Bug hotel in the grounds of Turlough Park. *Photo: Karen Cox*

Discover nature, heritage and adventure at Mayo's National Museum

Published: Mon 4 May 2026, 7:15 AM

THE National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar, has unveiled a vibrant new programme of events for the month of May.

From a minibeast safari to a fascinating talk on Irish folk cures, the new programme covers a diverse range of topics with something for all ages to enjoy.

All events are free admission although booking is required for some with full booking details available on museum.ie.

The museum is delighted to be partnering with the team at Mayo Dark Skies for a new Moon Garden workshop. Taking place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, the workshop is facilitated by Amy Flanagan and will explore the importance of nocturnal pollinators and some practical measures to protect these important creatures in our gardens.

The next event in the programme is a fascinating talk on Irish folk cures on Saturday, May 16, with author Cecily Gilligan. Cecily has been collecting stories and cures for almost 40 years and this engaging talk will look at a unique part of Ireland’s heritage and the survival of some practices into the modern day.

On Thursday, May 21, the museum is marking National Biodiversity Week with a fun, afterschool workshop suitable for children aged four years plus. Michael Chambers from Wild Nephin National Park will facilitate the Minibeast Safari and Pond Dipping where participants will explore land and water habitats, and learn about the plants and environments where these tiny creatures live. Michael will also demonstrate the use of special equipment to find and identify a variety of minibeasts.

Michael Chambers will deliver a minibeast safari workshop this May. Photo by KAREN COX

On Saturday, May 23, the theme switches to adventure with an exciting orienteering open day. Members of the public can drop-in at any time between 1 and 4 p.m. to meet with the orienteering experts from ATU Castlebar campus and Mayo Sports Partnership.

Participants will learn about map reading and navigation skills and have a go at a challenging orienteering course through the grounds of Turlough Park. Admission is free and no booking is required.

Also taking place on May 23 is the launch of the Clew Bay Garden Trail. Tommy Marren will be at the museum at 11 a.m. with gardeners from the Clew Bay area and all are welcome to attend and hear about some of the gardens featured in this year's initiative.

The final event in the May programme takes place on Saturday, May 30. Led by local artists Deirdre Walsh and Cas McCarthy, children will work alongside a parent or guardian to paint their favourite teddy bear. Each finished piece will become part of a special pop-up exhibition showcased in the museum for Cruinniú na nÓg - the national day celebrating creativity and young people - on Saturday, June 6. This workshop is free of charge, but booking is essential.

Ongoing exhibitions for the month of May include the large Alaskan brown bear on display on Level A; a photography exhibition in the Courtyard Gallery exploring rural Ireland from the perspective of a skateboard; and a temporary exhibition of antique veterinary equipment. The Murmur of Bees - a popular highlight exhibition exploring the incredible diversity of Ireland's bees - continues until August 2026.

There are also free guided tours of the Irish Folklife Collection available each Saturday at 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.