We took this trip back in 2019. There wasn't a lot to do where we used to live in Ireland, so if there was something going on, we always tried to go there. This time, it was close to home. Only a 15-minute drive from where we lived at the time, on the road between Swinford and Castlebar. I came across it by accident and thought we'd check it out. So each year, somewhere in Co. Mayo, they host an event. A family day with the usual, like food, and beverages, but also a showcase of some sort. It's all about Irish heritage, and history. For homeschooling families, this is a great educational opportunity while having fun! That year, we were extremely lucky because Mayo is huge, and usually those events are far away from where we lived. This time it was close.
The museum in itself is very interesting, however, I wouldn't have had any happy kids if I'd dragged them there on a normal day. So when there's an event like this, it's a great way to have fun and maybe learn something along the way.
The event was held at 'Turlough Park House' a High Victorian Gothic-style mansion, built in 1865. The house and the park also house the Irish National Museum for Country living.
We were extremely lucky because the weather was amazing, and they even had a company to tell us about several different species of birds of prey.
I just love barn owls. They're so beautiful!
You wouldn't want to get in the way of this guy! He was huge!
On our way out, we visited the little forest playground for about half an hour. It's a great place when the weather permits.
Right behind the playground is an old graveyard. We didn't go in this time but it has some pretty cool really old gravestones.
In late spring, it's time for wild garlic (ramson). It was my favourite time of the year in Ireland and I was always looking forward to picking huge amounts of them. Makes for a great wild garlic pesto! Healthier than regular garlic!
The round tower which was built in the 9th century! So pretty old. However, the church in this place is supposed to have been founded by St. Patrick himself in the 5th century.
The kids and I had a great day. We had a bit of food, and then the kids decided they could slide down a hill. So dirty & happy kids. We decided to pay a little visit to the playground as well, which has a big slide. Always fun to be there!
Then, just before we drove out of the village, I managed to get a nice picture of the Turlough round tower. It's estimated that it was built in the 11th century! So it survived the test of time. The church building was built later, only a few hundred years ago, but I am just in awe of what they were able to build such a long time ago. If you ever find yourself in that part of Ireland, a visit to the park, the house, and the tower is a must!
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