Enjoy Halloween celebrations at Mayo's National Museum
THE popular Halloween celebrations will run this year at the National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, from 12 noon on Saturday, October 25, to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 2.
Throughout the midterm break, young visitors can blast off plenty of energy with the Scarecrow Jack hunt in the woods, crafting activities, some spooky storytelling tours and an indoor Scary Objects trail in the exhibition galleries.
See the top activities for Halloween below and visit museum.ie for full details.
HALLOWEEN CRAFTS
Have a go at making your own Halloween inspired arts and crafts to take home, available from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 29, 30 and 31. Try some Spooky Origami with artist Lindsay McConnell; craft a Creepy Critter with Isolde Dingerkus; or create your own Halloween puppet with Carmel Balfe.
All crafting sessions are free admission. Children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised throughout.
No booking is required. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
STORYTELLING TOURS
Join one of the special Halloween storytelling tours taking place at 1 p.m., 1.45 p.m., 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 29, 30 and 31.
Learn all about some of the spookiest museum objects with curator and storyteller Hannah Gallagher.
Tours start at museum reception. Each tour will be announced by reception. No booking is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
‘SCARECROW JACK’ HALLOWEEN TRAIL
Go on a Halloween adventure through the gardens and woodland of Turlough Park this midterm to see if you can find Scarecrow Jack hiding in the woods.
This fun trail is inspired by the Irish folk legend - Jack of the Lantern - a character so mean and stingy that he was turned away from heaven and then shut out of hell as well! He now wanders the night for all time with only a turnip lantern to light his way.
This is a free, self-guided activity, suitable for families. Available from 12 noon on Saturday, October 25, to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 2.
SCARY OBJECTS GALLERY TRAIL
Pick up a free activity sheet at museum reception to find the scary Halloween masks hiding in the exhibitions. Round off your object hunt with a visit to the Samhain display to learn about the origins, customs and traditions associated with Halloween.
Scary Objects is a free, self-guided activity, suitable for families. Available from 12 noon on Saturday, October 25, to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 2.
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.