Packed programme of events at Mayo museum this spring

A wide range of family-friendly events, exhibitions and cultural activities have been announced for the coming weeks at the National Museum of Ireland in Castlebar.

Located in Turlough Park, the museum has unveiled a busy schedule aimed at engaging visitors of all ages, with a particular focus on inclusion, heritage and Mayo’s local history.

To mark World Autism Awareness Month, the museum will host a relaxed art activity during its dedicated ‘Quiet Hour’ on Saturday, April 25. Children and their families are invited to take part in a drop-in colouring and bear mask-making session designed to provide a calm and sensory-friendly environment.

Also on April 25, visitors can enjoy a traditional buttermaking demonstration, where museum educator Fiona Deacy will showcase historic techniques and practices in a series of hands-on sessions throughout the day.

Looking ahead to May, the museum will host a special Mayo Day event celebrating local history and service. Organised by Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, the “Mayo Military Heroes” event on May 2 will feature a talk by Noel Carey, the last surviving officer from the Battle of Jadotville, alongside military vehicle displays and a performance by the Foxford Brass and Reed Band.

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Later in the month, author Cecily Gilligan will deliver a talk on Ireland’s rich tradition of folk healing on May 16, drawing on decades of research into traditional cures and remedies.

In addition to events, visitors can explore ongoing exhibitions, including “Róidín”, a photography showcase examining rural Ireland through a unique lens, and “The Murmur of Bees”, which features the striking brown bear display known as Beir Bua, a favourite among visitors.

Free guided tours of the Irish Folklife Collection are also available every Saturday, offering insights into traditional life and the history of Turlough Park House and Gardens.

Admission to the museum remains free, with organisers encouraging locals and visitors alike to take advantage of the diverse programme.

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