Home to the national folk life collection, the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park in Castlebar, gives a fascinating insight into our past. Visit the museum's exhibitions and galleries to experience the history of the Irish countryside between 1850 and 1950. View the unique artefacts, detailed displays, archival video footage and interactive screens.
Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds of the amazing Turlough Park after your self guided tour. Enjoy the grand courtyards, the magnificent gardens and their mature broadleaf trees and stop off at the stunning lake. Relax with a hot drink and treat at the café before picking up a book about Irish country life in the gift shop.
- Public Tour: Museum, House & Gardens at Turlough Park
Houses and gardensPublic Tour: Museum, House & Gardens at Turlough Park Journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of our rural ancestors through the Irish Folklife Collection at Turlough Park.
- Book Launch: Booleying in Ireland by Dr Theresa McDonald
Free things to doBook Launch: Booleying in Ireland by Dr Theresa McDonald Come along to the launch of a new book about the ancient practice of booleying in Ireland, by Dr Theresa McDonald.
- Out of Storage: St Brigid's Crosses
Family funOut of Storage: St Brigid's Crosses View a selection of St Brigid’s Crosses from the National Folklife Collection on temporary display this spring. St Brigid’s Day on 1 February is associated with the popular tradition of making crosses in St Brigid’s honour.
- Talk: Objects associated with the traditional celebration of St Brigid's Day
Family funTalk: Objects associated with the traditional celebration of St Brigid's Day St Brigid’s Day falls on February 1 and marked the beginning of Spring in the traditional Irish calendar. It was an important festival for our rural ancestors as it ushered in a new season of hope and growth after a long, dark winter.
- Make a St Brigid's Cross Workshop
Family funMake a St Brigid's Cross Workshop February 1 marks Lá Fhéile Bríde or St Brigid’s Day and there are many traditions and customs associated with this feast-day, dedicated to Ireland's patron saint.
- Quiet Hour, Sensory Friendly Hour at the Museum
Family funQuiet Hour, Sensory Friendly Hour at the Museum Take some time to explore the National Folklife Collection during a dedicated Quiet Hour from 10:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, 31 January 2026. Museums can be busy and loud and therefore a stressful environment for many people.
- Talk: Animal Care in Ireland
Family funTalk: Animal Care in Ireland Explore the fascinating folklore of animal care in Ireland at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park.
- Talk: Take me to the Church: Love & Marriage in the Calendar Year
Family funTalk: Take me to the Church: Love & Marriage in the Calendar Year Join Keeper of the Irish Folklife Collection, Clodagh Doyle as she explores traditions in love and marriage in the calendar year.
- Discover the history of rural Ireland.
- Go on a self guided tour of the museum.
- Take a walk in the beautiful grounds of Turlough Park.
- Visit the café and gift shop afterwards.
Bring the whole family and let the little ones play in the playground in the woods beside the museum.
