Traditional wood crafting with Eoin Reardon
Come along to a free demonstration from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, 24 August. Join skilled woodworker and heritage craft advocate, Eoin Reardon at this must-see event for anyone interested in sustainable craft, local history, or simply the joy of making. Learn more about woodworking skills, from hand tools to heritage joinery techniques, and discover the beauty and precision of working with wood.
Read moreEoin Reardon in action at Bunratty Castle | Image copyright: Eamon Ward
A selection of baskets by Tom Delaney
Traditional basket making demonstration
Step back in time with Tom Delaney, known locally as 'Ould Crafty', as he demonstrates the age-old art of basket weaving using locally grown willow. Join a free demonstration from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, 24 August, to see how Tom transforms natural materials into beautiful, functional baskets using techniques passed down through generations. This is a rare opportunity to learn more about the heritage of rural craftsmanship in County Mayo.
Read moreMuseum, house and gardens tour
Join a free guided tour at 2pm and 3.30pm, on Saturday, 16 August and 23 August. Learn more about the Irish Folklife Collection and the interesting history of the Fitzgerald family of Turlough Park. No booking required.
Read moreGuided tour in the gardens at Turlough Park
Lanterns at night by Tom Meskell
Community Constellations for Dark Skies
Join the Friends of Mayo Dark Skies from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, 20 August, to celebrate the launch of Community Constellations for Dark Skies. Enjoy live music and participate in a free, drop-in lantern making workshop with Wilderland artist, Tom Meskell. Hear all about County Mayo’s progress towards becoming a Dark Sky Reserve! Admission is free and no booking is required.
Read more'A Celebration of Turlough Tales'
Join Turlough Archaeological and Heritage Society for a special event celebrating Turlough from 7pm to 8pm on Saturday 23 August. Get an update on the Turlough Heritage Action Plan and learn about some of the new heritage projects currently underway to promote the wonderful heritage of the local area.
Read moreTurlough Round Tower. Image: Karen Cox
The magic of bees
Celebrate the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us through the fascinating and family-friendly exhibition 'The Murmur of Bees'. Discover a selection of natural history material on loan from the famous 'Dead Zoo'!
Read more'Wild Child Day'
Wild Child Day on Saturday, 23 August, encourages children to enjoy the great outdoors, nature, and biodiversity. The National Museum's Woodland Explorer activity booklet is a great way to do just that! Pick up the free booklet at Reception and complete a series of fun nature challenges on a self-guided trail through Turlough Park.
Read moreGreenway day out
Turn your Heritage Week visit into a full day excursion with a leisurely cycle along the Castlebar to Turlough Greenway. The 10km route follows the course of the Castlebar River to the grounds of Turlough Park. Why not bring a picnic for a well-deserved break along the way!
Read moreColourful insect art!
Pencil in a stop at the Courtyard Gallery during your visit to see a vibrant children’s art installation inspired by Ireland’s bee species. Combining colour, movement and shadow, SWARM was created by school children across counties Mayo, Sligo and Galway, working with artist Cas McCarthy. The project took place in association with the popular exhibition 'The Murmur of Bees', which remains on display this summer in the exhibition galleries.
Read moreOrienteering
Did you know you can give orienteering a try in the grounds of Turlough Park? Go to Museum Reception to pick up a map of the newly developed orienteering routes. There are five maps to choose from. Then download the app to enjoy a fun, family friendly orienteering activity through 30-acres of gardens, woodland and parkland.
Read moreTurlough Park
Turlough Park,
Castlebar,
Co. Mayo,
F23 HY31
+353 94 903 1755