Green in the Gold Exhibition

In 1841, Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, governed from London. Ireland, with a population of just over 8 million people, was the 'granary' of Britain, exporting enormous quantities of foodstuffs to England.  Then, in 1845, the first blight struck.

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This exhibition, researched, created and designed by North Mayo Heritage Centre, looks at the effects of the famine on the people of Mayo, and how some found their way to Australia,

13th to 21st August 2022

The exhibition will be displayed in Reception at the North Mayo Heritage Centre, and is open to the public daily, from 10 am to 4 pm

JJ Leonard Exhibition

15th to 20th August 2022

The exhibition will be displayed in the Conference Centre at the North Mayo Heritage Centre, and is open to the public daily, from 10 am to 4 pm

Lecture on the work of JJ Leonard

Wednesday 17th August, 8pm

Free of Charge, Booking required

Jack Leonard was born in Crossmolina in 1882 and emigrated to England in 1900. He trained with the Illustrated London news in journalism, illustration and photography; skills he would put to very good use in the Land War, the War of Independence and the Civil War.

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Jack returned to Ireland in 1906 and set up his photography business, which took him around the country.

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His Grandson, Anthony, is the custodian of his collection and the researcher of this exhibition.

Heritage Craft Displays

Join Annie Gambrill to explore the world of natural spinning using beautiful Irish wool, with a display of spinning wheels and other equipment. Enjoyable and informative for all the family

Sunday 14th August - 2 to 4 pm,

NMHC reception

Eamon Murphy creates plenty of noise and smoke as he demonstrates the art of the traditional blacksmith, Suitable for all the family

Sunday 14th August - 2 to 4 pm,

NMHC inner courtyard

Gardening Workshop

Geared towards younger people, this workshop takes place in the Enniscoe Organic Garden, one of the oldest certified organic gardens on the island of Ireland.

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The North Mayo Heritage Centre's own organic gardeners will teach them about sustainable gardening, and how to grow and enjoy organic crops at home.

Enniscoe House Tours

Hidden among the woods at the foot of Mount Nephin is Enniscoe House, "the last Great House of North Mayo".

The Enniscoe Estate has been in the family since the 1650's, and the house itself dates back to the 1790's. With it's wonderful oversized entrance doorway, drawing you in to a home of elegant reception rooms and fine bedrooms, each with it's own unique story.

These tours, on Saturday 20th August, are an opportunity to see this magnificent house, which is not generally open to the public.

Booking is Essential for these popular tours, as spaces are limited.

Vintage Vehicles

Mayo North Old Engine and Tractor Club was founded in 1999 to provide a meeting place for anyone interested in old engines and machinery, and for the preservation of bygone skills.

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They will be displaying a variety of old engines and machinery 

Vintage Displays

Bog Train

This Ruston Hornsby locomotive, built in 1947 served Bord na Mona until work ceased in 2004.

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The locomotive and 2 carriages has been fully restored by the members of the Mayo North Old Engine and Tractor Club

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Join them for a short spin across the fields of the Enniscoe Estate, Sunday 21st August, from 2 to 4 pm

Ox Mountain Railway

The Ox Mountain Railway is owned and operated by Mick Leak. The track is mounted on a long trailer and has visited numerous shows in recent times.

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The display includes locomotives with passenger cars, freight trains, buildings, roads, bridges and cars, all of which have been built to scale by Mick.

Online Videos

We will be posting a series of five short videos on our YouTube channel, exploring the theme of emigration to the United States in the 19th Century, and how the process of emigration developed and changed into the 20th Century

Monday 15th August - Coming to America: European Exodus

hear how the Irish Famine made a dramatic impact on the history of immigration in North America

Tuesday 16th August - Coming to America: The Journey

what was the journey like for an Irish immigrant escaping the famine of 1845 - 1849

Wednesday 17th August - Coming to America: The Influx

how were immigrants to the United States documented and recorded in the 1840's and 1850's

Thursday 18th August - Coming to America: Your Grandparent's Time

Part I: between 1900 and 1930, over 750,000 Irish people left for America. What did their journey involve?

Friday 19th August - Coming to America: Your Grandparent's Time

Part II: Arriving in New York or Boston in the early 20th Century, each immigrant was questioned, recorded, and sent on their way. For many, their journey's were only at the half-way stage