UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND - COUNTRY LIFE

Viking workshops for families

The museum is running three Viking themed workshops for children and families over the spring midterm holidays, in conjunction with a temporary exhibition of rare Mayo Viking artefacts called The Hoard and the Sword. Viking Shields on Wednesday, February 22, will see children aged four to six learn about Mayo's Viking heritage and then have a go at designing and making their own Viking shields with artist Tommy Casby. On Thursday, February 23, the Education Team is hosting a special family event called Vikings - Raiders, Traders and Settlers. Participants will get an up-close look at the lives of Vikings through the museum's handling collection. On Friday, February 24, children aged five years and over will have the chance to design and make their own Viking helmets with artist Tommy Casby. All workshops start at 2.30pm. These events are free but booking is required as place are limited. Telephone (094) 90 31751 or email educationtph@museum.ie.

Midterm Day Out

With free admission, the award-winning galleries of the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life make for an ideal family day out over the spring midterm holidays. The museum is home to Ireland's National Folklife Collection and offers a fascinating insight into the day-to-day lives of our rural ancestors from 1850 to 1950. Audio and visual displays, objects, photography and archive film footage help to bring this century of Irish folk history to life. Use the children's activity sheets to hunt for artefacts in the museum and see if you can find Peadar the Shrew, who is hiding amidst the gallery displays.

Garden Walks

The gardens and grounds at historic Turlough Park are bursting into life with spring firmly in the air. Visitors can soak up the old world atmosphere of the formal gardens, terraced lawns, greenhouse, ornamental lake, woodland walks and more. To combine culture with the great outdoors, start the day with the 8km Greenway route from Castlebar to the museum. Bike hire is available in Castlebar and bicycle parking facilities are available at the museum.

The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 2 to 5pm. Closed Mondays. Admission free.