On 7th August, John McCarthy’s Circus Bar Archive Showcases the Great John Duffy and Sons, an exhibition by Tony McCarthy, Curator of the John McCarthy Circus Bar Archive opened in Limerick Museum.
John Duffy and Sons Circus was established in 1891 and except for a brief interval, continued until the early 1960s. It became a household name and was recognized as being one of the greatest circuses ever to tour Ireland. It was run by three successive John Duffys, the second of whom became known as the Irish Circus King and the Irish Barnum.
The John McCarthy Circus Bar Archive was begun by John McCarthy (1885-1966), owner of the Circus Bar in the village of Cappamore, Co. Limerick, and dates from 1895 onwards. The McCarthy family had a major link with travelling circuses for over a century and accumulated one of the largest and most important private collections of circus memorabilia in Europe.
It consists of over 300 historic, circus-related photographs, some 400 historic circus posters and a significant collection of press cuttings, newspaper advertisements and individual letters on circus topics written by John McCarthy. Three subsequent generations of the McCarthy family, of which Tony is now the very able and dedicated representative, have acted as custodians of this fascinating Archive. It is a rare and highly informative window into Ireland’s past and into the history of the circus generally in both Ireland and Britain. The Archive therefore deserves the widest possible audience.
This exhibition is the latest example of this highly successful partnership. Using the riches of the John McCarthy Circus Bar Archive, it tells the story of the John Duffy and Sons Circus, using posters, newsprint, photographs and modular pop-up display panels, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Councillor Sharon Benson, deputising for Mayor of Limerick John Moran, commented:
“This is an extraordinary collection that has been carefully preserved across generations, and it offers visitors a unique insight into the world of travelling circuses and the families who brought entertainment to communities across the country. Limerick is fortunate to be home to such an important archive, and I would like to commend Tony McCarthy and Limerick Museum for their continued commitment to preserving and sharing this remarkable heritage. I encourage everyone to pop in and view this collection over the next few weeks.”
Dr Matthew Potter, Curator of Limerick Museum said:
“Since 2018, Limerick Museum has collaborated with Tony McCarthy in showcasing his wonderful Archive and this exhibition is the latest example of our highly successful partnership. Using the riches of the John McCarthy Circus Bar Archive, it tells the story of the John Duffy and Sons Circus, using posters, newsprint, photographs and modular pop-up display panels, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. I am particularly grateful to Tony McCarthy for sharing the beautiful and historic John McCarthy Circus Bar Archive with the people of Limerick.”
John McCarthy’s Circus Bar Archive Showcases the Great John Duffy and Sons an exhibition by Tony McCarthy, Curator of theJohn McCarthy Circus Bar Archives will be on display in Limerick Museum until 30 September 2026.
Limerick Museum is situated in the Old Franciscan Friary on Henry Street, next door to Dunnes Stores.
The Museum is open to the public Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm; Saturday 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Admission is FREE.
