If you are looking for something a little bit different to do in County Mayo this spring, why not take some time to connect with culture and heritage at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar.
There is a great range of engaging talks and seminars exploring fascinating aspects of Irish folk history and traditions throughout February and March. Here are five top upcoming events to enjoy. All events are free although booking is required for some. See further details below.
The events below are suitable for adults. For a dedicated programme of family focussed activities, be sure to check out our 'Step Into Spring' programme.
1. Delve into the folklore of animal care
Join Dr. Michael Doherty for a special talk from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday, 7 February 2026, exploring the fascinating folklore of animal care in Ireland. Drawing on his recent research, Dr. Doherty will present ‘The Folklore of Cattle and Sheep through an Ethnoveterinary Lens’. This event is in association with Antique Veterinary Objects - an exhibition of selected objects from a donation dealing with animal husbandry and veterinary science now on display. Booking is required. FIND OUT MORE
2. Learn about Irish matchmaking and marriage traditions
Join keeper of the National Folklife Collection, Clodagh Doyle, on from 2pm to 3pm on Valentine's Day, Saturday, 14 February, to learn all about matchmaking, marriage and the traditions in between! The celebration of St Valentine’s Day is a modern construct, but love and marriage customs have traditionally played a significant role in Irish society. Booking is required. FIND OUT MORE
3. Pick up a new hobby
Learn a new skill for life with the Museum Knitting and Crochet Circle! Join a drop-in session from 11am to 1pm on Friday, 20 February, to exchange tips, patterns, ideas and a chat. Beginners are welcome. This is a friendly meeting of talented craft workers with a keen interest in all things woolly! Admission is free. No booking required. FIND OUT MORE
4. Discover death rituals and gravedigging practices
Sign-up for a fascinating seminar on Saturday, 28 February, examining death rituals and the practice of voluntary gravedigging in the west of Ireland. Dr Danny Conway will deliver a talk at 11am about his research on this topic. Clodagh Doyle, Keeper of the Irish Folklife Collection will speak at 2pm on death rituals and folk customs through the lens of National Museum of Ireland’s collections. Albert Siggins, historian and former member of the Irish Folklife Division, will present at 3pm on ancient and modern aspects of gravedigging. Admission to the seminar is free. Booking is required. FIND OUT MORE
5. View some Antique Veterinary Objects
View a unique selection of antique veterinary objects now on display on Level B of the exhibition galleries. The exhibition has been developed through a partnership formed in the early 2000s between National Museum of Ireland and the Veterinary Department of Mayo County Council. The partnership worked to establish a collection of veterinary objects in the National Folklife Collection. The selection of objects now on display provides visitors with a closer look at the work of vets in Ireland in times gone by. FIND OUT MORE
Browse all upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo