Mayo heritage group features in National Museum exhibition

A fascinating piece of research by a voluntary history and heritage group from Co Mayo is being showcased in a new exhibition of natural history at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks, Dublin.

Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage Group is a member of the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN), an initiative of the National Museum delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council and heritage officers in participating local authorities.

Over the last six months, they have worked alongside other iCAN members from around Ireland to create the new exhibition called 'Our Irish Natural History'. Their work is now on display in 'The Dead Zoo Lab' - an exciting new space for natural history at Collins Barracks while the famous ‘Dead Zoo’ on Merrion Street is closed for works.

The contribution from Louisburgh-Killeen Heritage Group reveals the connections between stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) and corncrakes (Crex crex). Through the community’s research of nettles as an ideal habitat for corncrakes, the group also uncovered a rich local history around the many traditional uses for nettles, from home remedies and recipes to textiles and dyes.

The aim of the Our Irish Natural History project is to highlight the role of communities as valuable stewards of Ireland’s natural heritage and to celebrate the important cultural meanings that native species embody for many Irish communities.

From willow-weaving in County Wicklow to lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in the caves of County Clare, the community research explores interesting facets of Ireland’s natural history in the context of local histories and traditions.

Milltown Heritage Group, with Milltown and Belmont national schools, in Co Galway, are among the other groups showcased.

'Our Irish Natural History' is on display now at The Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks, Dublin 7. Admission is free.