PRESERVING OUR SOCIAL HISTORY
THE GAA Museum was founded in 1998 to act as the national custodian of the archives and artefacts of the Gaelic Athletic Association. As the museum marks its 20th birthday, it’s timely to look back at its achievements.
Most importantly, the GAA Museum and its collections achieved full accreditation under the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland. This programme recognises the professional standards in the care of collections in Irish museums and galleries. The accreditation acknowledges the important role that the GAA Museum plays in preserving and promoting Irish social history.
This connection to Irish social history is tenable through the museum’s collections. The GAA Museum is a place that celebrates our national games and demonstrates how they are interwoven with Irish daily life and culture. Exhibitions such as the Hall of Fame, Player of the Year and Club and Community also celebrate great moments, iconic players and the important and special role the GAA holds in Ireland.
The GAA Museum team has developed a unique programme of tours that take place throughout the year. The Croke Park Stadium Tour remains hugely popular with both Irish visitors and tourists while the Ericsson Skyline tour on the roof of Croke Park offers those with an adventurous spirit the chance to see the sights of Dublin from 17 storeys high.
Seasonal, family, educational and fun events are also scheduled throughout the year with something for everyone. Highlights include the arrival of Santa in December, our outdoor Yoga on Skyline classes during the summer, Junior Explorer family tours, behind-the-scenes Matchday Access Tours, Easter Egg Hunts and the increasingly popular Bord Gáis Energy Legends Tour series that sees heroes and heroines of Gaelic games host exclusive tours of Croke Park.
What better time to visit the GAA Museum than during its 20th birthday year? The GAA Museum is open all year round with Croke Park Tours and Ericsson Skyline Tours taking place daily. See www. crokepark.ie/gaamuseum for tour times, prices and seasonal event details. Niamh McCoy, GAA Museum Director