Kerry County Museum was developed as an initiative of Tralee Urban District Council in two phases between 1991 and 1992. The Medieval Experience was opened in 1991 in the lower ground floor of the Ashe Memorial Hall, taking visitors through the recreated medieval town, with the sights, sounds and smells. In 1992 the main gallery of the Museum was opened, displaying the archaeology and history of the county. Thereafter, a temporary exhibition space was added, allowing for the development of major exhibitions. Today, the whole facility comprises 1,750 square metres, which includes the exhibition galleries, reception, collections store, and education room.

Collecting, Recording, Preserving

The Museum collects, records, preserves, displays, and communicates material relating to the archaeological, historical and cultural heritage of County Kerry. It is a designated repository under the National Monuments Act and has a strong and varied collection of approximately 4,000 objects. KCM was awarded Full Accreditation from the Heritage Council’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland in 2013.

Connecting with the community

Our staff members include those with professional qualifications and expertise in archaeology, history and education, as well as extensive experience of visitor services. We have an education and outreach service that extends from September to June and involves both Kerry and Munster schools. Our audience base is comprised of national and international visitors as well as the local community. We have a number of well-developed marketing channels and we actively contribute to a number of marketing networks, both locally and nationally.