National Museum of Ireland in Turlough unveils Halloween programme

THE National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar, has unveiled its programme for events for the Halloween midterm break, which includes a scarecrow trail, spooky storytelling sessions, and guided tours. 

The scarecrow trail is based on the legend of ‘Jack of the Lantern’ - the blacksmith who inspired the Irish tradition of carving turnip lanterns at Halloween. 

Families are invited to pick up a map at Museum Reception to find ‘Scarecrow Jack’ hiding in the woods and enter a competition at Museum reception for a Halloween hamper. 

The scarecrow trail is available from Saturday, 26 October to Sunday 3 November 2024. No booking is required for this self-guided activity.

Other Halloween activities over the Midterm break include mask-making workshops with artist Carmel Balfe on Saturday and Sunday, 26-27 October. Bookings can be made at BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie as spaces are limited.

There are free guided tours taking place at 2pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, 26 and 27 October, exploring superstitions and Samhain customs. 

There is also a self-guided indoor trail running throughout the Midterm break in the main Museum building. 

Storyteller Fiona Dowling is at the museum on Sunday and Monday, 27 and 28 October, to deliver interactive performances for children aged five years plus (must be accompanied by an adult). No booking is required but places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.