Lots for the family at National Museum in Turlough

Families looking for some day trip options around Co Mayo over the Easter break should make sure to check out the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar.

Set on a 30-acre historic estate, the site includes a museum, a Victorian Gothic house, landscaped gardens, a greenway cycling path, and a woodland playground.

There is lots for younger visitors to see and do in the contemporary award-winning exhibition galleries, including activity trails and a children’s corner. Best of all - admission is free.

Families are invited to register for some free art and craft workshops to make Easter decorations with Isolde Dingerkus. There are a number of sessions available at 10am, 11am and 12 noon on Wednesday and Thursday, March 31 and April 1. The duration of each workshop is approximately 40 minutes. Places are free but booking is essential via museum.ie.

Museum educator Fiona Deacy will also be delivering some art and craft workshops over the Easter school holidays. Creativity meets sustainability in these crafty workshops at 10.30am on Wednesday and Thursday, April 8 and 9. Participants will gather materials on a guided walk in the gardens of Turlough Park and then have a go at making some eco-crafts like seed paper and jewellery. Again, places are free but booking is required at museum.ie.

In the Museum galleries, some highlights include the impressive brown bear and the popular exhibition The Murmur of Bees.

Beir Bua is an Alaskan brown bear on temporary display from the Natural History Collection in Dublin. Standing on her hind legs, with long claws outstretched, the exhibit has become a firm favourite with visitors of all ages.

In The Murmur of Bees, visitors can explore the diversity of Ireland's bee species and their vital role in nature. Young visitors can also collect some bee‑themed colouring sheets at reception and visit a glass viewing area to watch native Irish honeybees coming and going from their hives in the rooftop heather garden!

Another ideal spot for families is the bright and cosy Children’s Corner on Level C of the exhibition galleries. With colouring activities, jigsaws, and books, there are some stunning views to enjoy of the gardens, lake, and the historic Turlough Round Tower.

For an outdoor activity, visitors can take on the Museum’s Woodland Explorer nature trail. The trail engages the senses and requires some keen nature‑spotting skills to complete three fun activities around the scenic grounds of Turlough Park. Pick up a free activity sheet at museum reception.

Another outdoor excursion option is to combine a visit to the museum with a cycle along a 10km greenway route connecting Turlough Park to Lough Lannagh in Castlebar. See greenway.ie for full details of the trail. Bicycle parking and picnic facilities are available at Turlough Park.

Admission to the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park House and Gardens is free. The exhibition galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday to Monday from 1pm to 5pm. Normal opening hours apply throughout the Easter break with the exception of Good Friday, April 3, when the museum is closed.