The first talk of the new season of the Clare Museum Lecture Series takes place on Wednesday, October 7 at 7.30pm.
Hosted in the Clare County Council-run museum, the first talk is entitled ‘Straw mummers and traditions in Europe’, coinciding with the Straw Connect Cultural Gathering and with Clare Libraries’ History Week.
Enda Byrt from the Ennistymon Heritage Group will speak about the straw-based mummering traditions found along the west coast of Ireland, while Anna Scanlan will present an overview of straw mummering traditions in Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe, showing how straw has been used in seasonal customs, symbolic decorations, and traditional craft.
Together, the speakers will show how Irish and Eastern European practices connect, revealing common themes and shared heritage across Europe. The presentation will highlight the cultural meanings associated with straw and its role in community celebrations.
‘Straw mummers and traditions in Europe’ celebrates Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and is part of a wider project entitled ‘Straw Connect’, funded by Clare County Council’s Creative Ireland fund, Clare Museum, Clare Local Development Company and Inisowiacy Polish Folk Group.
While admission is free, there is likely to be a high level of interest in the talk, so those attending are asked to book a seat in advance by emailing claremuseum@clarecoco.ie. Telephone bookings cannot be accepted.
Curator at Clare Museum, John Rattigan said, “We are very excited to resume our lecture series here at the museum and are delighted to be hosting so many fascinating talks on the archaeology, history, art and folklore of our own county and beyond. We look forward to welcoming all of our speakers and the public audiences that will join us to enjoy their talks.”
Clare Museum’s lecture series runs from October 2026 through to May 2027. This season, talks will take place on the second Wednesday of each month, at 7.30pm. Featuring a different speaker each month, the series of talks will include topics such as artist Francis Bindon, poet Micheál Coimín, and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
For more information, visit www.claremuseum.ie.
