National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park

I visited the National Museum in Castlebar on a rainy day, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. Admission is free, and there’s plenty of good parking right outside, which made it very convenient. The museum itself is much larger and more detailed than I expected, with a wide variety of fascinating exhibits. One highlight for me was the large section on the seasons and their meaning in everyday life, including the Celtic festivals and traditions that shaped people’s connection to nature. The explanations were very well presented, giving real insight into how deeply these cycles influenced life in Ireland. There was also a special exhibition about bees, which I found absolutely fascinating, both in terms of history and the role they continue to play in culture and ecology. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions, and the architecture of the building itself adds to the overall atmosphere. All in all, this museum is a real gem for anyone interested in history and culture. Whether you’re local or just visiting, it’s well worth spending a few hours here.

A really worthwhile place to visit. Not only is it full of really interesting exhibits, but everything is beautifully laid out and the building itself (along with the fabulous gardens) is part of whole experience. I particularly loved the soundscape, which really added to the ambience. We treated ourselves to lunch in the cafe and it was really good - proper, home-made food of the highest quality and reasonably priced too. A superb couple of hours - and free!

This is an amazing place. We spent over 4 hours here looking at the various exhibitions over three to four floors. It is professionally laid out. There are toilets, a shop and cafe on site too. It's free, make a donation on leaving, if you wish. The staff were pleasant and helpful. This is a hidden gem not just for tourists, but Irish people too. Well worth a day trip.

Very well done Musuem shows how tough and rural life was in Ireland until really the last 75-80 years. Staff were great. Good coffee at the Cafe. The house is also worth a visit. Entry is free and its a great escape from bad weather.

I've been to many historic places in Ireland. This is one of my best experiences. It is surprisingly large, free to enter and utterly fascinating. The landlord's big house at the front in all its glory, including the secret door. A focus on the people and their clothes and activities from Viking times to the middle of the last century. The difference with other museums is that previously the focus was on the artifacts rather than the people. Displays of clothes, types of labour, housing, geology, even bees and their contribution to the human culture. It's all here. This is a hugely recommendable place and every man or woman with a speck of Irish blood, or even a speck of interest in taking on the love of an Irish identity, should visit this spot.

This free museum has a lot of information about life in rural Ireland 🇮🇪. The beginning video tells you not to romanticise the lives these people lived and it was very respectful and not cheesy or cringey. It’s free and wheelchair ♿️ accessible.

An outstanding place to visit. The museum is very well laid out and is a pleasure to visit. I particularly liked the temporary display about bees on the lower floor. I have visited several times. The cafe and shop are also great. Free parking and no entrance fee. Staff are lovely.

This was a nice place to swing by on Your visit. It's a nice little museum with various bits and pieces of history. The amenities were really good. The view of the pond is amazing.

Better than ok Fine while visiting the museum Expect veggie soup and choice of sandwiches coffee - of course

Excellent food, staff, and service at the cafe. The museum is also invigorating and taught me a lot about Irish rural history. I found the straw, hay, and rushes exhibit especially interesting and it's amazing to me as a tourist to see how sturdy the chairs made of simple straw were. Also a thank you to the staff for giving us a trash bag for laundry storage.