Spread the word – free Friday entry at museum

THE world’s largest butter museum is opening free every Friday.

The Free Friday initiative will grant free admission to the Cork Butter Museum in the city’s historic Shandon quarter every Friday until September.

Irish chef and food champion Darina Allen has backed the initiative, which has already boosted visitor numbers to the museum by 15%. But organisers are hoping that with Ms Allen’s support, the venue will get a major boost during the peak August season.

The museum tells thestory of Ireland’s most important food export and the world’s largest butter museum. It describes the internationally important Butter Exchange in 19th century Cork, the traditional craft of home-butter making and the modern success of the Kerrygold brand, against the backdrop of the commercial, social and domestic life of Ireland.

Museum director Peter Foynes said he spotted the “Free Friday” idea on a recent visit to New York where the Museum of the Chinese in America was sponsored by Target.

“I thought that it was an idea that could work very well in Ireland,” he said.

“I approached the NDC who were very enthusiastic about the idea and ‘Free Fridays’ was set up.

“We are delighted to have Darina Allen launching the event as she is so passionate about the Irish food industry and has been one of our biggest supporters over the years.”

National Dairy Council chairman Dominic Cronin said his organisation, which is sponsoring the initiative, plays a vital role in driving a sustainable dairy industry in Ireland and in educating consumers on the role of dairy in their lifestyles.

“Butter production has played a significant role in the development of the Irish dairy industry,” Mr Cronin said.

Ms Allen said the Free Friday initiative shows the enlightened response of the NDC to an imaginative proposal created by Cork Butter Museum. “The NDC is key to the success of this event because without its support this event would simply not be possible,” she said.

“This event is all about allowing the public access to one of Cork’s most cherished museums and educating the public about the butter industry in this country. This model paves the way for others to follow and I hope to see many more events like this.”

The museum is open from 10am to 6pm daily.