Nature, heritage and family fun in store at Mayo museum this May
The National Museum at Turlough Park unveils a packed programme of free events in Castlebar
A diverse and exciting programme of events has been announced for May at the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park in Castlebar, offering something for all ages.
From biodiversity workshops and heritage talks to orienteering and art activities, the month-long schedule promises a vibrant mix of nature, culture and family fun at the popular Turlough Park attraction.
All events are free, although advance booking is required for some.
Among the highlights is a new ‘Moon Garden’ workshop on Saturday, May 10, delivered in partnership with Mayo Dark Skies. Organised by Amy Flanagan, the workshop will explore the vital role of nocturnal pollinators and offer practical advice on creating wildlife-friendly gardens.
On May 16, author Cecily Gilligan will present a talk on traditional Irish folk cures, drawing on nearly four decades of research into this unique aspect of Irish heritage.
Families can look forward to a Minibeast Safari and Pond Dipping event on May 21 as part of National Biodiversity Week. Led by Michael Chambers from Wild Nephin National Park, the workshop will give children the chance to discover the hidden world of insects and aquatic life.
Adventure takes centre stage on May 23 with an Orienteering Open Day, hosted in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Castlebar and Mayo Sports Partnership. Visitors can drop in throughout the afternoon to learn navigation skills and tackle a course through the museum grounds.
Also on May 23, the museum will host the launch of the Clew Bay Garden Trail, with broadcaster Tommy Marren joining local gardeners to showcase this year’s participating gardens.
The month concludes with a special family art workshop on May 30 led by local artists Deirdre Walsh and Cas McCarthy. Children, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will paint portraits of their favourite teddy bears. The artworks will later feature in a pop-up exhibition for Cruinniú na nÓg in June.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of ongoing exhibitions, including The Murmur of Bees, which runs until August 2026, as well as displays on antique veterinary equipment, rural Ireland photography and the museum’s impressive Alaskan brown bear.
Free guided tours of the Irish Folklife Collection take place every Saturday at 2pm and 3.30pm.
Admission to the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park is free, with full programme details and booking information available at the museum’s website.