Construction of Irish identity and its representation at the nation's museums

This paper assesses the degree to which Ireland’s position as a former colony may have implications for contemporary concepts of identity and identity construction in that country for both majority and minority communities. Museums are considered important locations for both identity maintenance and construction. This research was conducted with a diverse range of Irish audiences at three case -study institutions. The data from this research suggests that Irish museums have an important yet sensitive role to play within Irish society in the balancing of ‘traditional’ and twenty -first century definitions of Irish identities.