Saturday 13 December: 11.00am - 5.00pm

Start the Christmas season in style with your family this year at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. The first ever Christmas Open Day takes place at the Museum on Saturday next, 13 December from 11am-5pm. Fun and entertainment is guaranteed for everyone in the family, and best of all, entry is absolutely free. Mums and Dads will love the Christmas Food Fair, children will flock to Santa Claus and seasonal carol singing creates a traditional atmosphere everyone will appreciate. Our ever-popular educational workshops have a festive theme and the Museum Galleries will have a special Christmas display.

ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS (EXCL. SANTA CLAUS) IS FREE OF CHARGE!

The magical, romantic setting of Turlough Park was just made for festive celebrations so it’s going to be a very special day for everyone.

Food Fair

For centuries food has been an integral part of Christmas celebrations and our Food Fair will have stands with the best of traditional products from Ireland and overseas. Tantalise your taste buds with Yuletide fare ranging from Christmas cakes to chocolate truffles and from gingerbread men to the best of Country Markets. Buy a unique foodie present for someone special, or treat your family to the best of Christmas fare. Come early and bring your shopping basket - business will be brisk! The Food Fair takes place in the Museum grounds and stands include products such as:

Wine
Country Markets
Smoked Fish
Honey
Cheese
Noodles
Chocolate
Homemade Fudge
Jams, pickles and preserves
Dressings and Sauces
Christmas Cakes
Chocolate Spreads/Sauces
Boiled Sweets
Gingerbread Figures
and much, much more.....

Christmas Exhibition

This small exhibition will display objects relating to a typical Irish Christmas with panels and fact sheets giving visitors the opportunity to learn how

Christmas would have been celebrated in Irish homes in the past.

Christmas Carols - Museum style

Don’t miss this carol singing extravaganza with both the Mayo Gospel Singers & the Mayo Male Voice Choir ringing out in celebration. You’ll find all the atmosphere of traditional carol singing with a special twist. The carol singing will be in the Museum Galleries.

Santa Claus and his Magic Elves

No Christmas Fair would be complete without a visit to see Santa. Admission is just €2 per child and every child receives a special gift. Santa and his Elves will be at the Museum from 12-1.30pm and from 2.30-4.30pm. Please note tickets must be purchased from the Museum Reception and are available from 11am on Saturday 13 December, the day of the Fair. Make sure you get your tickets so all our younger visitors get to see the man in the red suit with the big white beard. Santa’s grotto will be in the Museum Galleries.

Workshops

The Museum workshops are now fully booked.

And there's more.....

Face painting, free gift wrapping in the Museum Shop, relaxing Museum Cafe ... what more can you and your family do on a Saturday leading up to Christmas?

Supported by Mayo County Enterprise Board.

Yuletide treats including:

Christmas Food Fair - Traditional festive fare from a variety of food producers from around the region. Admission Free.
Christmas Exhibition in the Museum Galleries
Christmas Workshops - Fully Booked.
Santa Claus and his Magic Elves from 12.00-1.30 & 2.30-4.30pm. Cost €2.00 per child. Tickets available from the Museum from 11.00am on Sat. 13 December.
Christmas Carols - with Mayo Male Voice Choir & Gospel Singers
Face Painting
Free gift wrapping in the Museum Shop
Museum Café open.

Don't while you are in the Castlebar area next Saturday, visit the CRAFTMAKERS' CHRISTMAS FAIR in the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Saturday 13th December, from 10.00am-6.00pm. The Craftmakers' Christmas Fair brings together around 30 of the foremost exponents of a diverse selection of crafts from all over Ireland to present their distinctive wares for your delectation, delight and purchase. A range of top ceramics, woodcraft, leather work, jewellery, textiles, metalwork and more will be on show, with an opportunity to meet and buy direct from the makers themselves.