Dedicated quiet hour at Mayo's National Museum
TAKE some time to explore the National Folklife Collection at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, during a dedicated quiet hour from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Museums can be busy and loud and therefore a stressful environment for some visitors. The designated quiet hour provides a calmer environment with background music reduced or turned off, and lighting in the galleries dimmed to create a more soothing atmosphere.
Visitors are welcome to bring along any PPE they wish, such as sunglasses or headphones. A sensory map and visual guide is also available to download at www.museum.ie.
MORRIS DANCING
The National Museum at Turlough Park is delighted to welcome The Ancient Men, a group of travelling Morris dancers from the UK, for an outdoor performance at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday, August 2.
This folk dancing group gather together each summer to tour a chosen area. This year, they are touring throughout Mayo and Connemara from July 28 to August 2 and performing at various venues throughout the region. Performances typically last around half an hour and usually take place outside.
This is an informal, drop-in event. Admission is free.
ORIENTEERING
Test your navigation and map reading skills by taking part in a number of different orienteering adventures at Turlough Park this summer.
There are five new and challenging orienteering courses to explore. Visit the museum galleries to pick up a map and download the MapRun app to track your progress.
MapRun is a smartphone app, which allows you to download an orienteering course and run it in your own time. Track your progress and challenge yourself and others to complete the course in the fastest time.
WOODLAND EXPLORER
The grounds of Turlough Park are home to lots of different habitats with woodland, gardens, lake and river areas. Throughout the biodiverse gardens, you can explore plants, trees, birds and animals, big and small. Some are native and some are not.
Pick up the free Woodland Explorer activity booklet from museum reception to learn more on a self-guided nature trail through Turlough Park. Use your keen senses and skills to complete a series of fun nature challenges to finish the trail!
FREE GUIDED TOURS
Journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of our rural ancestors through the Irish Folklife Collection. Then discover more about the life of the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectural style of Turlough Park House and Gardens.
Join a free public tour taking place at 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. each Saturday throughout the months of June and July.
Tours start at reception. No booking is required. Places are first-come, first-served.
OPENING HOURS
Admission to the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park House & Gardens is free. The exhibition galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday to Monday from 1 to 5 p.m.