Direction Ireland

National%20Museum%20of%20Ireland%20-%20Country%20Life

West Ireland | County Mayo

National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is located in Turlough near Castlebar in County Mayo. The modern building situated at the lake on grounds of Turlough Park House is integrated into the unique landscape of surrounding gardens and park. The museum has an impressive collection of items, artefacts and pictures which help to understand the way and the traditions of rural life in Ireland between 1850 and 1950. Exhibitions show the everyday life hardships of farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, determined on seasons, weather and day light. You will also find out about their handicraft arts, entertainment and sport activities, folk festivals, traditional clothings and strong attachment to the religion and tradition. Displays remind almost forgotten customs like Wrenboys, Straw Boys or Mummers, and among the exhibits you will find traditional Halloween masks or St Brigid's crosses. There is also the display case dedicated to Irish Travellers, about their life on the move, culture and occupations they performed. Displayed videos show the craftsmen and farmers performing their work (for example wicker baskets braiding) and the traditional technics they were using. Large number of agricultural implements and tools, artistic handicrafts products, furniture, utensils and domestic items gives real experience of the life and work of our ancestors.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-5pm
  • Sunday: 2pm- 5pm
  • Closed Mondays (including Bank Holidays),
    Christmas Day and Good Friday
• TICKET PRICES :
  • Free
• CAR PARK :
  • Provided
• ADDRESS :
  • Turlough Park
  • Castlebar
  • Co. Mayo