Argyle: History of the Carriacou Museum

In Argyle, the Carriacou Museum tells the story of a museum with a rich history: founded in 1976, it moved to its current location on Paterson Street in 1989, after occupying three sites in Hillsborough. The collection and building connect the area with different chapters in Carriacou’s history.

The Carriacou Museum in Argyle

The collection includes Indigenous and African artefacts, documents, and colonial-era furniture, glassware and ceramics. These holdings offer a glimpse into a range of cultural and historical contexts. Hurricane Beryl severely damaged the building and collection on July 1, 2024. As of September 9, 2026, the museum was temporarily closed. Check its visitor status before your trip.

School groups from Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique occasionally visited the museum on field trips.

Culture in the wider destination of Carriacou and Petite Martinique

Beyond Argyle, the wider destination of Carriacou and Petite Martinique also offers a rich variety of cultural traditions. Traditional wooden boatbuilding is still practised in Windward on Carriacou, using methods passed down by Scottish boatbuilders. Sloops and schooners traditionally built on Carriacou are part of the island’s Regatta Festival in August. If you are interested in craftsmanship and sailing traditions, these are two closely connected cultural themes. Check the current festival dates and programme before your trip.

The Big Drum Dance, also known as the Nation Dance, is performed at weddings, boat blessings, tombstone feasts and Maroons. Shakespeare Mas, meanwhile, is a carnival masquerade unique to Carriacou. The annual Maroon and String Band Music Festival lasts three days and features local cuisine, crafts, music and dance. The Big Drum Dance is associated with the ceremonies listed above; Shakespeare Mas is a carnival masquerade. You can check the dates and programme for the Maroon and String Band Music Festival before your trip.

Beaches, reefs and activities in the destination

On Carriacou, Paradise Beach has calm waters and a stretch of white sand. Sandy Island offers snorkelling and a shallow natural pool for swimming. Sandy Island is about a five-minute boat ride from Carriacou’s Paradise Beach; this is an approximate time, as sea conditions and boat arrangements may vary. Together, these offer two distinct ways to enjoy the water within the wider destination.

The reef at Anse La Roche on Carriacou is home to parrotfish, drummers and spiny lobsters; rays can also occasionally be spotted there. Anse La Roche is recommended for snorkelling and beginner dives. Sightings are not guaranteed, and you should check local conditions and offerings. The protected Oyster Bed Mangrove serves as a nursery for many fish species; guided boat tours are offered in the area. Check the current availability of tours before visiting.

On Petite Martinique, Piton offers a hike with views from the summit across the island and nearby Grenadine islands. Sanchez Beach is suited to sailing, surfing, diving, kayaking, snorkelling and fishing; Mang Beach offers opportunities for swimming and family picnics. The wider destination therefore offers everything from a hike to a variety of waterside activities. Check local conditions and access in advance.

Choosing the right holiday rental

When looking for a holiday rental in Argyle, you can start by considering whether the history of the Carriacou Museum will shape your stay. Don’t assume the museum will be open when you plan your visit: the status reported for September 9, 2026, was temporarily closed. If you would like to include other cultural and nature experiences, choose where to stay based on the places and activities that matter most to you. For events and guided tours, it is worth confirming dates or availability before your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Carriacou and Petite Martinique.