Escape the hustle and bustle this December at Turlough Park, Castlebar, with a series of three festive afternoons on Sunday 8, 15 and 22 December.

From storytelling and cosy crafts to a Christmas market and festive carols, the National Museum is the perfect place to spend time together, reflect on traditions of Christmases past and reconnect with nature in the woodlands of Turlough Park.

Browse the full programme below. Check back soon as more events are being added.

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Christmas Crafternoon
2pm - 4pm / Sunday, 8 December 2024

Join Isolde Dingerkus for some 'Cosy Christmas Crafts' at 2pm and 3pm or Lindsay McConnell for a creative wreath making workshop at 2pm and 3pm. All workshops are suitable for family audiences. Admission is free but booking is required for each session.
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Christmas market
1pm - 5pm / Sunday, 15 December 2024

Visit the Christmas market in the Courtyard of Turlough Park House, featuring a range of beautiful crafts from local and regional makers and artists, including candles, calligraphy, art, cards, textiles and more. There will also be a live crib display with Kiltimagh Pet Farm; festive storytelling and some crafting activities for families on the day.
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Storytelling with Fiona Dowling
1.30pm - 4.30pm / Sunday, 15 December 2024

Experience the magic of Christmas with storyteller Fiona Dowling. There are three storytelling sessions available on the day at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. No booking required. 
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Live Crib in the Courtyard
1pm - 5pm / Sunday, 15 and 22 December 2024

Come along to the Courtyard of Turlough Park House this December to see some of the farm animals we associate with the nativity and other Christmas traditions and stories. Meet the team from Kiltimagh Pet Farm and Molly the donkey as well as goats, sheep, cows and more.
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Family workshop: Christmas Tree Crafts
2pm - 4pm / Sunday, 22 December 2024

Join artist Carmel Balfe to create your own unique Christmas tree decorations. There are two workshop sessions available at 2pm and 3pm. This is a free family event. Booking required.
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Pop-up display: Homemade Toys
1pm - 3pm / Sunday, 22 December 2024

Join Museum Curator Tiernan Gaffney to learn about homemade toys in the Irish Folklife Collection. Find out how some of these toys were made and have a go at playing with a selection from the Museum’s handling collection. No booking required.
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Carols in the Galleries
2.15pm and 3pm / Sunday, 22 December 2024

Join two of the region's leading choral groups for an atmospheric afternoon of Christmas carols in the exhibition galleries. These performances have become a firm festive favourite with Museum visitors over the last number of years. The Cill Aodain Choral Society will perform at 2.15pm and the Mayo Male Voice Choir will perform at 3pm. No booking required.
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Decoration Trail
Available from Saturday, 7 December

Go on a festive and fun, treasure-hunt style activity in the museum galleries. This is a self-guided trail - meaning visitors pick up an activity sheet at any time during Museum opening hours and enjoy the trail at your own pace. The clues will lead visitors through three floors of exhibition galleries to find 12 decorations hanging in the displays. 
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Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt
Available from Saturday, 7 December

Pick up an activity sheet at Museum Reception to go on a winter nature scavenger hunt through the gardens and woodland at Turlough Park. See if you can tick off each of the winter nature sightings on the list. This is a self-guided trail - meaning visitors pick up an activity sheet at any time during Museum opening hours and enjoy the trail at your own pace.

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Christmas Post Box
Available from Saturday, 7 December

Write your letter to Santa or make a Christmas card at the Christmas Post Box. All letters will be collected and whisked away in time for Santa to check before he packs his sleigh this year!