Image by Mayo North Tourism & Bartek Rybacki
There was plenty to celebrate for Mayo’s museum and heritage sector this week, with three Mayo museums recognised at this year’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) Awards.
The Clarke Museum of Irish History in Ballina and Ballinglen Museum of Art in Ballycastle both received Interim Accreditation, while the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park received Maintenance of Accreditation.
The recognition was announced at the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Heritage Council at Croke Park on Monday, September 28th 2026.
The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland is the Heritage Council’s national programme for promoting professional standards in the care and management of museum collections and recognising those standards through accreditation. The programme covers areas including collections care, governance, exhibitions, education and visitor care and access.
Pictured at the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) Awards Ceremony in Croke Park are members of The Clarke Museum of Irish History team with Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John Caulfield; Director of Services, Síofra Kilcullen; and Councillor Michael Loftus, representing the Museum Steering Group, following the museum’s Interim Accreditation award.
Learn more about the Heritage Council here.
A fantastic achievement for Mayo
The recognition is a significant achievement for all three museums and reflects the hard work, commitment and expertise of the teams, volunteers and organisations behind them.
Together, the three museums demonstrate the breadth and diversity of Mayo’s cultural and heritage offering, from Irish history and rural life to contemporary art, while providing engaging experiences for visitors throughout the year.
The Clarke Museum of Irish History
The Clarke Museum of Irish History, Ballina – a year-round cultural and heritage attraction in north Mayo
Located in the heart of Ballina, The Clarke Museum of Irish History is an important cultural and heritage attraction for the town and wider north Mayo area.
The museum preserves and presents a fascinating collection relating to Irish history, helping visitors to explore the people, events and stories that have shaped Ireland and the local community.
Its Interim Accreditation reflects the work undertaken across areas including collections care, governance, education, exhibitions and visitor services. The award recognises the considerable work of Museum Manager Yvonne Corcoran Loftus, the museum team, volunteers, Mayo County Council and the Museum Steering Group.
The museum is an important resource for the people of Ballina and Mayo, as well as a valuable visitor attraction, offering visitors an opportunity to discover more about the area’s history and heritage.
Learn more about The Clarke Museum of Irish History here.
Ballinglen Museum of Art
Ballinglen Museum of Art, Ballycastle – showcasing contemporary Irish art in the heart of north Mayo
Located in Ballycastle, Ballinglen Museum of Art is an important cultural attraction in north Mayo and an established part of the county’s contemporary arts scene.
The museum is part of the Ballinglen Arts Foundation and showcases a collection of contemporary Irish art. It reflects the strong connection between artists, the landscape and the community of north Mayo.
The Ballinglen Arts Foundation has welcomed artists to the area for many years through its residency programme, helping to establish Ballycastle as a destination for artists and art lovers.
The museum’s Interim Accreditation reflects the work taking place behind the scenes to care for its collection and develop its visitor experience.
It also provides a year-round attraction for visitors to north Mayo, offering an opportunity to experience art and culture while exploring the wider Ballycastle area and the spectacular north Mayo coast.
Congratulations to the team at Ballinglen Museum of Art and Ballinglen Arts Foundation on this significant achievement.
Learn more about The Ballinglen Museum of Art here.
National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar – a year-round heritage attraction for Mayo visitors
Just outside Castlebar, Turlough Park is one of Mayo’s important heritage attractions and is home to the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life.
The museum explores the story of everyday life in rural Ireland through an extensive collection of objects, exhibitions and displays.
Visitors can discover how people lived and worked in Ireland in the past, with the museum bringing together fascinating stories of rural traditions, crafts, customs and community life.
At this year’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland Awards, Turlough Park received Maintenance of Accreditation, recognising its continued achievement of the standards required under the programme.
Its location, extensive collections and exhibitions make Turlough Park a particularly valuable year-round attraction. It offers visitors an engaging heritage experience whatever the weather.
Learn more about The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life here.
Three museums, one strong Mayo heritage offering
Together, The Clarke Museum of Irish History, Ballinglen Museum of Art and National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough Park demonstrate the breadth and diversity of museum and cultural attractions available across Mayo.
From local and national history to contemporary Irish art and the story of rural life, the three museums offer visitors different perspectives on the people, places, creativity and heritage that have shaped the county and Ireland as a whole.
They also make an important contribution to Mayo’s tourism offering, providing engaging places to visit throughout the year and helping to encourage visitors to explore different parts of the county.
Congratulations to all involved
A huge congratulations to the teams at The Clarke Museum of Irish History, Ballinglen Museum of Art and National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park on this national recognition.
The awards recognise the work of the staff, volunteers and organisations who work behind the scenes to care for collections, preserve our heritage and create welcoming and engaging experiences for visitors.
Mayo is fortunate to have such a wonderful range of museums, galleries, heritage sites and cultural attractions. The recognition received by these three museums highlights the important role they play in telling Mayo’s story and welcoming visitors throughout the year.
Manager of Mayo North Tourism, Mairéad Melody-Carr said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland Awards. The recognition received by The Clarke Museum of Irish History, Ballinglen Museum of Art and National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park is a fantastic achievement for Mayo’s heritage and tourism community.”
“These three museums each offer something different, but together they showcase the extraordinary depth and diversity of Mayo’s cultural offering. They give visitors the opportunity to explore our history, discover contemporary art and learn more about the traditions and way of life that have shaped our county and our country.
“All three are also great year-round attractions. They provide compelling reasons for visitors to explore Mayo at any time of year and add real value to the visitor experience, whatever the weather.
“We are delighted to see the hard work of the teams, volunteers and organisations behind these museums recognised at national level. Their commitment to caring for our heritage and creating welcoming, engaging experiences for visitors makes an important contribution to Mayo’s tourism offering.”
On behalf of the team at Mayo North Tourism, congratulations once again to everyone involved – this is a fantastic achievement for Mayo’s heritage and tourism community.