Creative writing

Rejuvenate your Sunday afternoons this April at the Museum's Writer's Group. The group, which welcomes writers of all abilities and genres to share their creative skills and experiences, is meeting again on Sunday, April 2, from 2.30 to 4.30pm. The main aim of the writer's group is for participants to learn, listen and grow in creativity. This is a free, drop-in activity and no booking is required.

New spring/summer events

The Museum of Country Life has just launched a new programme of free spring/summer events for families, running throughout April, May and June.

The diverse new calendar of events features workshops, talks, crafting demonstrations, art, design and more. Highlights include Viking jewellery design; a crafting demonstration on traditional butter churning; a fun outdoor bird spotting activity for all of the family; science challenges for children; and willow weaving by the Mayo Arts Squad. All of the events in the programme are free. Booking is required for some events as numbers may be limited. Early booking is advised.

Check out the full new calendar of events at www.museum.ie/country-life.

Viking exhibition continues

The museum's fascinating exhibition of rare Viking finds from Mayo continues this April. The exhibition, entitled The Hoard and the Sword - Echoes of the Vikings in Mayo, includes the famous Cushalogurt Hoard of silver Viking arm rings found near Kilmeena in 1939. This is the largest hoard of silver Viking armlets ever found in Ireland. The exhibition also includes a 10th century Viking warrior sword dredged from the River Moy in 1963.

Art workshop: Viking patterns

Did you know the Vikings used decorated silver arms rings as currency? Join the museum's Education Team to learn more about our Viking ancestors at a fun art workshop on Wednesday, April 12, from 2.30 to 3.30pm. Explore a famous hoard of Viking silver arm rings, on display now as part of the museum's temporary Viking exhibition. Find out how these arm rings were decorated and then design and print your own Viking pattern. This is a free event but booking is required. The workshop is suitable for families with children aged 7 years plus. For bookings, telephone (094) 90 31751 or email educationtph@museum.ie.