Family day out

From the woodland playground to nature inspired crafts, plan your perfect family day out at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

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. The magic of bees

Celebrate the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us through the new family-friendly exhibition 'The Murmur of Bees' open now with free admission and no booking required.

3. Find Peadar and his Friends!

Pygmy Shrews are Ireland's smallest mammal. They usually live outdoors in woodlands, hedgerows, farmland, gardens and even bogs but Peadar lives at the Museum with seven of his friends. They like to play hide and seek in the exhibition galleries. Pick up the free 'Find Peadar' activity sheet to see if you can follow the map and locate their hiding spots!

4. Become a woodland explorer

The grounds of Turlough Park are home to lots of different habitats with woodland, gardens, lake and river areas. Explore plants, trees, birds and animals using the free 'Woodland Explorer' activity sheet from Museum Reception. Use your keen senses and skills to complete a series of fun nature challenges to finish the trail!

5. 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.

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. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

Country Life

Turlough Park,
Castlebar,
Co. Mayo,
F23 HY31

+353 94 903 1755