See how people lived in Ireland in times gone.
Learn and develop an understanding about traditional lifestyles including trades, customs, life in the home, clothing, farming and fishing. Gain a fresh perspective on society, economy, culture and politics in Ireland from 1850 to 1950 by examining the various objects on display in the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park.
Join an experienced Museum guide on this unique tour as they bring the National Folklife Collection to life through 10 key objects on display in the Exhibition Galleries of the National Museum.
The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park is located in the historic grounds of Turlough Park House so visitors can also explore the Victorian Gothic house which belonged to the Fitzgerald family and 30 acres of biodiverse grounds and award winning gardens.
Activity at a Glance
| Level | All Classes: Junior Cycle - Leaving Certificate |
| Group Size | Classroom Size |
| Set-up | 5 min: Introduction to the National Museum 40 min: Tour through the exhibition galleries 5 min: Conclusion Q & A |
| Availability | Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays of the Autumn/Winter Term 2025 - Please select your preferred day and check availability with the Bookings Office |
| Times | 10am or 11:30am - Please check time slot availability with the Bookings Office |
| Booking |
Booking is required. Please contact the Bookings Office with your preferred day, date and time using the Online Enquiry Form below. |
Bookings and information:
Please complete an online enquiry form and we will be in touch soon.
Alternatively, you can email the Bookings Office at BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie or telephone (094) 90 31751.
Learning Outcomes - Leaving Certificate:
- Gain an understanding of the National Folklife Collection and associated themes through 10 key objects on display.
- Add to your perspectives on various topics in the Leaving Certificate History Syllabus such as:
- Ireland and the Union, 1815 – 1870
- Movements for political and social reform, 1870 – 1914
- The pursuit of sovereignty and the impact of partition, 1912 – 1949
- The Irish diaspora, 1840 – 1966
Learning Outcomes - Junior Cycle:
- Gain an understanding of the National Folklife Collection and associated themes through 10 key objects on display.
- Acquire historical skills, conceptual understanding and substantive knowledge for several strands as part of the Junior Cycle History framework such as:
- Strand 1: The Nature of History
- Strand 2: The History of Ireland
- Develop historical consciousness
- Acquire the ‘big picture’ by understanding the past in the Irish context.