Museum of Country Life
What's on at the Museum of Country Life - October to December 2005
By Bernie Byron
10, Oct 2005 - 19:58

PUBLIC PROGRAMMES

Join Harry Hughes, Chairman of the Croagh Patrick Archaeological Committee, as he discusses the 100-year history of this building on Mayo’s holy mountain.

Wednesday 5^th 2.30-3.30pm

Crochet has been in the family of Mary McGranahan for generations. Take this opportunity to have a go and try out this traditional craft.

Join Hans Wieland of Ross Inver Organic Farming Centre to hear about food storage in winter and growing organic food.

Join Niall Mc Coitir, author of ‘Irish Tree’s, Myths, Legends & Folklore’, as he explains the uses and mythology of trees on the Museum Grounds.

Talk. Irish Seed Savers Association (ISSA): How to Create an Orchard

Join Kevin Dudley, ISSA Orchard Manager, as he talks about creating an orchard. Hear about heritage varieties of apples and then taste the different types.

When worried or in despair people often turn to powers outside themselves for support. Join Curator Anne O'Dowd to learn about the reliquaries, amulets and talismans.

Art Workshop. Watch out for the Púca! Prepare for the Hallowe’en party.

Hear about the traditions at Hallowe’en. Then make your own spooky mask to celebrate this festival with Tom Doyle of the Education & Outreach Department.

Hallowe’en Party. Bite for apples, Dip for money, Seek your fortune!

Hear about the festival of Samhain and then join in the fun and games with members of the Education & Outreach Department.

Friday 28th October

Straw Craft: The Last Straw.

Find out about different straw crafts and the harvest traditions in different parts of the country. Then make your own harvest knots and cailleach (last sheaf) on this one-day course with Melanie Lorien.

Mayo Spinners and Weavers Open Day

Hear about the traditions at Hallowe’en. Then watch Albert Siggins demonstrate making a spooky turnip head to celebrate this festival.

Get some tips on how to make traditional Christmas puddings with Jean Beattie and bring in your own recipes and samples.

Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th November:

Patchwork Family Crests

Learn the principles of patchwork and appliqué your own family crest on this two-day course with local craftsman Gillen Hardesty.

From egg cups to spinning wheels, the wood turner produced many useful items. Join Curator Rosa Meehan to explore the Museum’s turned collection. Age: Adult

Local writer Joe McGowan, author of ‘Inishmurray Island Voices’, tells us about St. Martin’s predilection for punishing those who didn't make a sacrificial offering for his feast.

Photographic Competition for Primary & Post-Primary Schools.
Theme: Local Heritage: People & Places
In celebration of National Heritage Week 2005 (4th - 11th September), Primary & Post Primary Schools are invited to enter a competition using photography to illustrate the theme "Local Heritage: People & Places".  Closing Date for receipt of entries: 12 November 2005.  Further details available from Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach
Department Tel: (094) 90 31769; Email: bmcgowan@museum.ie

Sunday 13^th 2.30-3.30pm

Join Brendan McDonnell of the Education & Outreach Department and find out how and why objects are protected in museums.

Join nature conservationist Jackie Hunt for a talk on the development and exploitation of our boglands in the past and the importance of protecting them for the future.

Enjoy Castlebar’s Adult Gospel Choir as they sing traditional choir songs. All ages

Talk. Spongeware. Nicholas Mosse Pottery

Join Nicholas Mosse as he talks about Irish Spongeware; this beautiful, functional pottery often rurally inspired, using images of plants and animals. Thursday 24th and Friday 25th November:

Marquetry & Furniture Restoration.

Following an introduction to the furniture display in Turlough Park House, learn about the different decorative techniques on furniture and how they are conserved. Then make your own marquetry piece with Sven Habermann from the Conservation Restoration Centre, Letterfrack on this two-day course.

Sunday 27^th 2.30-3.30pm & 8pm

Music and Storytelling Performance. John Campbell and Len GrahamBe entertained by two of Ireland’s premier exponents of traditional singing and storytelling in the museum and also later in the local pub, The Roundtower. Adult

Sinn Féin was founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith with the aim of achieving self-determination. Join local councillor Noel Campbell as he talks about the history of the party.

Join Willie Creighton of the Mayo Woodturners Guild as he explains the processes of wood identification.

The Mummers were a group of people who traditionally performed an intricate play with varied characters around Christmas time. Join Ted Kelly to make a Mummers mask.

Come celebrate Christmas at the National Museum of Ireland with a variety of 1-hour Workshops.

11.30am- Join staff from the Education & Outreach Department to make various Christmas decorations to hang on your tree.

2.30pm- Learn new Christmas wrapping techniques with staff from the museum shop.

3.30pm- Join staff from of the Education & Outreach Department to make various types of Christmas cards.

Friday 9th December:

Candle Craft. Candles for Christmas

Hear about lighting in the past before electricity and then make and decorate your own candles on this one-day course with candle maker Áine Bell.
Further details available from the Education & Outreach Dept.

Make your own traditional Christmas log table decoration with Lorna Elms of the Education & Outreach Department.

Learn part of a Mummer’s play with Joe McGowan and then perform your part with the 'Sidhe Gaoithe' Mummers on 1^st January.

Look at the techniques and designs on these popular household objects and then decorate your own ceramic piece with Tom Doyle of the Education & Outreach Department.

Wednesday 21^st 2.30-4.30pm

Enjoy traditional Christmas carols with the Foxford National School Band. All ages

Museum Closed

No workshop this day

Watch the Sligo ‘Sidhe Gaoithe’ Mummers bring to life such characters as St. Patrick, Gráinne Uaile, Queen Maeve and many more in a traditional Mummer’s play.

All ages

Groups who would like to arrange a repeat of any event should contact the Education & Outreach Dept.