Celebrating Heritage Week at Mayo's Museum of Country Life
CELEBRATING Heritage Week, the National Museum of Country Life’s popular Horse and Donkey Day returns to Turlough Park, welcoming back their friends from the Donkey Welfare Organisation, Kiltimagh, and shire breeder Colman Cogan with his gentle giants Ned and Ted. There will also be some demonstrations of traditional skills associated with working with, and caring for, horses and donkeys.
This family-friendly day takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 19. Admission is free. No booking is required.
Midwifery across the centuries
Join in a special Heritage Week event examining Irish midwifery practice from the late 1800s to the modern day from 2.30 to 4 p.m., on Sunday, August 20.
An Bhean Ghlúine: Irish midwives and midwifery across the centuries will feature a panel of expert speakers exploring different aspects of midwifery in rural Ireland. Members of the public are also invited to share their stories, photos and memorabilia of midwives in their family tree.
This is a free event, suitable for adults. Booking is required on (094) 9031751 or email educationtph@museum.ie.
Mayo Genealogy Group
Get some help to research your family tree with the Mayo Genealogy Group. Find out how to get started on a new project, or get some tips and advice on taking the next steps with an existing project at the next meeting of this friendly group, from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 12.
New researchers are welcome. No booking is required.
Round towers
Join the museum for a fascinating look at the round towers of Ireland from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 26.
Round towers are mysterious and unique features on the Irish landscape. In this special talk, Michael Maguire from Turlough Archaeological and Heritage Society will explore the history of Turlough Round Tower, which is a remarkable but less known example of these impressive stone structures. He will also discuss its significance as both a local heritage site and a potential tourist destination.
The talk will be followed by a visit to Turlough Church and Round Tower.
On Sight 2023 art trail
Discover a new art trail this summer through the grounds of Turlough Park for On Sight 2023. There are seven artworks to see at various locations in the woodland and gardens.
This year’s On Sight artworks take inspiration from bees and St. Gobnait, their patron saint, as well as biodiversity and low-impact arts practises and materials.
The participating artists are Andreas Koenig, Breda Burns, Pam Gray and Luisne Art, Katie Moore, Nuala Clarke, Mags Duffy, Tom Brawn and Tommy Casby.
On Sight is a partnership project with Mayo County Council Arts Service, Mayo Artsquad and the National Museum of Ireland. In 2023, the project was also funded by the Arts Council and Creative Ireland.
Museum opening hours
Admission to the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, 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.