Based in the restored buildings of the 18th century County Gaol of Down, Down County Museum was founded in 1981. It collects, documents, conserves and exhibits artefacts on the archaeology, history and culture of County Down. The Museum holds 12,000 objects and 50,000 photographs.
The Museum’s permanent exhibitions include ‘Down Through Time’ in the Governor’s Residence. This displays over 1,100 objects on the history of the County from 9,000 years ago. There are also displays on Downpatrick High Cross, farming and fishing and the story of the Gaol’s prisoners.
A programme of temporary exhibitions includes displays of art, crafts, social history, political history and archaeology of the region. This is drawn from the museum’s own collections, or, occasionally on loan from other organisations.
Entry Fee
Museum entry is free of charge.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 4.30pm
For venue, exhibition and event information, visit the Down County Museum page.
Contact Us
T: 0330 137 4049
E: museums@nmandd.org
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