National Museum of Ireland – Country Life

About the museum

The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is the branch of the national museum devoted to the folklife of rural Ireland. It stands in the grounds of Turlough Park near Castlebar in County Mayo, about 30 acres of parkland with a lake, gardens and woodland.

The Victorian Gothic mansion Turlough House was designed by Thomas Newenham Deane and built between 1863 and 1867 for the Fitzgerald family. Mayo County Council bought the house and part of the estate in 1991, restored the house and built a modern gallery building set into the hillside beside it. The museum opened in September 2001 and is now run by the National Museum of Ireland.

Its displays are drawn from the National Folklife Collection of about 37,000 objects, which documents the way of life in Ireland between roughly 1850 and 1950. Permanent exhibitions cover home life, trades and crafts, work on land and water, the year in rural Ireland, and the political and social changes of the period. There is also a changing programme of temporary exhibitions.

Highlights

• National Folklife Collection of rural Irish life from 1850 to 1950
• Victorian Gothic Turlough House in 30 acres of parkland
• Permanent exhibitions on home life, trades and crafts, and work on land and water
• Exhibition Cycling the Country on the history of the bicycle
• Woodland playground, café and 10 km greenway to Castlebar
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• The Times: Rural Ireland, 1850–1950 – An exhibition on the political, economic and social changes in rural Ireland between 1850 and 1950, including the Land War, Home Rule and the struggle for independence.
• Hearth and Home – The exhibition shows life in traditional Irish homes, including how houses were built and furnished and how families were fed and clothed.
• Cycling the Country – A display of bicycles and accessories that traces the history of the bicycle and its effect on social life in rural Ireland.

Founded

2001

Operated by

National Museum of Ireland

Visitors per year

approx. 98,523

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The galleries are wheelchair accessible, with a lift to all four floors. Wheelchairs and mobile stools can be borrowed at reception. Accessible toilets are in the galleries and in the house, and there are seating areas in all galleries. Lighting is low in some exhibitions, and some objects can be touched. A visual guide, a sensory map and a social story are available to download, and Irish Sign Language events are offered.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The museum offers free activity sheets such as Find Peadar and Woodland Explorer, a Discovery Station where children can handle objects, and a programme of free family events. The award-winning woodland playground is in the grounds.

Getting there & parking

The museum is just off the N5 Dublin to Westport road and is signposted from both directions. It is about 25 km (20 minutes) from Westport and about 40 km from Ireland West Airport Knock. From the main gate it is about 250 metres to the car park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Synge & Byrne café in the courtyard is open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 17:00 and Monday 12:00 to 17:00. The gift shop is currently closed on Sundays because of industrial action. There are also picnic areas, a woodland playground and a greenway.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The galleries foyer, the audio-visual theatre, meeting and workshop rooms and the formal hall and library can be hired for seminars, receptions and similar events. Brochure and rates by email request.

Plan your visit