaem Chorca Dhuibhne, also called the West Kerry Museum, is housed in the old schoolhouse of Baile an Fheirtéaraigh (Ballyferriter), a building from 1875 that is a monument in its own right. It stands 13 km west of Dingle in the Gaeltacht, on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Slea Head route, and is run in close association with the local heritage organisation Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne.
The museum collects, protects and displays objects and information about the natural and cultural heritage of the Dingle Peninsula. Visitors learn about the geology, archaeology, heritage and history of the area, with some artefacts on loan from the National Museum of Ireland. Online catalogues cover the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age, early medieval and later periods. It has full accreditation under the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland.
A new permanent exhibition was commissioned from the design company New Graphic in 2018, and the current display includes a long-term exhibition called The Oceans and Us, sponsored by the Marine Institute. The museum also welcomes visiting exhibitions. A café with home baking and a bookshop specialising in books in Irish, local interest titles, maps and walking guides share the building. The museum also supports walks and events such as Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh and Féile na Bealtine.
Highlights
- Geology, archaeology and history of the Dingle Peninsula
- Artefacts on loan from the National Museum of Ireland
- Long-term exhibition The Oceans and Us
- Café with home baking and a bookshop with books in Irish
- Information on local walks and archaeological sites
Permanent exhibitions
- The Oceans and Us – A long-term exhibition about the sea, sponsored by the Marine Institute, which the museum plans to keep on view for several years.
- Archaeology and heritage of the Dingle Peninsula – Objects from the Mesolithic to the medieval period and later, with loans from the National Museum of Ireland.
- Operated by
- Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The museum runs education activities with hands-on sessions, worksheets and trails, and welcomes groups of all kinds.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh (Ballyferriter), 13 km (8 miles) west of Dingle, on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Slea Head route.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
A café serving coffee and home baking, and a bookshop that specialises in books in Irish, local interest books, maps and walking guides, and sells cards and small gifts made locally.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The curator can give guided tours of the museum and of archaeological sites on the peninsula for groups by prior arrangement through the museum email. Education activities include walks, talks, hands-on sessions and worksheets. The website is in English and Irish. |
