Set in the spectacular grounds of Turlough Park House, the award-winning National Museum of Ireland – Country Life is a leading visitor attraction in the western region.

The museum houses the National Folklife Collection and provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives of people in rural Ireland, from 1850 to 1950.

A wide range of exhibits and interactive displays appeal to young and old alike. Explore our agricultural and maritime past, traditional trades and crafts, fashion and textiles, religion, festivals, beliefs, and more.

The museum galleries, with no admission fee, are spread over four floors in a modern and architecturally unique building. Next door, visitors can also see Turlough Park House – the 19th-century, Gothic-style ancestral home of the Fitzgerald Family.

Cycle along the Great Western Greenway cycle route from Castlebar to the Museum.

Bicycle parking facilities are available on the Museum grounds.

Ideal for family visits. There is lots for families to do at the Museum. Play and explore in the award-winning woodland playground located in Turlough Park or take a fun, family trail through the exhibition galleries. Visit the dress-up station to try on clothes from the 1800s and see if you can guess the object at the handling station! The site is also overlooked by an ancient round tower.

All of this is nestled in biodiverse gardens and parkland with leafy lakeside walks, woodland trails, outdoor art, an adventure playground and a tranquil 10k Greenway Cycle, overlooked by an ancient round tower. Best of all admission is free!