The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, will be taking part once again in National Heritage Week, running from August 17 to 25.
This year's theme is ‘Pastimes, Past Times’, encouraging communities, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts to take a stroll through history and explore how our free time has evolved - in often fascinating ways. There are five great events to pick from, exploring a wide range of topics from a hidden ice house to a walk in the park. Booking may be required where numbers are limited. Contact the Bookings Office on [email protected] or (094 ) 90 31751.
Events during the week include the following:
Frozen in Time - On Saturday, August 17 from 11am to 4pm - join an archaeological geophysicist to explore an ice house hidden on the grounds of the museum. Learn about the latest search resistance and topographic techniques at this unique event, suitable for adults and children aged 12 years plus. Booking required.
Hopscotch, Horseshoes and Jack Stones on Tuesday, August 20 from 2pm to 4pm - explore how people spent their spare time in the past and learn how to play some traditional Irish games at this free, drop-in activity for families. No booking required.
Harvest Traditions on Wednesday, August 21 from 2pm to 4pm - join the Education Team to make your own harvest knot - a decorated piece of straw traditionally exchanged as tokens of love and courtship at the harvest festival. Suitable for adults and children aged seven years plus. No booking required.
Harvest Stories on Thursday, August 22 from 11.30am to 2pm - join artist and puppeteer Carmel Balfe to learn about the harvest. Imagine and create your own harvest characters for this special time of year. Suitable for children aged four to seven years. Booking required.
A Walk in the Park on Saturday, August 24 from 2.30pm to 4pm - join the National Parks and Wildlife Service for a walk around the grounds of Turlough Park to see how the study of Natural Science started out as a Victorian pastime. Suitable for adults and children aged five years plus. Booking required.
Admission to the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park House & Gardens is free. The exhibition galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday to Monday from 1 to 5pm.
