Guided tours, craft demos and more for Heritage Week at Mayo museum
NATIONAL Heritage Week takes place from August 16 to 24. This annual initiative celebrates Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage, with hundreds of free events across the country.
The National Museum at Turlough Park, Castlebar, has a free programme of events - see some highlight activities below.
TRADITIONAL WOODTURNING
Join Eoin Reardon, skilled woodworker and heritage craft advocate, as part of a traditional skills demonstration from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 24.
Eoin will be sharing his passion for traditional woodworking, from hand tools to heritage joinery techniques, and will showcase the beauty and precision of working with wood the old-fashioned way.
This demonstration is a must for anyone interested in sustainable craft, local history, or simply the joy of making. Admission is free. No booking is required.
BASKET WEAVING
Step back in time with Tom Delaney, known locally as 'Ould Crafty', as he demonstrates the age-old art of basket weaving using locally grown willow, part of a traditional skills demonstration from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 24.
Watch as Tom transforms natural materials into beautiful, functional baskets using techniques passed down through generations. This is a rare opportunity to learn about the heritage of rural craftsmanship in Co. Mayo. Admission is free. No booking is required.
FREE GUIDED TOURS
Join a free guided tour to journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of our rural ancestors through the National Folklife Collection. Then discover more about the life of the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectural style of Turlough Park House and gardens.
Tours take place at 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. each Saturday, starting at reception. No booking - first-come, first-served.
DARK SKIES
Join the Friends of Mayo Dark Skies from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, to celebrate the launch of the heritage funded project Community Constellations for Dark Skies.
Enjoy live music and participate in a lantern making workshop with Wilderland artist Tom Meskell. Hear all about County Mayo’s progress towards becoming a Dark Sky Reserve.
Admission is free - no booking is required.
TURLOUGH TALES
Turlough Archaeological and Heritage Society invite all to 'A Celebration of Turlough Tales' from 7 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, in the courtyard workshop room.
Participants will get an update on the Turlough Heritage Action Plan completed in 2024 and learn about some of the new heritage projects underway to promote the wonderful heritage of the local area.
For further details, telephone (086) 3301142 or email lynda.mccormack@yahoo.co.uk.
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.