Seen and Heard: Exhibition and Talk Exploring Children's Rights in Ireland

Exhibition, workshops and panel discussion on the History of Children’s rights in Ireland for ‘Exploring our Foundations’, Heritage Week 2025. Discover how Birr, Co Offaly became the birthplace of one of the world’s earliest child protection laws, the Cáin Adomnáin, written in 679AD.
The Museum of Childhood Ireland has worked with artist Fergal McCarthy to create a thought-provoking exhibition in Birr Library exploring the history of children's rights in Ireland. This work incorporated school visits in Birr, Dublin, workshops with local groups Biorra le Gaeilge and Elm Grove House, IPAS Centre, and was carried out using the Lundy Model of participation. The exhibition highlights fascinating children's rights milestones through imaginative and curiosity-sparking drawings by the artist and participants.

Seen and Heard Drop-in Workshops, Birr Library 10.30am-12.30pm
Take part in free drop-in workshops with artist Fergal McCarthy that delve into the history of children's rights in Ireland and contribute your artwork to the evolving Seen and Heard exhibition. A suitcase with interactive activities will stay with the exhibition in Birr Library until Saturday 23 August, offering ongoing opportunities for discovery and engagement throughout Heritage Week. Open to all ages.

Seen and Heard Panel Discussion, 1.30-3.00pm
The Museum of Childhood Ireland will host Seen and Heard: From Cáin Adomnáin to Today - Exploring the Evolution of Children's Rights in Ireland. A panel of historians and children's rights advocates will trace the development of children's rights from early Irish law to present day protections and future ambitions.
Cáin Adomnáin, also known as the Lex Innocentium (Law of Innocents), dates back to the Synod of Birr in 697 AD. The law gave protection to women, children, clerics and other non-arms-bearing people in times of strife and was the first such known law in the history of Western Europe. A copy of the book, illustrated by artist Caroline Conway, is on permanent display in Birr Library.

Tickets for the Seen and Heard Panel Discussion from 1.30-3.00pm are free but booking is required via www.museumofchildhood.ie

No booking is required for the Seen and Heard Drop-in Workshops from 10.30am-12.30pm. These are free and open to all ages.

Cáin Adomnáin, also known as the Lex Innocentium (Law of Innocents), dates back to the Synod of Birr in 697 AD. The law gave protection to women, children, clerics and other non-arms-bearing people in time of strife and was the first such known law in the history of Western Europe. A copy of the book, illustrated by artist Caroline Conway, is on permanent display in Birr Library.

Tickets for the Seen and Heard Panel Discussion from 1.30-3.00pm are free but booking is required via www.museumofchildhood.ie

No booking is required for the Seen and Heard Drop-In Workshops from 10.30am-12.30pm and these are open to children of all ages.

This event is thanks to funding from the Ireland Funds.