The Hunt Museum was established to house the collection of John and Gertrude Hunt, which is one of Ireland's greatest collections of antiquities. After a long search for a permanent home, the museum opened in its current location in 1997. In an elegant Palladian-style building, the collection is spread over a maze of rooms. The museum’s excellent guides have many intriguing stories about the objects on display. One highlight is its collection of important Irish prehistoric artefacts including a large Bronze Age shield and cauldron. Medieval items include statues, painted panels, jewellery, ceramics, crystals and crucifixes. It also has some fine examples of 18th and 19th century silver, glass and ceramics.

A new addition to the museum and a unique collection for Ireland is its Irish Contemporary Ceramics Collection. The works selected reflect the richness and creativity of Irish contemporary ceramic practice, with makers including Sara Flynn, Deirdre McLoughlin, Frances Lamb and Jack Doherty.