Rory Gallagher’s Iconic Stratocaster Goes on Display in Dublin
The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks today unveils a landmark addition to its expanded public galleries: Rory Gallagher’s beloved Fender Stratocaster from 1961. This iconic guitar, purchased by the blues legend for £100 in Cork in 1963, has long symbolised Gallagher’s blistering music and restless artistry. After more than six decades of history on the road, the instrument’s journey continues in a new light as part of Ireland’s most ambitious gallery expansion in over twenty years.
From Cork to London: A High-Profile Purchase, A Generous Gift
In October 2024, the Stratocaster crossed a notable financial threshold when it sold for over €1 million at a Bonhams auction in London. The winning bid was placed by Live Nation Gaiety Ltd, which subsequently donated the guitar to the National Museum of Ireland. The move reflects Ireland’s cultural institutions’ commitment to preserving personal artefacts that shaped the country’s cultural landscape.
The Changing Ireland Galleries: A Fresh Lens on 20th and 21st Century Ireland
The guitar is among more than 250 objects featured in The Changing Ireland Galleries, the largest refurbishment of Collins Barracks galleries since the Defence Forces left almost 30 years ago. The new space houses hundreds of political, social and cultural objects that have helped define modern Ireland’s lived experience over the last 150 years. Visitors are invited to contemplate the question, Cad Is Ann Éire Dar Leat? — What Is Ireland to You?
Dynamic Display and Public Access
The galleries were designed to accommodate regular object rotations, ensuring ongoing conservation while offering fresh perspectives on modern Irish history. Most of the pieces on display are being shown to the public for the first time, providing a rare glimpse into Ireland’s recent past via personal belongings, political artefacts, and everyday items.
Highlights Beyond the Guitar
Among the compelling exhibits is a decommissioned RPG7 rocket launcher used by the IRA during The Troubles in the 1970s. The collection also features a pair of slippers worn by Michael Collins, knitted in purple wool, which he wore while in hiding during the War of Independence. A Mary Robinson purple suit, designed by Louise Kennedy for her 1990 inauguration, is presented for the first time, alongside historical artefacts like the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union badge, associated with Countess Markievicz and the era of Labour Troubles.
Engaging Visitors with Ireland’s Evolving Identity
Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Culture, Patrick O’Donovan framed the galleries as a living reflection of Irish history — not a static record, but a continuously evolving narrative shaped by generations of people on the island. Lynne Scarff, Director of the National Museum of Ireland, described the opening as a transformational moment for the institution, emphasizing that visitors can engage with history on their own terms and consider what Ireland means today.
Behind the Scenes: Curation and Conservation
Lead Curator Brenda Malone explained that the rotating display model helps preserve artefacts for future generations while keeping the galleries dynamic. The blend of extraordinary and everyday objects provides a nuanced snapshot of the Irish story — from moments of political upheaval to personal artefacts that illuminate individuals’ lives.
Visit and Discover
As visitors step into The Changing Ireland Galleries, they are invited to reflect on their own connections to history and to explore how the country’s past continues to influence its present and future. The journey through Collins Barracks promises a compelling, accessible, and educational experience for locals and visitors alike.
