The National Museum of Ireland in County Mayo has announced a great programme of free family-friendly events to celebrate ‘Christmas at Turlough Park’ over three festive afternoons on Sunday December 7, 14 and 21.

From storytelling and craft workshops to a bustling Christmas market, a live crib, and carols in the galleries, ‘Christmas at Turlough Park’ promises something for all ages to enjoy.

The popular Christmas market will return to the Courtyard of Turlough Park House from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, 7 and 14 December.

The market will feature a range of beautiful crafts from local and regional makers and artists, including candles, calligraphy, art, cards, textiles and more.

There will also be a ‘live crib’ display on both afternoons with the team from Kiltimagh Pet Farm. Visitors can drop-in to the Courtyard from 1pm to 5pm to meet some of the farm animals we have come to associate with the nativity and other Christmas traditions.

WATCH: Samba-style goal rocks Mayo schools soccer match

Storytelling sessions

Storyteller Fiona Dowling will be bringing the magic of Christmas alive with three interactive and creative storytelling sessions taking place at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Sunday, 7 and 14 December.

The sessions are suitable for families with children aged five years plus. No booking is required although spaces will be allocated on a first-come basis if required during busier periods.

Visitors are also invited to join a museum educator to create a unique Christmas tree decoration at some informal, drop-in crafting sessions between 1pm and 4pm on 7 and 14 December 2025.

Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes. Admission is free and no booking is required but places may be limited during busier periods. Visitors should register for a crafting session on arrival in the Museum.

Christmas carols

Two of the region's leading choral groups are at the Museum on Sunday, 21 December, for an atmospheric afternoon of Christmas carols in the exhibition galleries.

The Mayo Male Voice Choir will perform at 2pm and the Cill Aodain Choral Society will perform at 3pm. These performances have become a firm festive favourite with Museum visitors over the last number of years.

Younger visitors can enjoy a festive treasure hunt style activity throughout the Christmas period, available from 7 December to 4 January. The ‘Christmas Decoration Hunt’ trail is suitable for children aged five years plus although adult guidance is required. Pick up an activity sheet from Museum Reception and follow the clues through three floors of exhibition galleries to find 12 decorations hanging in the displays.

Christmas opening hours

Admission to the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park House & Gardens is free. The exhibition galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday to Monday from 1pm to 5pm. The Museum is open throughout the Christmas and New Year period with the exception of Christmas eve (closing at 1pm), Christmas Day (closed) and St Stephen’s Day (closed).

Visit www.museum.ie for full details of events and activities for ‘Christmas at Turlough Park’.