[1] The building in which the museum is housed was originally a Sisters of Mercy school and chapel dating from 1854.

The section of the building that contains the museum was built as a primary school in 1865, and a chapel and classrooms added in 1869.

The chapel and school buildings where refurbished and restored, and the museum was opened to the public in October 2000.

[2] The objects included are from archaeological sites, social history, religious sites, agricultural history, Clare's association with the Spanish Armada, Clare's musical tradition, and collections relating to Éamon de Valera.

[3][5] The display also contains the journal of former IRA volunteer and TD Patrick Brennan,[6] and an exhibition of the 1914 All-Ireland Hurling Championship Senior and Junior teams.