Down County Museum’s cafe set to re-open

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) economy, regeneration and tourism committee approved the launch of a tendering process for the catering services this week.

The tender process comes a year after the local authority agreed to seek expressions of interest for the facility.

Downpatrick SDLP rep, Conor Galbraith said: “The Down County Museum is without doubt a popular tourism destination and brings so many visitors in to view the exhibits it has on display as well as being a historic venue.

“Prior to Covid there was a very popular eatery and was enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

“I propose that we proceed to issue tenders to reinstate the facility.”

The Down County Museum was established in 1981 in the restored buildings of the 18th century County Gaol of Down. The museum holds 12,000 objects and 50,000 photographs relating to Co Down.

The initial contract to run the cafe will be for two years, with potential to extend depending on annual reviews.

The cafe, which was previously run by a charity organisation will now be opened up to commerical business.

Mournes Sinn Fein rep, Willie Clarke added: “The reopening of the cafe in Down County Museum will help to increase the footfall into the museum.

“It will also go some way to boost the economic regeneration of the old quarter area of Downpatrick.”