The Touchstones: Artists Tour and Storytelling
The Touchstones are a series of ten intricately carved stones by artist James Winnett that can be found across sites in Turlough, Breaffy, Islandeady and Raheens Woods. The carvings draw on the folklore, social memory and history of each area to weave a new story into the landscape.
Join the artist James Winnett and storyteller Fiona Dowling for a guided tour of The Touchstones. James will provide insights into the research and creative process while Fiona will bring the stones to life by telling some of the tales that inspired the carvings.
Turlough, Saturday 25th October, 10.30am – 1pm
Breaffy Woods, Sunday 26th October, 10.30am – 1pm,
Islandeady & Raheens Woods, Sunday 26th October, 2.30pm – 5.15pm
Family friendly. This is an outdoor event bring raingear and good walking shoes.
Booking required contact: Aoife O’Toole, [email protected], 094 9064376.
This project is part of Mayo County Council’s Public Art Programme, funded under the Per Cent for Art Scheme by Transport Infrastructure Ireland as part of the N5 Westport to Turlough Road Project and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
For more information visit: Public Art Commission: N5 Westport to Turlough Road Project
Launch of The Touchstones: A public artwork by artist James Winnett.
Saturday, 1st November 2025 at 11am at National Museum of Ireland, Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Official launch by Al McDonnell, Cathaoirleach Castlebar MD.
All welcome. Refreshments provided. RSVP to Aoife O’Toole, [email protected] by 28th October 2025.
The Touchstone artist tour: 11.30am -3.45pm.
Following the launch the artist will lead a tour of the ten stone sculptures in Turlough, Breaffy, Islandeady and Raheen Woods.
Bus and lunch will be provided. Places limited. Booking required: contact Aoife O’Toole [email protected] / 0949064376.
Commissioned by Mayo County Council. Funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage under Percent for Art Scheme.
For more information visit: Public Art Commission: N5 Westport to Turlough Road Project
