Those who have been missing all things GAA over the past two years will be delighted to hear that the GAA Museum has recently undergone a major makeover and has fascinating new artefacts on display.
Nestled under the Cusack Stand in Croke Park, the GAA Museum is one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions. It tells the GAA’s most interesting stories and highlights the most prized items in the history of the games. Their fascinating revamped exhibition features treasures like an old Cusack stand seat, a New York captain’s jersey from 1927, and a hurley from the 1888 invasion tour.
The renovation was completed thanks to funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin’s Surprising Stories scheme. This initiative has given visitor attractions and tourist sites across Dublin the opportunity to tell unexpected stories of local people and places in a fresh and exciting way.
The funding has allowed the GAA Museum to tell the story of Gaelic games and the unique place the sports hold in Irish society and culture. It’s also the perfect opportunity to feature the ancient and unique sports of hurling and camogie and their links to Irish myth and legend.
“The new ground floor welcome area of the GAA Museum has been transformed thanks to this important scheme. We’re proud to reveal the work that has been done and it’s exciting to see such significant items from our collection on show for our visitors. We hope all who come to see us enjoy hearing our surprising stories,” said GAA Museum Director Niamh McCoy.
Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy was on hand to officially launch the new exhibition space. “The GAA Museum holds a unique place within our Association, and we are grateful for the work the team do in telling our stories, remembering our heroes and building on our legacy. This new exhibition has some amazing items and it’s important that GAA supporters, history lovers and the general public have a place to discover our evolution and learn more about us,” he said.
Liz Halpin from Fáilte Ireland said, “Creating new ways for visitors to enjoy the history, heritage and culture of Dublin will ensure our capital city’s attractions remain on the must-visit list for domestic and international visitors. We know that the modern tourist expects an interactive and accessible experience and the renovation of the GAA Museum, completed through our Dublin’s Surprising Stories scheme, will allow visitors to engage with the story of Dublin in a new, innovative way.”
After visiting the new exhibition, why not go on the award-winning Croke Park Stadium Tour, which brings you on a riveting behind-the-scenes journey through the home of Gaelic games. Some of the highlights include taking a seat in the VIP area, getting a birds-eye view from the media centre, sneaking a peek inside the dressing rooms, lifting Liam and Sam at the famous trophy presentation area and of course, walking in the footsteps of sporting legends as you go pitchside through the players’ tunnel!
The GAA Museum is open daily from 09.30 to 17.00 (may be closed for match days and other event days). Croke Park stadium tours and Skyline tours also leave from the GAA Museum and a visit to the exhibition is included with all tour tickets. For further information and to book a tour, visit www.crokepark.ie/gaamuseum.
