Storytelling, crafts and carols for ‘Christmas at Turlough Park’
THE National Museum of Ireland in County Mayo has announced a great programme of free family-friendly events to celebrate ‘Christmas at Turlough Park’ over three festive afternoons on Sunday, December 7, 14 and 21.
From storytelling and craft workshops to a bustling Christmas market, a live crib, and carols in the galleries, ‘Christmas at Turlough Park’ promises something for all ages to enjoy.
The popular Christmas market will return to the Courtyard of Turlough Park House from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 7 and 14.
The market will feature a range of beautiful crafts from local and regional makers and artists, including candles, calligraphy, art, cards, textiles and more.
There will also be a ‘live crib’ display on both afternoons with the team from Kiltimagh Pet Farm. Visitors can drop in to the Courtyard from 1 to 5 p.m. to meet some of the farm animals we have come to associate with the nativity and other Christmas traditions.
STORYTELLING SESSIONS
Storyteller Fiona Dowling will be bringing the magic of Christmas alive with three interactive and creative storytelling sessions taking place at 1.30 p.m., 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. on Sunday, December 7 and 14.
The sessions are suitable for families with children aged five years plus. No booking is required although spaces will be allocated on a first-come basis if required during busier periods.
Visitors are also invited to join a museum educator to create a unique Christmas tree decoration at some informal, drop-in crafting sessions between 1 and 4 p.m. on December 7 and 14.
Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes. Admission is free and no booking is required but places may be limited during busier periods. Visitors should register for a crafting session on arrival in the museum.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Two of the region's leading choral groups are at the museum on Sunday, December 21, for an atmospheric afternoon of Christmas carols in the exhibition galleries.
The Mayo Male Voice Choir will perform at 2 p.m. and the Cill Aodain Choral Society will perform at 3 p.m. These performances have become a firm festive favourite with museum visitors over the last number of years.
Younger visitors can enjoy a festive treasure hunt style activity throughout the Christmas period, available from December 7 to January 4. The Christmas Decoration Hunt trail is suitable for children aged five years plus although adult guidance is required. Pick up an activity sheet from museum reception and follow the clues through three floors of exhibition galleries to find 12 decorations hanging in the displays.
CHRISTMAS 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. The museum is open throughout the Christmas and New Year period with the exception of Christmas Eve (closing at 1 p.m.), Christmas Day (closed) and St. Stephen’s Day (closed).
Visit www.museum.ie for full details of events and activities for ‘Christmas at Turlough Park’.