Museum of Country Life
Connaught
The Museum of Country Life, officially known as the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, is located near Turlough village in County Mayo. Established in 2001, it is Ireland's only national museum outside Dublin, dedicated to illustrating rural Irish life between 1850 and 1950. The museum is set within the grounds of the historic Turlough Park House, designed by Thomas Newenham Deane in the mid-19th century. Exhibits span four floors and cover themes such as domestic life, natural environment, trades, crafts, and rural communities. The extensive Irish Folklife Collection includes around 37,000 items, with a small portion on display and the rest preserved in storage facilities. Notable exhibitions have featured the life of Michael Davitt, the Cross of Cong, and the Coggalbeg hoard. The museum also boasts award-winning gardens featuring a vinery, terraces, a sunken garden, and a round tower, providing visitors with a blend of cultural and natural experiences. Facilities include parking, a shop, and a café, making it a welcoming destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.
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Tip: Visit from Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, or Sunday and Monday from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is free, but booking tickets in advance is recommended during special exhibitions or peak times. The award-winning gardens offer a pleasant complement to the museum visit, and families can enjoy the woodland playground and art installations. Accessible parking and on-site amenities enhance the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •The Museum of Country Life is Ireland's only national museum located outside Dublin.
- •The Cross of Cong, a 12th-century medieval treasure, was displayed here for one year in 2010.
- •The museum's collection includes the Coggalbeg hoard, a Bronze Age gold collar and discs discovered in a bog near Strokestown.
- •Turlough Park House was designed by Thomas Newenham Deane, who also designed the National Museum of Ireland's Kildare Street branch.
- •The museum holds approximately 37,000 items in its Irish Folklife Collection, with many artifacts stored off-site.
History
Turlough Park House was built between 1863 and 1867, designed by architect Thomas Newenham Deane and originally owned by the Fitzgerald family.
In 1991, Mayo County Council acquired the house and surrounding 36 acres, renovating it and constructing an adjacent museum building.
The Museum of Country Life officially opened in September 2001, becoming the only national museum branch outside Dublin.
The original gardens, maintained by the Office of Public Works and Mayo County Council, include features dating back to the 18th century, such as the ruins of the original house occupied from 1722 to 1786.
Place Guide
Turlough Park House1863-1867
The historic 19th-century house designed by Thomas Newenham Deane, featuring period architecture and serving as part of the museum's exhibition space and offices.
Permanent Exhibitions
Thematic displays across four floors showcasing rural Irish life, including domestic environments, trades, crafts, and community traditions from 1850 to 1950.
Award-winning Gardens
Extensive gardens featuring a vinery, terraces, sunken garden, woodland walks, a round tower, and an artificial lake with islands, offering a tranquil natural setting.
Museum Shop and Café
On-site amenities providing refreshments and souvenirs, enhancing the visitor experience during and after exploring the museum and gardens.
Contact
Phone: (094) 903 1755
