Rath Chairn pop-up museum on TG4 this week

 

The first in the 'Seodíní Staire', beginning on Thursday on TG4, was filmed in Rath Chairn. 

For one day only the pop-up museum comes to town. It’s a chance to see precious objects and memorabilia, loaned by members of the public, that tell the story of their local community. 

Members of the public were asked to rummage through their attics and cupboards for objects and artefacts of local historical interest. Presented by Mairead Ní Chuinneagáin, who has help from a different historical enthusiast in each area, the artefacts are displayed for the entire community at a one day only pop-up exhibition.

This series features some intriguing objects which tell stories of emigration, lace-making, the Straw Boys, Whaling Stations, religion and every day domestic life. Some items uncovered include a cross from penal times, a coin with the image of a local woman, vintage vehicles, farming equipment, cooking utensils and clothes all with a unique story to tell.

This six part series was shot on location in Ráth Chairn, Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal, Erris, Co Mayo, South Armagh, Conamara and Cill Charthaigh, Co Donegal.

 

Presenter Mairead Ní Chuinneagáin had help from history enthusiast Pádraic Mac Craith in setting up the pop-up museum in Ráth Chairn. Locals brought along all sorts of interesting objects which told the history of the community. They brought along vintage farm machinery, vintage clothes, turf cutters, milk churns, old books and photographs which told the story of the area and it's rich history. Some items also help explore the story of the relocation of families from Conamara to Ráth Chairn to create a gaeltacht in the 1930s.

 

Seodíní Staire begins broadcasting on Thursday 22nd May at 8pm on TG4.