Yes, there is a museum about Butter and the Cork Butter Museum is unique. The butter trade in Ireland is one of the country’s great success stories. Butter is Ireland’s most important food export. The museum tells the story of the Butter Trade and how important the international exchange became in the 19th century. The museum describes the major role that the dairy culture had on the commercial, social and domestic life of Ireland.

The visit begins with displays about preserving butter in bogs and the milch cows of medieval Ireland. There are exhibits of butter-making equipment from the traditional craft at home through to the 20th century. There is a gallery about the culture of cattle and dairying in early Ireland. It explains that cows were not just a source for butter and cheese but, that they were also a measure of a person’s wealth and position. Panels provide additional information about the food and society in early Ireland. One of the special items on display is a keg of thousand year old butter.

Another part of the museum is dedicated to the development of the city of Cork and the international trading of the 1700’s. The Cork Butter Exchange developed into the largest butter market in the world. Displayed here is the typical firkin or barrel that was used by the farmer to bring the butter to the exchange. There is another section that describes the development of the international trade of butter and the “butter roads”.

This is a great museum to bring your groups and especially your student groups for an educational experience. Select Travel Service can arrange for special educational programs during your visit. Call us for more information.