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Located in a country setting, the Glenview
Folk Museum offers a collection of over 6,000 antique, historical and novel
items which were in common use from the early 1800s to the mid 1900s. What is
truly remarkable is that these household and farm items were acquired by one
family. It is a private collection, and it is obvious that a great deal of care
and effort by Mr. Kennedy and his two sons went into making their
acquisitions-made over many years-easily viewable. They built a large, well lit
barnlike building to house their many items. In it they have created a street
scene with a variety of shops which would likely be found in any small town or
village early in the 20th century. The visitor can stroll along
storefronts and look in on a pub, a grocer, a chemist, a mercantile, all of
which are well stocked with kegs, bottles, jars, tools, and household goods
such as churns, lamps, and baby carriages. There is a separate niche for war
memorabilia. Perhaps the Kennedys are proudest of their extensive array of farm
equipment with numerous examples of horse drawn agricultural machinery, carts,
wagons, and a still functioning thresher. What will be of particular interest
to those of mechanical bent are several vintage tractors that the Kennedys have
skilfully restored.
With advance notice, guided tours can be
arranged. There's plenty of room for coach and car parking.
While Mr. Kennedy manages the museum, Mrs.
Kennedy offers refreshment in her fine restaurant and bar, as well as overnight
accommodation in her B&B. For those who no doubt will succumb to the appeal
of good food in a peaceful setting, there are several nearby attractions that
make Glenview a convenient place from which to enjoy fishing, horseback riding,
trekking and leisurely country rambles.
How
to get there:
From Dublin, take N3 to Cavan Town, then
R199 to Jct. R198. Take 198 to Arvagh, then R203 and straight ahead to R204 to
the sign 2km south of Ballinamore. Go left at sign. Glenview 500 m on right.
From Belfast, take N2 to Monaghan Town, then
N54 to Cavan Town. From Cavan town, follow directions above.
Hours:
Open daily Easter to October. Monday thru
Saturday 10:00 - 5:00. Sunday, 2:00 to 5. Special viewings by appt. Groups
welcome. Wheelchair accessible.
Cost:
Adults, €5; children, €3
Address:
Glenview Folk Museum
Aghoo, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim
T: 071 964 4157
www.glenview-house.com
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007
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