Viking shields

The museum is hosting a free Viking themed workshop for children aged four to six years from 2.30 to 3.30pm on Wednesday, February 22. The workshop is part of the Midterm at the Museum programme of free events for families.

Children will learn about the history of the Vikings in Mayo and the rare Viking artefacts on display now in the temporary exhibition, The Hoard and the Sword.

Children will then get the chance to design and make their own Viking shields with artist Tommy Casby.

The workshop is free but booking is essential. For bookings, telephone (094) 90 31751 or email educationtph@museum.ie.

Viking handling collection

A great event for all of the family on Thursday, February 23, will see museum visitors get an up-close look at the lives of our most feared and revered ancestors, through the museum's handling collection of Viking objects.

The one-hour event, called Vikings - Raiders, Traders and Settlers, starts at 2.30pm.

This event is free but booking is required as numbers are limited. Telephone (094) 90 31751 or email educationtph@museum.ie.

Viking helmets

On Friday, February 24, adults and children aged five years and over will have the chance to design and make their own Viking helmets at a free workshop from 2.30 to 3.30pm, facilitated by artist Tommy Casby. Booking is required. Telephone (094) 90 31751 or email educationtph@museum.ie.

Paedar the Pygmy Shrew

Families and children are encouraged to come along to the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life this spring midterm break to enjoy lots of fun hunting for artefacts and finding Paedar the Pygmy Shrew, Ireland's smallest mammal, who is hiding amidst the museum exhibitions.

Admission to the museum is free and children's activity sheets, such as ‘Help us Find Paedar', ‘Animal Trail', and ‘My Favourite Objects', are available at reception.

Turlough Park House

Historic Turlough Park House, designed by the celebrated architect Thomas Newenham Deane and built in 1865, is undergoing some refurbishment and important conservation works at present.

The formal hall and drawing room are being re-wallpapered and the house is set to receive some important pieces of 19th century furniture from the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts Collection. It is hoped the new furniture will be ready to go on permanent display in the house by Easter. An official reopening of the house will take place when the works are complete and new furniture is installed.

Museum opening hours

The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 2 to 3pm. Brambles Café in the courtyard is open during museum opening hours with extended opening on Sundays from 12noon.