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Irish Independent

Looking for some activities to do this summer in Mayo? – why not check out this 18th century estate with free outdoor events

The Museum is encouraging people across the region to discover the National Museum on their doorstep this summer through exhibitions, demonstrations and talks across a diverse range of topics - from 20th century lawn sports to folklife traditions and customs. The National Museum at Turlough Park is located on a historic 18th century estate and features modern, award-winning galleries, a courtyard café, a woodland playground and 30 acres of biodiverse gardens and parkland. Here are seven top activities and events for July and August. Find further details on all upcoming events and exhibitions at Boules on the Lawn Learn about the sport of pétanque – also known as outdoor boules - with the members of Castlebar Pétanque Club from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, 19 July. See a demonstration of this lively and strategic sport – which originated in the early 20th century in France. Then have a go yourself! Admission is free and no booking is required. Traders on the Reek Ahead of Reek Sunday at the end of the month, explore an interesting part of the history of this well-known annual pilgrimage date. Come along at 2.30pm on Saturday, 19 July for a special screening of 'Traders on the Reek'. This documentary tells the story of families who have fed and watered many thousands of pilgrims on Croagh Patrick down through the generations. There will also be talks and contributions on the day from some of the families featured in the film. Admission is free. Booking is required. Email BookingsCountryLife@ or telephone +353 94 90 31751. Woodland Explorer Young visitors are invited to explore biodiversity and engage in some mindful nature watching through the free Woodland Explorer activity booklet, available from Museum Reception. The grounds of Turlough Park are home to lots of different habitats with woodland, gardens, lake and river areas. Learn more and use your keen senses and skills to complete a series of fun nature challenges to finish this self-guided trail! Orienteering Did you know you can give orienteering a try in the grounds of Turlough Park? Go to Museum Reception to pick up a map of the newly developed orienteering routes. There are five maps to choose from. Then download the app to enjoy a fun, family friendly orienteering activity through 30-acres of gardens, woodland and parkland. Free guided tours Discover objects and stories that are both familiar and surprising from the National Folklife Collection at Turlough Park. Join a free guided tour to learn about life in the Irish countryside from the 1850s to 1950s, exploring fascinating traditions, customs and skills. Then hear more about the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectural style of Turlough Park House and Gardens. Free public tours take place at 2pm and 3.30pm each Saturday throughout the summer months. No booking required. Places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Heritage Week The Museum will once again be participating in National Heritage Week, with a programme of free events celebrating Ireland's cultural, built and natural heritage between 16 and 24 August. One of this year's highlight events is a traditional skills demonstration featuring the well-known woodworker and influencer Eoin Reardon and skilled basketmaker Tom Delaney of 'Ould Crafty'. This event takes place on Sunday, 24 August. Be sure to follow the National Museum on social media for further details as they are announced. SWARM Pencil in a stop at the Courtyard Gallery during your visit to see a vibrant children's art installation inspired by Ireland's bee species. Combining colour, movement and shadow, SWARM was created by school children across counties Mayo, Sligo and Galway, working with artist Cas McCarthy. The project took place in association with the popular exhibition The Murmur of Bees, which remains on display this summer in the exhibition galleries. ADVERTISEMENT The National Museum in Turlough Park, Co. Mayo is located within a historic 18th century estate and features Ireland's National Folklife Collection. Objects, archive film and photography present a tapestry of daily life from the 1850s to the 1950s. From country and village to town and city, these stories of the everyday are both familiar and surprising. The visitor experience includes 30-acres of gardens and parkland, scenic walkways along the river and lake, a woodland playground, the Greenway cycling route, the courtyard café and a book and craft shop. Everyone is welcome and admission is free