Wanda the Walking Doll, 1950s
Advance Doll and Toy Co “My Wanda, a gift from an uncle in America, is made of hard plastic with eyes that open and close, blonde hair, yellow dress, and a mechanism in her body which connects to wheels on the soles of her shoes. When wound, this makes her “walk”. Her arms and head… Continue reading Wanda the Walking Doll, 1950s
YEATS, Jack B RHA (1871-1957): The Wren Boys
Hand-coloured Cuala Press print. Framed, 62.5 x 33.5cm (24.6 x 13.2in). Size of print 48 x 19cm (18.9 x 7.5in). Scene depicts a traditional December 26th, Saint Stephen’s Day celebration. Four boys carry a bush decorated with ribbons through a village. Footprints suggest snow, and open mouths suggest the boys are singing the traditional rhyme.… Continue reading YEATS, Jack B RHA (1871-1957): The Wren Boys
Michael Farry on Reading in Childhood
A school photo of Michael age 7 A short piece on reading in primary school with a special mention of the Famous Five, Enid Blyton series Books were scarce in rural Sligo in the 1950s and early 1960s when I attended our small village two-teacher school. There was plenty of other reading material of course.… Continue reading Michael Farry on Reading in Childhood
When We Were Kings and Queens of the Road: Alan Lambert
The early morning walks to school that I experienced in the late 1970s have never really receded into the past, as they are revived every time I connect with any part of the Metals, the lanes that run parallel to the railway lines from Dalkey to Dun Laoghaire. As we lived near Sallynoggin, at the… Continue reading When We Were Kings and Queens of the Road: Alan Lambert
The Museum of Childhood Ireland is a member of the following organisations:

The museum is the proud recipient of the following Awards to date:
- Kids in Museums, International Award 2020
- INACS, International Awards 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- The Heritage Council: County Winner: Dúnlaoghaire / South Dublin 2021
- The Heritage Council: County Winner: Tipperary, 2022 ( In collaboration with Tipperary Revitalisation)
- The Heritage Council: County Winner: Down, 2024
- Digital Town Awards Newcomer Finalist, for Engage Kilkenny 2023:

- National Lottery Good Cause Award finalist 2023 for our collaborative project with Tipperary Revitalisation

The Museum of Childhood Ireland is committed to Empowering Children and Young People. Children should be Seen and Heard
Exploring and learning from the past. Children have lived and learnt, played and worked, been adored and abused since prehistoric times and throughout our millennia of history. Yet the reality of their lives is seldom centre stage ( and usually ignored) in the stories that have come down to us from that long history. Our commitment too to supporting children and young people now, comes at a time when children are facing significant challenges. By empowering children and youth, providing a focused, sustainable, supportive, inclusive community and platform, and islandwide programmes helping foster friendships in communities, we are helping build a brighter, better future for all.
