!!!! Turlough Park – Autumn/Winter 2026 programme of free curriculum-linked tours and workshops.
Inspire learning beyond the classroom at Turlough Park with the autumn/winter 2026 schools programme
The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar, is inviting teachers to spark curiosity and inspire hands-on learning with an engaging new programme of free curriculum-linked tours and workshops. With both primary and post primary level options, the autumn/winter 2026 schools programme spans a broad range of topics and all activities are offered free of charge to schools.
Students can discover traditional Irish life through the Top10 Highlights Tour of the National Folklife Collection, explore biodiversity on a Seasonal Nature Tour, or step back in time with an online Time Travellers workshop about researching your family history.
Turlough Park also celebrates Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition with Winter Folk Tales, while creative seasonal workshops such as Traditional Christmas Decorations explore customs and crafts inspired by Museum collections. Irish-language schools can also enjoy dedicated guided tours through Irish.
STEM learning takes centre stage with an innovative Maths Week workshop about binary numbers and patters while Science Week sees the return of the popular online Tour of the Solar System, led by scientist Declan Holmes.
Set in a beautiful heritage landscape in the heart of Co. Mayo, Turlough Park offers a unique opportunity for pupils to learn through exploration, discovery and hands-on participation. With expert facilitators, inspiring collections and free admission, it’s the perfect destination for an educational day out.
All Primary Level Workshops
- Binary Numbers: From Patterns to Pixels
Thursday 15 October at 11.00am-12.00pm - Time Travellers: Exploring Family History Through the 1926 Census
Wednesday 4th or Thursday 5th November 2026 at 10am – 11am or 11.30am – 12.30pm - Storytelling: Winter Folk Tales
Thursday 5 & Friday 6 November at 10am to 11am or 11.30am to 12.30pm - Science Week: Tour of the Solar System
Tuesday 10 & Friday 13 November at 10am – 11am | 11.30am – 12.30pm | 1pm – 2pm - Calendar Customs: Traditional Christmas Decorations
Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 December at 10am to 11am | 11.30am to 12.30pm - Turais stiúraithe i nGaeilge
7 Deireadh Fómhair, 4 Samhain, 2 Nollaig, 10.00 agus 11.30uair - Guided Tour: Seasonal Nature Tours
10:00 and 11:30, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays -
Guided Tour: Top 10 Highlights of the National Folklife Collection
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am and 11:30am
All Post-Primary Level Workshops
-
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November, 10am – 11am or 11.30am – 12.30pm
-
7 Deireadh Fómhair, 4 Samhain, 2 Nollaig, 10.00 agus 11.30uair
-
10:00 and 11:30, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
-
10am or 11:30am, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
-
Tuesday 10 or Friday 13 November, 10am – 11am, 11.30am – 12.30pm, 1pm – 2pm
-
February 2027
How to Book
Visit museum.ie or select a workshop or tour below and use the ‘Book Now’ button to access the online bookings system. Teachers can also contact BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie or telephone (094) 90 31751.
!!!! National Museum offers immersive Transition Year work experience in Mayo and Dublin
National Museum offers immersive Transition Year work experience
The National Museum of Ireland is delighted to host two exciting and interactive weeklong immersive Transition Year work experiences in February 2027, delivered in Collins Barracks, Dublin 7, and Turlough Park in Co. Mayo.
What does transition year work experience at The National Museum of Ireland look like?
Over the course of five days, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the important work of preserving and presenting cultural heritage, engaging with communities and creating meaningful learning experiences, through a combination of talks and workshops with Museum staff, and hands-on activities.
This work experience is intended for students thinking about pursuing a career in the museum and cultural heritage sector, but is also suitable for students with an interest in the role of museums in modern society.
Information about applying for transition year work experience at The National Museum of Ireland
Applications for the 2027 programme open on 28 September and close on 23 October.
Find out more about how to apply at The National Museum of Ireland here www.museum.ie/en-IE/About/Careers/Volunteers,-Interns,-Work-Experience,-Transition-Y
For more schools opportunities at the Museum of Country Life, please see here artsineducation.ie/en/2026/09/29/turlough-park-school-tours-and-workshops/
Looking for more transition year work experience opportunities?
See transition year opportunity at The National Gallery of Ireland here – https://artsineducation.ie/en/2026/08/25/national-gallery-of-ireland-transition-year-youth-work-experience-2026-2027/