The National Museum of Ireland was delighted to welcome Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Mr Patrick O’Donovan TD, to Turlough Park in Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Wednesday (9 July 2025).
Professor Cathal O’Donoghue, Chair of the Board of the National Museum; Lynn Scarff, Director of the National Museum, and Clodagh Doyle, Keeper of the Irish Folklife Division, provided a tour of the National Folklife Collection which is displayed and housed at Turlough Park.
Image: Professor Cathal O'Donoghue, Chair of the Board of the National Museum, Minister Patrick O’Donovan; Lynn Scarff, Director of the National Museum, and Clodagh Doyle, Keeper of Irish Folklife. Image: Alison Laredo
They also updated Minister O’Donovan on the latest developments and future ambitions for the 30-acre campus, which is located on a historic 18th century estate.
The Minister then spent some time exploring objects and stories from the National Folklife Collection, which is displayed across four floors of contemporary exhibition space.
The group also visited The Murmur of Bees – an engaging and thought-provoking exhibition which reflects on the importance of Ireland’s bee species in our culture and environment.
Image: Minister Patrick O’Donovan views the rooftop beehives during his tour of the National Folklife Collection at Turlough Park. Image: Alison Laredo
Speaking on the visit Minister O’Donovan said:
The National Museum at Turlough Park is a vibrant and engaging space that celebrates and shares our rural history and traditions with visitors from Ireland and all over the world. I was struck today by the continued relevance of this collection in terms of preserving the skills, customs and practices that are a part of our cultural heritage, handed down through generations. I wish the team at the National Museum of Ireland continued success in their ongoing programmes and exhibitions and the plans for the continued development of this site.”
Lynn Scarff, Director of the National Museum, said:
We were delighted to have the opportunity to welcome Minister O' Donovan to the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park. Home to the National Folklife Collection, Turlough Park is the only National Museum of Ireland site located outside Dublin and it provides a wonderful opportunity to see one of our National Collections in a rural setting. I would like to thank our Minister for his interest in visiting Turlough Park and his engagement with the collection and staff based here. We are also grateful to our partners in the Office of Public Works and Mayo County Council for their ongoing commitment and support for the National Museum in County Mayo.”
Admission to the National Museum at Turlough Park is free and everyone is welcome. The Museum is open seven days a week, year round.
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