Last week I found myself back in lovely Manorhamilton, and this time I had the pleasure of visiting the Leitrim Women Through Time pop‑up museum in the Leitrim Sculpture Centre. I’d been following the project online for ages, but nothing prepared me for just how special it would feel to stand among the stories, photographs, and treasured belongings of the women who helped shape the county.
Walking into the space felt a bit like stepping into a time capsule – but one filled with heart, determination, and the quiet bravery that women so often carry without fanfare.
The project has done remarkable work in documenting the lives of Leitrim women, especially those whose stories might otherwise be lost to history. There were displays about women who worked in local factories, women who managed homes and farms while raising families. Every corner held a story worth pausing for.
One of the items that stopped me in my tracks was Bridget Fitzpatrick’s handmade wedding dress from 1970. It’s the kind of thing that tells you more about a person than any written bio ever could. The dress isn’t just beautiful; it’s a symbol of resourcefulness, creativity, and love. You can also see a photograph of Bridget wearing the dress on her wedding day.
While I was there, I spoke to Donna from Scéal Heritage Consultancy, and Assumpta from the North Leitrim Women’s Centre for my podcast. Both Donna and Assumpta are passionate about this project. Donna spoke so passionately about uncovering untold stories and making history accessible to everyone. Seeing the exhibition in person felt like watching her words come alive – a whole tapestry of women’s lives woven together.
Assumpta told me more about the centre’s involvement and the incredible work they do in the community. The Women’s Centre is a lifeline for so many – offering support, education, connection, and a warm sense of belonging. Projects like Leitrim Women Through Time only happen because of groups like theirs who care deeply about community heritage and women’s voices.
You can hear our conversation on my podcast, or listen in below:
Standing among the stories, I was struck by how important it is to preserve these histories – not the grand, headline‑grabbing events, but the quiet resilience that keeps communities alive. These women aren’t in textbooks. They didn’t all win awards or make national news. But they cooked, sewed, worked, raised families, built friendships, and shaped Leitrim in countless ways. Their stories deserve space. They deserve to be remembered. You can watch Leitrim Women Through Time: Voices from the Factory Floor at the pop-up museum, or on the link below:
If you get the chance do visit the pop‑up museum, I absolutely recommend it. It’s beautifully done, deeply moving, and a wonderful reminder of the power of local history. Plus, you’ll probably leave with a renewed appreciation for the women in your own life – I know I did. I was thinking of my mother, who worked in the Jacob’s Factory.
Leitrim Women Through Time pop-up Museum is on at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Manorhamilton, until 28th February, 2026. It’s open Wednesday – Saturday from 11am until 4pm and admission is free.
Leitrim Women Through Time would also love to hear from other Leitrim people, who might have items for their pop-up events, or stories to tell.
You can find out more about the project here: https://www.facebook.com/leitrimwomenthroughtime
And the brilliant North Leitrim Women’s Centre: https://www.facebook.com/wcinorthleitrimwomenscentre
A big thank you to Donna and Assumpta for sharing their knowledge and passion with me. Leitrim Women Through Time is a treasure – and I’m so glad I got to see it. I’d love to see a museum in Leitrim, so that Leitrim Women Through Time could have a permanent home.
Magnumlady Blog 
Leave a comment