Kiltartan Gregory Museum
Situated at historic Kiltartan Cross, made famous by W.B.Yeats, this red brick building is an architectural gem. It was built as a schoolhouse in 1892 at the behest of Sir William Gregory and designed by Frank Persse, Lady Gregory’s brother. Now an award-winning museum, it houses memorabilia, furniture and manuscripts dealing with the Gregory family and the Irish Literary Renaissance. It contains a rich collection of genealogy and local history which has proved invaluable for the Ireland Reaching Out project and for The Gathering Ireland 2013. The building also holds an old Irish classroom which will take you back in time to school life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Comments include: “absolutely brilliant”, “could stay all day”, “lovely, friendly place”.
The Kiltartan Gregory Cultural Society was founded in August 1990 with the broad aim of preserving the heritage of the Kiltartan area in South Galway. We highlighted the work of the Irish Literary Renaissance and the part played by Lady Augusta Gregory and William Butler Yeats.
History
The Kiltartan Gregory Museum, situated at historic Kiltartan Cross, was formerly the Kiltartan National School. It was built in 1892 at the behest of Sir William Gregory, husband of Lady Gregory and former Governor of Ceylon. This architectural gem was designed by Frank Persse, brother of Lady Gregory. The unique exterior design was influenced by the oriental architecture with which Sir William became familiar during his stay in Ceylon.
Services
This award-winning museum houses memorabilia, manuscripts and artefacts from Coole House. It contains a rich collection of local history and genealogy which has proved invaluable for the Ireland Reaching Out project and for The Gathering Ireland 2013. When asked what was the principal source of her inspiration, Lady Gregory promptly replied: “Kiltartan, my own village, it has done everything for me”.
The museum also holds an early Irish classroom which transports the visitor back in time to school life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Visitors’ comments include “absolutely brilliant”, “could stay all day”, “lovely, friendly place”, “excellent, knowledgeable local guides”.
Facilities: free car park; picnic area; leisure park; toilets; small gift shop.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.00 to 17.00, 1st June to 1st September. Sundays: 13.00 to 17.00 in April, May, September. Other times throughout the year: by appointment.
Directions:
Two miles NE of Gort on N18.
Contact Details:
renamcallen@eircom.net; 086 8252164
delourdesfahy@gmail.com; 083 3171228 / 091 632346.
