Learn about the tradition of buttermaking and make your own butter in this hands on workshop at the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park in Co. Mayo.
Join Fiona Deacy as she discusses the origins of buttermaking in Ireland and explores the science, history, and cultural significance of dairy production. Students will get the chance to churn cream into butter using traditional methods and also gain insight into the processes our ancestors relied on.
This engaging workshop connects history with science and food technology. Subjects covered include: Home Economics, History, and Geography.
Activity at a Glance
| Level | Post Primary - All Levels |
| Group Size | Classroom Size |
| Location | Courtyard Education Room at Turlough Park |
| Set Up | 10 Minutes: Introduction to the Museum and Exhibitions 45 Minutes: Churn and make butter as part of the workshop 5 Minutes: Discussion and conclusion |
| Availability | Tuesday 29 April | Wednesday 30 April 2025 |
| Times | 10am to 11am | 11:30am to 12:30pm |
| Booking | Booking required |
| Accessibility | Q&A |
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.
Curriculum Links
Junior Certificate
- Home Economics
- The Food, Health and Culinary Skills Strand
- Element 3: Sustainable and Responsible Living
Transition Year
- Home Economics
- Geography
- History
- Science
- Also encourages Hands-on learning, problem solving and teamwork
Leaving Certificate
- Home Economics
- Food Studies
- Topic of Work within the Social Studies elective
- Agricultural Science
- Principle of Sustainability
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the structure and the aims of the workshop and understand what we do at the Museum
- Discuss the Hearth & Home in general and all the tasks involved; identify the reasons why people made butter
- Hear the stories & folklore associated with butter making
- Learn how to make butter and receive appropriate guidance leading to a completed process
- See the characteristics of materials and how the cream changes to butter
- Get a chance to roll/ shape the butter
- Quick re-cap on the tradition and on the processes then review the content of the workshop