The 10 top things to see and do during a visit to Mayo museum
Be sure to add the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life at Turlough Park, Castlebar, to your day trip list this summer.
Set on a historic country estate, the site was the ancestral home of the Fitzgerald family for more than 350 years.
Today, Turlough Park is the only branch of the National Museum of Ireland located outside Dublin.
The expansive visitor experience includes modern exhibition galleries, the Victorian Gothic house, gardens, a café, the giftshop, a greenway route and a woodland playground.
Best of all, admission is free!
Here are 10 top things to see and do for a great day out this summer.
1. Ireland's National Folklife Collection
Explore Ireland's National Folklife Collection across four floors of modern, award-winning exhibition galleries. Objects, interactive audio and visual displays, rare photography and archive film footage depict the lifestyles, customs and traditions of our rural ancestors.
2. The Murmur of Bees
Visit The Murmur of Bees to discover the fascinating world of Irish bees. Learn about more than 100 different bee species in Ireland and find out why bees were so important throughout Irish history. This popular new exhibition celebrates the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us.
3. Turlough Park House
Step back in time in historic Turlough Park House, located just next to the main museum galleries. This Victorian Gothic mansion dates to 1865. It was the ancestral home of the Fitzgeralds, an influential family of landowners with an interesting history in the region.
4. Victorian Gardens
The Green Flag award-winning gardens have lots of interesting features and things to see and do. Today, the gardens and grounds are maintained by the OPW and Mayo County Council.
5. Greenway
The Castlebar to Turlough Greenway means Museum visitors can start their day with a cycle from Lough Lannagh in Castlebar, along a 10km, mainly off-road riverside route, connecting all the way to the museum grounds. The Greenway follows the course of the Castlebar River and passes through peaceful countryside and woodland sections.
6. Courtyard Café
Have a bite to eat or a sweet treat in the Museum café. If the weather is nice, enjoy the outdoor seating in the courtyard. The Courtyard Gallery next door also has a changing programme of art exhibitions.
7. Outdoor art
There are several outdoor artworks located throughout the grounds. One such sculpture by Barry Linnane is called 'Portal' and reflects the circle of life. The lakeside sculpture is 'Raon an Tuthail' by Colm Brennan and is inspired by childhood memories of rushes being cut with a reaping hook.
8. The Glass House
The original glass house was built between 1874 and 1875. It was destroyed by a violent storm in the 1930s but Mayo County Council restored the structure in 2000. It serves as a central focal point for the gardens.
9. Woodland Playground
Spectacularly located, the award-winning woodland playground at Turlough Park features a giant slide, swings, climbing bars and natural play features.
10. Ancient Round Tower
Explore the nearby Turlough Round Tower, a national monument attached to a 17th century church overlooking the grounds of the museum. It is a well-preserved example of a round tower, dating to the ninth century, on the site of an older abbey - possibly founded by St Patrick.
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.