Learn about old customs through discussion, demonstration, observation and creative exploration and make butter 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 how our ancestors relied on the land and their animals for food. The workshop will be delivered through Inquiry Based Learning.
Activity at a Glance
| Level | 3rd to 6th Class |
| 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 | Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the month of June 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
History: Story: Stories of lives of people in the past
SESE Science: Working Scientifically, Questioning, Observing, Predicting, Estimating and measuring, Analysing | Materials: Properties & characteristics of materials, Materials & change
Listening
Synthesises & Communication
SPHE Health and Wellbeing: Understanding what it means to be healthy and have a balanced lifestyle
SPHE Food and Nutrition: Discuss and examine the importance of proper food hygiene
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