[1] The museum was established to collect, conserve and display the material heritage and culture of County Cavan, over its 6000-year history, for the benefit of the people.

Other exhibitions cover the Great Famine in the county, as well as renowned local singer, Percy French.

In relation to the convent building the museum occupies, there is also an exhibition dedicated to the Poor Clares.

[1] A more recent object to be put on display is the personal revolver of local politician Arthur Griffith.

[4] The exhibitions feature a replica World War I trench,[5] built to the original specifications as used by the Royal Irish Fusiliers.