Public Art Launch: The Touchstones
From Mayo County Council Arts Service.
6 November 2025.
The launch of The Touchstones, a public art commission by visual artist James Winnett, took place on Saturday 1st November 2025, at the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park. The Touchstones, is a series of ten intricately carved stones that can be found across sites in Turlough, Breaffy, Islandeady and Raheens Woods. The carvings weave a tale through the landscape, drawing on the folklore, social memory and ecological story of the places in which they stand.
There was a great turnout to the launch which was well attended by local communities and others who had travelled especially. Attendees were welcomed by Aoife O’Toole, Public Art Coordinator, Mayo County Council, followed by a presentation by the artist James Winnett who gave an insight into his artistic process which is underpinned by an interest in archaeology, folklore, place, memory and story telling. The artwork was officially launched by Councillor Al McDonnell, Cathaoirleach Castlebar Municipal District.
After the launch there was an artist’s tour guided by James Winnett of the ten stone carving at Turlough, Breaffy, Islandeady and Raheens Woods. James told the story behind the stones and how it is linked to local characters in folklore and history. A publication containing these stories will be available in due course.
Following an open competition, the artist James Winnett was selected for this commission. James is an artist and stone carver who has worked in public art for 15 years and has produced over fifty large stone public artworks across the UK and Ireland.
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. This funding enables the local authority to commission high quality and ambitious contemporary art for the public to experience and enjoy in everyday settings.
Mayo County Council extends its sincere appreciation to the local communities, Turlough Community Development Association, Breaffy Community Council, Islandeady Community Council, Coillte, Breaffy House Hotel and the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park for their support and collaboration.
For more information about this project contact Aoife O’Toole, Acting Public Art Coordinator, Mayo Arts Service, Mayo County Council: aotoole@mayococo.ie; 094 9064376.
Image: Artist James Winnett during the artist tour of the Touchstones, Raheens Woods. Photo by John Mee Photography