Top Things For Families To Do

There is so much for families to enjoy together at the Museum - and it is all free of charge

1. Step back in time

Explore Ireland's National Folklife Collection to see how people lived long ago. Learn about age-old crafts, see the blacksmith's forge, farming equipment and what an Irish home would have looked like in the 19th century

2. Discover a new old you!

What would you have worn in the 1800s? Find out at the children’s dress-up station, which includes hats and outfits from times gone by. Don’t forget to get some selfies to show all your friends when you get home!

3. Get on your bike

Combine a visit to the museum with a Greenway day out for all of the family. The 10km Museum Greenway is classed as ‘easy to moderate’ and links Lough Lannagh in Castlebar with the grounds of Turlough Park. Bicycle parking facilities are available at the museum and bicycle hire is available in Castlebar.

4. Become a woodland explorer

Head outdoors and go exploring in the woods. Can you identify the trees? There are several different species. See if you can identify the oldest tree in Turlough Park.

5. Play games from yesteryear

Borrow the Games Box from the museum reception to see how children played in times gone by. Try your hand at traditional games such as Queenie-I-O, Five Slates and Donkey.

6. Get up close to history

Get up close to history at the Discovery Station. Handle a selection of objects and see if you can figure out how our ancestors used them. Keep an eye out too for the green ‘Please Touch’ signs at some displays in the galleries.

7. Sign-up for a fun event

The Museum offers a year-round programme of free events with lots of family activities including art workshops, crafts, nature walks and more. Browse our latest events and sign-up for one to enjoy together

8. Go on an activity trail

There is a range of free activity sheets and museum trails available from reception. One trail challenges children (and grown-ups!) to find Peadar the Pygmy Shrew who is hiding at various locations in the galleries.

9. Go wild in the adventure playground

Opened in 2018, the natural woodland playground is scenically located and a great place to blast off some energy. Have fun on the swings, slides, playhouses, monkey bars and natural stone climbing steps.

10. Enjoy a sweet treat

Visit the café in the courtyard for a sweet treat to round off your day. The café serves lunches, hot and cold snacks, a range of homemade desserts and speciality teas and coffees.

Country Life

Turlough Park,
Castlebar,
Co. Mayo,
F23 HY31

+353 94 903 1755