Temporary Exhibitions

Artefacts from Kilkeel Knitting Mills go on display at Newry and Mourne Museum

An important collection of artefacts reflecting the work of the Kilkeel Knitting Mills have gone on display at Newry and Mourne Museum. These include a knitting machine and examples of knitwear produced by the factory in the later decades of the 20th century.

Kilkeel Knitting Mills was established by Edith and Kurt Sekules in 1950. Before World War II the Sekules family had been part of the Jewish community in Vienna and settled in Northern Ireland in 1947 after having spent the Second World War in detention camps in Russia.

During the 1950s and 1960s the business continued to expand, developing an international customer base. The factory began by making Argyle socks but went on to knit tartan hose worn by pipe bands and, from 1957, cashmere and Aran sweaters. In the 1980s, Edith and Kurt’s son Walter became more involved in the business. After the deaths of his parents, Walter continued to run the factory until it eventually closed in the autumn of 2022. He passed away in July 2023.

Artefacts donated to the Museum by Walter Sekules at the time of the factory’s closure include a knitting machine used when the factory opened in 1950, which was still in use in 2022, a wages book from the 1950s and various socks and sweaters. Of particular significance is a cardigan worn by Edith Sekules at her Golden Wedding anniversary celebrations in 1986. This was one of five designs by Irish designer Paul Costelloe, produced by Kilkeel Knitting Mills. As personal designer to Diana, the late Princess of Wales, a cardigan from the range made at Kilkeel was worn by Diana in the same year.

The knitting machine from Kilkeel Knitting Mills is on permanent display while the knitwear is on display until June 2024.

Slices of History: Memories of McCann’s Bakery

The latest temporary exhibition ‘Slices of History: Memories of McCann’s Bakery’, looks at the Bakery’s long history going back to its establishment in 1837. On display are a wide range of items such as a breadman’s jacket, recipes, brochures, and bread making equipment, all of which will bring back fond memories.

It highlights how the company was a part of the fabric of Newry and Mourne society, providing a much-needed service in the community, especially at a time before cars and buses were commonplace. The company also provided employment for many in the area, especially in difficult periods.

Accompanying the exhibition is a booklet of edited transcriptions from conversations that were recorded by Newry and Mourne Museum during reminiscence evenings with the former employees of McCann’s Bakery including the manager, office workers, mechanics and of course, bakers and breadmen. The booklet focuses on their memories of what life was like in the bakery.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge until August 2024.

Newry Artists Past and Present

This exhibition celebrates the works of talented artists who hail from Newry or who have found inspiration in the local area.

This exhibition features a collection of fine and applied art, including sculptures, dating from the late 19th century up until the present, and offers a unique opportunity to explore artworks from the Museum Collection that are not typically on display.

At the core of this display is the exploration of how these remarkable artists have utilised their skills to respond to the local landscape, the areas rich history and significant social and political events. In addition to the Museum’s own collection, the exhibition includes several works on loan and exciting new additions, including contemporary and abstract pieces.

The exhibition features the works of esteemed artists such as John Nixon, Margaret Clarke, Colin Turner, John Haugh, John Bannon, Cora Harrington, Sean Hillen, Greag Mac a' tSaoir, Anna-Marie Savage and Russell Reid. Their exceptional talents will undoubtedly captivate visitors.

The exhibition is housed in Gallery Three of the Museum and is open to the public free of charge until 27 April 2024.

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Christmas Tales and Tunes at Down County Museum

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Craft

Down County Museum hosts two free family events for Christmas on 9th and 16th December.

Dates

Price
Free

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Family Halloween Arts and Crafts at Newry and Mourne Museum

Castle Street, Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Arts and crafts for families this Halloween at Newy and Mourne Museum

Dates

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
AONB and Geopark Amateur Photography Competition Winners Exhibition

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

alan.freeburn@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Magnificent Mourne Gullion Strangford! Our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty through the seasons.'
A display of the winners and finalists in this annual amateur photography competition held by the management teams of the Ring of Gullion, Mournes…

Dates

From:

3 Dec 2024to1 Feb 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

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Downpatrick and the 1798 Rebellion

Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Walking

Explore a range of sites associated with the 1798 rebellion

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Family Friendly Scavenger Hunt and Trail

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Walks and Trails

Family Friendly fun with these free trails!

Dates

Price
Free

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Free family fun on St Patrick's Day at Down County Museum

Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4252

amy.button@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Family fun throughout the day at Down County Museum to celebrate St Patrick's Day 2024.

Dates

Price
Free

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St. Patrick’s Day events at Newry and Mourne Museum 2024

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4992

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Craft

Children's leprechaun craft workshops at Newry and Mourne Museum on St Patrick's Day.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Christmas Past & Present in Down County Museum

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

alan.freeburn@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Craft

Join us for FREE at Down County Museum to celebrate Christmas Past and Present

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Voices from the Archives

Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44(0)33 0137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

History

Linda McKenna explores the fascinating evidence of the experience of the 1798 rebellion which can be discovered through archive collections.

Dates

Price
Free

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Music at the Museum

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4992

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Live Music

Music for St Patrick's Day at Newry and Mourne Museum.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Crafting for the curious: free children's craft workshops

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Workshop

Are you a curious collector who enjoys getting creative? Are you 6-12 years of age? Have you got some free time this February half-term?
Join us to make your own unique version of an item from the British Museum collection, now on display in…

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
'Remembering Our Canal Street': Jewellery and Tales with Céline Traynor and Bronagh McAtasney

Castle Street, Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Talks/Lectures

To complement our current temporary exhibition at Newry & Mourne Museum, 'Newry Artists Past and Present' Céline and Bronagh will host informal, conversational talk about Canal Street in Newry.

Dates

Price
Price £2.50 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Irish Regiments & 'The Longest Day'

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44(0) 330 147 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

History

Lecture by Dr Gavin Hughes, FRHistS, FRGS

Dates

Price
Price £2.50 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Spring Art In Down County Museum - 6 May

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4252

amy.button@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Free art activity inspired by the Down Community Arts exhibition.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
The Architectural Heritage of Downpatrick

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down, Downpatrick, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 7511 2449

linda.mckenna@nmandd.org

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Walking

Explore the rich architectural heritage of Downpatrick in this walking tour

Dates

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Incorrigibles and Unfortunates: Gaols in Downpatrick

Downpatrick

Address

English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 7511 2449

linda.mckenna@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Walking

Incorrigibles and Unfortunates: Gaols in Downpatrick
Join Linda McKenna to explore Downpatrick's four seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth century gaol sites and the stories of their prisoners. The walk will finish at the Gallows Hill, the…

Dates

Price
Free

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Easter Activities at Newry and Mourne Museum

Newry

Address

Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4422

Declan.Carroll@nmandd.org

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Easter Events

Children's arts and crafts for Easter

Dates

Price
Price £2.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
Gel Plate Printing at Down County Museum

Downpatrick

Address

The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

In this workshop you will explore a range of mark-making and print-making processes when printing by hand and using a gel-plate. Using botanicals, stencils and some found object patterns, you will create a series of unique collage works. A frame…

Dates

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

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Down County Museum Showcase: Belinda Loftus Collection

Downpatrick

Address

Down Arts Centre, 2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4049

alan.freeburn@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Exhibition

Belinda Loftus is a local artist who uses a wide range of media and styles to explore the natural environment, ancient history and myths, political events past and present, and the impact of high finance and artificial intelligence.

Dates

More Info
Set for Summer! Cathedral View Kids' Zone

English Street, Downpatrick

Address

Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
0330 137 4049

museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

History

Indoor kids activities - drawing, colouring, dress up and reading

Dates

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors