Down County Museum

About the museum

Down County Museum is housed in the buildings of the County Gaol of Down, which opened in 1796 and closed in 1830. The gaol held rebels from the battles of Saintfield and Ballynahinch in 1798 and Thomas Russell, who was executed for his part in the rising of 1803. It was also a convict gaol where many people sentenced to transportation were held before being sent to New South Wales. The site is described as one of the most complete surviving Georgian gaols in Ireland, and restoration of the buildings began in 1981.

The museum stands on The Mall in Downpatrick, between Down Cathedral and the courthouse. It collects, conserves and displays objects relating to County Down from the earliest times to the present, with collections covering archaeology, art, photography, farming, textiles and medicine.

The permanent displays include a gallery on the lives of former prisoners in the old gaol, an exhibition on about 9,000 years of human history in the county in the former Governor’s Residence, and a farming gallery. Temporary exhibitions range from the Victorians to local artists. The museum offers a schools programme and hands-on features for children and families.

Highlights

• Restored Georgian County Gaol of Down, one of the most complete in Ireland
• "Down Through Time" exhibition on about 9,000 years of local history
• "At Present Confined": stories of prisoners including Thomas Russell
• Farming gallery with a reaper and binder and a Ferguson tractor
• Free guided tours of the gaol and main exhibitions on Saturdays

Permanent exhibitions

• At Present Confined: Life in the Old Gaol of Down – The stories of former prisoners of the gaol, including Thomas Russell, its best-known inmate.
• Down Through Time – About 9,000 years of human history in County Down told through over 1,100 objects, documents and artworks, in the former Governor’s Residence.
• Harvests from Land and Sea – Farming equipment from large machines such as a reaper and binder and a Ferguson tractor to small hand tools.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Some special events and guided tours are charged.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The galleries are described as fully accessible. Large-format information is available on request, and there is a tactile orientation model of the site with a selection of tactile objects. Toilets for visitors with disabilities are provided. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The museum has hands-on features for children and families, baby changing facilities and a schools programme, and lists family and children’s events.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on The Mall (English Street) between Down Cathedral and Downpatrick Courthouse. Follow the brown signs from the Belfast and Newcastle roads.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The shop sells local history books, local crafts, children’s goods and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Meeting and conference facilities are listed on the museum’s website.

Plan your visit