Join a free ISL guided tour at Mayo museum
JOIN a free guided tour at 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, with Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpretation.
Journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of our rural ancestors through the Irish Folklife Collection. Then discover more about the life of the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectural style of Turlough Park House and gardens.
No booking is required. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
NATIONAL POETRY DAY EVENT
Celebrate National Poetry Day from 12.30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, with the launch of a new poetry trail, a panel discussion and poetry readings.
This event is part of a project called OnSight 2024/25: Silent Objects/Spoken Lives - a partnership initiative by the National Museum of Ireland and Mayo County Council Arts Service, supported by Poetry Ireland. The participating poets are Geraldine Mitchell, Martina Evans and Sean Borodale.
Admission is free. Booking is advised via Eventbrite or by phoning (094) 9064086.
POETRY WORKSHOP
Join poet Martina Evans for a special Bealtaine workshop for older adults at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 2.
Bealtaine is an annual arts festival throughout the month of May celebrating creativity as we age. This poetry workshop is titled ‘I Ran Through Briars’. It will look at memories and explore themes of youth, change, leaving and work.
Martina Evans is one of three participating poets for the project Onsight 2024-25 - a joint arts initiative by Mayo County Council Arts Service, the National Museum of Ireland and Poetry Ireland. This is a free workshop but places are limited and booking is required - email mayoarts@mayococo.ie.
HEARTH DOCUMENTARY LAUNCH
The National Museum is delighted to host the official launch and screening of a thought-provoking new documentary exploring a unique art project called Hearth - Art for Older People at Home.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary will perform the official launch at 12 noon on Friday, May 2.
The documentary showcases the transformative impact of weekly art workshops for older individuals in their homes. All are welcome to attend.
Founded in 2009 by artists Deirdre Walsh and Breda Mayock, Hearth connects professional artists with older people in Co. Mayo, enhancing well-being and creativity. The film, directed by Mary Deely and Eamonn Dunne, was made possible by the Arts and Health Documentation Bursary 2024.
SWARM
A vibrant new art installation, SWARM, created by 450 schoolchildren and their teachers, is on display now in the Courtyard Gallery (next to the café) in Turlough Park. The project was inspired by Ireland’s bees.
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.