Something for everyone in vibrant summer programme at Mayo tourism attraction

The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar has just launched a full programme of free summer activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. 

The Museum is encouraging people across the region to discover the National Museum on their doorstep this summer through exhibitions, demonstrations and talks across a diverse range of topics, from Twentieth century lawn sports to folklife traditions and customs. 

The National Museum at Turlough Park is located on a historic eighteenth century estate and features modern, award-winning galleries, a courtyard café, a woodland playground and 30 acres of biodiverse gardens and parkland.

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Here are seven top activities and events for July and August. Find further details on all upcoming events and exhibitions at www.museum.ie. 

1. Boules on the Lawn

Learn about the sport of pétanque, also known as outdoor boules, with the members of Castlebar Pétanque Club from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, 19 July. See a demonstration of this lively and strategic sport which originated in the early Twentieth century in France. Then have a go yourself. Admission is free and no booking is required.

2. Traders on the Reek

Ahead of Reek Sunday at the end of the month, explore an interesting part of the history of this well-known annual pilgrimage date. Come along at 2.30pm on Saturday, 19 July for a special screening of ‘Traders on the Reek’. This documentary tells the story of families who have fed and watered many thousands of pilgrims on Croagh Patrick down through the generations. There will also be talks and contributions on the day from some of the families featured in the film. Admission is free. Booking is required. Email BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie  or telephone  094 90 31751.

3. Woodland Explorer

Young visitors are invited to explore biodiversity and engage in some mindful nature watching through the free Woodland Explorer activity booklet, available from Museum Reception. The grounds of Turlough Park are home to lots of different habitats with woodland, gardens, lake and river areas. Learn more and use your keen senses and skills to complete a series of fun nature challenges to finish this self-guided trail.

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4. Orienteering

Did you know you can give orienteering a try in the grounds of Turlough Park?  Go to Museum Reception to pick up a map of the newly developed orienteering routes. There are five maps to choose from. Then download the app to enjoy a fun, family friendly orienteering activity through 30-acres of gardens, woodland and parkland. 

5. Free guided tours

Discover objects and stories that are both familiar and surprising from the National Folklife Collection at Turlough Park. Join a free guided tour to learn about life in the Irish countryside from the 1850’s to 1950's, exploring fascinating traditions, customs and skills.  Then hear more about the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectural style of Turlough Park House and Gardens. Free public tours take place at 2 and 3.30pm each Saturday throughout the summer months with no booking required. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

6. Heritage Week

The Museum will once again be participating in National Heritage Week, with a programme of free events celebrating Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage between 16 and 24 August. One of this year’s highlight events is a traditional skills demonstration featuring the well-known woodworker and influencer Eoin Reardon and skilled basketmaker Tom Delaney of ‘Ould Crafty’. This event takes place on Sunday, 24 August. Be sure to follow the National Museum on social media for further details as they are announced.

7. SWARM

Pencil in a stop at the Courtyard Gallery during your visit to see a vibrant children’s art installation inspired by Ireland’s bee species. Combining colour, movement and shadow, SWARM was created by school children across counties Mayo, Sligo and Galway, working with artist Cas McCarthy. The project took place in association with the popular exhibition The Murmur of Bees, which remains on display this summer in the exhibition galleries.

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