Photo exhibition, Mayo's military heroes and lots more to explore at National Museum
SEE a new exhibition of photography exploring rural Ireland from a skateboard, on display in the Courtyard Gallery (next to the café).
Róidín examines aspects of the lived, social and economic history of rural Ireland through a series of spaces, reflecting on a range of themes from loss and dereliction to endurance, resilience, and renewal. The images and stories were compiled in 2025 for a special issue of the Irish skateboarding publication, Goblin Magazine.
GENEALOGY
Get some help to research your family tree with the Mayo Genealogy Group. Find out how to get started, or get some tips and advice on taking the next steps with an existing project.
Join the friendly members of Mayo Genealogy Group from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.
New researchers are welcome. No booking required.
BUTTER MAKING DEMONSTRATION
Discover some of the techniques and traditions involved in butter making with a hands on demonstration and talk on Saturday, April 25.
Join museum educator Fiona Deacy to explore this interesting facet of Ireland’s rich food heritage in a fun, family-friendly setting. There are various sessions taking place throughout the day at 11 a.m., 11.45 a.m., 2 p.m., 2.45 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes. No booking is required.
Demonstrations take place in the Courtyard Workshop Room (opposite the café).
MAYO MILITARY HEROES
Learn about Mayo's military heroes at home and abroad through a special Mayo Day event taking place from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.
The event is organised by ONE (the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel) and will be hosted at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park.
The day will feature a talk by Captain Noel Carey - the last surviving officer from the Battle of Jadotville in the Congo in 1961, a display of military vehicles, and an outdoor performance by the Foxford Brass and Reed Band from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission is free but places for the talks are limited and booking is recommended. Visit museum.ie for booking details.
BEIR BUA
Did you know that brown bears once lived in Ireland before becoming extinct thousands of years ago? Learn more at the impressive brown bear display, presented as part of The Murmur of Bees exhibition.
GUIDED TOURS
Learn about key objects and stories in the Irish Folklife Collection with a free guided tour, offered at 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. each Saturday. The tour also explores the history of Fitzgerald family and Turlough Park House and gardens.
Tours start at reception. 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.