The Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland tells the fascinating story of key moments in the history of computing and communications.

Founded in 2010, the Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland tells the fascinating story of key moments in the history of computing and communications. We explore technology by preserving the past, demonstrating the present and educating for the future.

Origins

The museum originated from a Galway City Development Board sub-group called eGalway and was founded by the late Dr. Chris Coughlan and the museums curator Brendan Smith.

The concept of establishing the museum was as a direct result of Galway’s great heritage in computing and communications which continues today with IT being a major cluster. There has been an IT presence in Galway for over 40 years since the Digital Equipment Corporation established its facility while Galway’s communications legacy goes as far back as 1907 with the establishment of the Transatlantic Marconi Station at Clifden.

Structure

The museum is a not for profit limited company and is partnered with the Insight Centre for Data Analytics and NUI Galway. It is a totally voluntary organisation consisting of a Chairman, Curator, a board of directors and a panel of volunteers.

A multi-sectoral board oversees the museum development programme with representatives from Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Engineers Ireland, NUI Galway, Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Irish Diaspora, 091 Labs and the Galway Education Centre.

Vision and Objectives

Our  vision is to have a best in class museum that will enable people to  connect with technology by preserving and restoring the past, demonstrating and displaying the present and educating and inspiring for the future. Our current objectives are to:

• Maintain the Galway and Irish legacy in computing, communications and information technology.
• Build a world class collection of computer and communication artefacts and archives.
• Become a centre of education and innovation experience for youth.
• Become a significant tourist asset for Galway and Ireland.
• Become a showcase for FDI investment in Galway and Ireland.
• Integrate and become an active part of Galway City’s education, business, culture and heritage communities.