Upcoming events and activities at Mayo museum

There are plenty of events and activities set to take place over the coming days and weeks at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar.

Talk: Matchmaking and marriage

Join keeper of the National Folklife Collection, Clodagh Doyle, for a St. Valentine's Day talk to learn all about matchmaking, marriage and the folk traditions in between. The celebration of St. Valentine’s Day is a modern construct, but love and marriage customs have traditionally played a significant role in Irish society. Find out more from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, February 14.  Admission is free; however, booking is required by emailing BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie; or telephone 094 9031751.

Spring Midterm: Nature Spotting

Enjoy a fun and educational spring nature walk at Turlough Park at 10.30 a.m., on Thursday, February 19. Join a museum educator for this 'Spring Spotting: Family Walk and Craft' event, to explore the grounds in search of early signs that the growing season has begun. Along the way, learn about some of the plants and trees traditionally used in Irish homes. The event concludes with a hands-on nature craft activity, giving participants the chance to create and take home their own artwork made from natural materials. Booking is available here.

Spring Midterm: Ice Age animals

Join Michael Chambers from Wild Nephin National Park for a special Spring Midterm talk at 3 p.m., on Saturday, February 21. Learn about the ancient animals that walked our valleys thousands of years ago and discover how our landscape has changed since the end of the last Ice Age. The event is suitable for children aged seven years plus, and booking is available here.

Antique Veterinary Objects

View a unique selection of antique veterinary objects now on display on Level B of the exhibition galleries. The exhibition came about through a partnership between the National Museum of Ireland and the Veterinary Department of Mayo County Council, which established a collection of veterinary objects in the Irish Folklife Collection. The selection of objects provides visitors with a closer look at the work of vets in Ireland in times gone by.

Meet Beir Bua

Come along to the National Museum at Turlough Park to meet the impressive Beir Bua – a brown bear on display as part of the ongoing exhibition, The Murmur of Bees. Bears have long been associated with bees and honey and one of the ancient Irish names for a bear is milchobur (honey-lover). The female bear from Alaska has pale brown fur and is mounted standing on her hind legs, with long claws outstretched towards the visitor. Brown bears once roamed throughout Ireland but became extinct here thousands of years ago. Find out more on Level A of the exhibition galleries at Turlough Park.

‘Celtic Tales by Warrior’s Hand’

Visit a new exhibition of art celebrating stories, symbols and Celtic myth on display now in the Courtyard Gallery (next to the café). The exhibition has been developed by the Luisne Art Project - a nationally recognised and highly successful arts initiative for people with disabilities, based in Ballinrobe. In 2025, the Luisne artists collaborated with art facilitator Noreen Lydon and guest mentors Michael Gannon and Ruby Staunton, to explore the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology. The result is Celtic Tales by Warrior’s Hand - a compelling collection that celebrates imagination and heritage. The exhibition is on display until March 10, 2026.

Museum opening hours

Admission to the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park House and 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 p.m. to 5 p.m.