Loughrea Medieval Festival 26th, 27th & 28th August 2016
Free Family Fun!
loughreamedievalfestival.com In partnership with THE Heritage Council, Irish Walled Towns Network & Galway County Council
All weekend EVENTS Celebration of Loughrea 780 Through Music
Time: Friday, 26th 7.30pm-9.30pm Location: The Carmelite Abbey Loughrea Gather round for a wonderful evening of music at The Carmelite Abbey, that will launch this our 3rd Loughrea Medieval Festival weekend. Enjoy the sounds of harpist from Athenry School of Music, The Abbey Choir, Madeleine Fleming & Padraig Connaughton and The Treblemakers.
Best Dressed Medieval Window Display Competition
Look out for a series of Loughrea 780 themed window displays in shops and business across our medieval town as you take part in the Festival. Run in partnership with Loughrea Chamber of Commerce on the lead up to the festival, where Loughrea Businesses are encouraged to join in the festivities and theme your window display to commemorate the foundation of our medieval town.
Battle of the Buskers Competition
Location: Various locations throughout Loughrea View: loughreamedievalfestival.com Tune in for a weekend of great live music for the ultimate Battle of the Buskers Competition. Heats will be held in bars in Loughrea town, Friday night 26th & Saturday night 27th August, with the final on street performance taking place Sunday, 28th August from 6.30pm, on Main Street, Loughrea. Bars in Loughrea are running the competition as a free-to-enter event, with â‚Ź750 cash prizes. Open to all solo performers and bands/groups. Performers must register in advance via loughreamedievalfestival.com/ battleofthebuskers
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FESTIVAL EVENT SUMMARY
Friday & Saturday TIMES & LOCATIONS THE CARMELITE ABBEY, ABBEY STREET Celebration of Loughrea 780 through Music Athenry School of Music, The Abbey Choir, Madeleine Fleming & Padraig Connaughton and The Treblemakers TEMPERANCE HALL, BARRACK STREET Workshop: Loughrea 780 ‘Mandala’ Photo Exhibition: Capturing Loughrea’s 780 Years Brick Flick: Medieval Stop Motion Workshops Talks: ‘From Hive to Honey’ & ‘Meet the Goats’ Cheese Farmer’ Loughrea Producers’ Food Market Table Talk: Food in the Middle Ages by GMIT Culinary Arts Lecturer Noel Loughnane Theatre Show: The Flea Circus, by PigNut Productions Play: ‘The Winter Dress’, by Mendandmakedo Theatre Company Céilí Mór, music from Lakeshore Ceili Band & Loughrea Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
FRIDAY, 26TH AUGUST 7.30pm-9.30pm Festival Opening Ceremony
SATURDAY, 27TH AUGUST 10am – 5pm 10am – 5pm 1st workshop: 2nd workshop: 10.30am – 1pm 2pm – 4.30pm 12pm – 1pm 12pm – 2pm 1pm – 2pm 1pm – 5.30pm 3.30pm – 4.15pm 9pm – 11.30pm
LOUGHREA LIBRARY, CHURCH STREET Launch ‘Loughrea Medieval Memory Mapping Project’ Talk: ‘780 years of Loughrea’, by Dr. Jim McKeon Walk & Talk: ‘Explore the Medieval Heritage of Loughrea’, by Dr. Christy Cunniffe Talk: Lámhscríbhinní na Gaillimhe sa Ré Mheánaoiseach – (important Gaelic manuscripts which were written in East Galway during the Medieval Period) by Nollaig Ó Muraíle Glass Bead Making Demonstration, with Dr. Mags Mannion
SATURDAY, 27TH AUGUST 11am 12pm Depart: 2pm 3.15pm
FAIRGREEN, GORT ROAD (opposite Court House) Hurling Match: Loughrea v Athenry Archery Games by Archery Games Ireland
SATURDAY, 27TH AUGUST 11am 12pm – 5pm
CLONFERT DIOCESAN MUSEUM Grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street Uncovering our Medieval Ecclesiastical Heritage
SATURDAY, 27TH AUGUST
MAGGIE MAYS BAR & RESTAURANT, Bride Street The Brewer’s Table – Beer & Food Pairing Talk by Sarah Roarty
SATURDAY, 27TH AUGUST 6pm
ST. MARY’S CARMELITE ‘OLD’ ABBEY, Abbey Street Mass in Old Abbey, accompanied by the Abbey Choir
SATURDAY, 27TH AUGUST 7.30pm
4.30pm
2pm – 4pm
FESTIVAL EVENT SUMMARY SUNDAY TIMES & LOCATIONS
THE WALKS (between Abbey Street & Station Road) Moat Runs, with Loughrea Athletic Club ‘Loughrea 780’ Parade
SUNDAY, 28TH AUGUST 11am – 12pm Depart: 12.30pm
Depart: CLONFERT DIOCESAN MUSEUM grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street
SUNDAY, 28TH AUGUST
A Heritage Walk and Talk of Old Loughrea
12.45pm
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WALLED TOWNS DAY 2016 CELEBRATING 780 YEARS OF LOUGHREA’S HERITAGE FAIRGREEN, GORT ROAD (by Court House)
SUNDAY, 28TH AUGUST 1-5PM Knight’s Tournament – Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland
1.30 & 3pm
Claíomh Living History • The Anglo Normans in Ireland – Interpretative displays c.1236, with military, monetary (King John pennies/Limerick mint), and textile displays • 1916 Era Display showcasing Irish Volunteer, Cumann na mBan, British Army and RIC equipment and uniform items.
1pm -5pm
Talks by Claíomh’s Dave Swift • Talk: Medieval Arms & Armour c.1170-1500
1.15pm
• Talk: Uniforms and equipment: the material culture of 1916
2pm
• Talk: Medieval & Early Modern everyday artefacts – an introduction
2.45pm
• Talk: The 1916 Proclamation – the physical idiosyncrasies of this famous document
3.30pm
• Talk: Galwegian Commandant Éamonn Ceannt and the 1916 Rising
4.15pm
Craft Demonstrations • Loughrea Commemorative Medieval Coin Rory Donohoe, Silversmith
1pm – 5pm
• Straw Demonstration – Padraig Larkin
1pm – 5pm
• Spinning and Wool Craft – Patricia Kirwan Doyle
1pm – 5pm
• Traditional Butter Making
1pm – 5pm
• Blacksmithing Demonstration – Finín Liam Christie
1pm – 5pm
• Stone Carving – Cormac O’Reilly
1pm – 5pm
Early Irish Harp Workshop – Galway Early Music
1pm – 3pm
Medieval Dance Workshop – Galway Early Music
3pm – 5pm
edieval Weapons Display & Re-enactments – M Irish School of Historical Combat
1pm – 5pm
Loughrea Producers’ Food Market – Loughrea Food Movement
1pm – 5pm
Meet the Beekeepers – Galway Beekeepers’ Association
1pm – 5pm
Traditional Craft Workshops – Rustic Knight’s Faces & Copper Craft
1pm – 5pm
Circus Skills Workshop – Galway Community Circus
1pm – 5pm
Juggling Shows – Boa Noite
2pm & 3.30pm
Medieval Animals on Show
1pm – 5pm
Archaeological Dig – Dr. Jim McKeon
1pm – 5pm
Archery Games – Archery Games Ireland
1pm – 5pm
780 Commemorative Crafts – Loughrea Craft Club
1pm – 5pm
Food & Craft Marketplace
1pm – 5pm
Monster Duck Race on Lough Rea Lake
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Boat trips on Lough Rea
1pm – 5pm
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SATURDAY, 27TH AUGUST Loughrea 780 ‘Mandala’
he explores cooking techniques, food and popular dishes from the medieval period.
Time: 10am-5pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Using different natural materials festival attendees will get an opportunity to create a ‘mandala’ commemorating Loughrea’s 780 years. This drop-in have-a-go day long event is open to all ages, with help from Little Rainbow Ireland.
Uncovering our Medieval Ecclesiastical Heritage
Time: 2-4pm Location: Clonfert Diocesan Museum, in the grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street. Explore the Clonfert Diocesan collection, which showcases spectacular treasures including chasubles from the late 15th century, 500 year old ‘Matheus Macraith’ chalice and carved painted wooden figures including the Kilcorban Madonna (c.1180 AD).
Capturing Loughrea’s 780 Years Photo Exhibition
Time: 10am-5pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Explore 780 years of Loughrea’s built heritage, biodiversity and landscape with this exciting photographic exhibition.
‘Explore the Medieval Heritage of Loughrea’
Time: 2.00pm Depart: Loughrea Library, Church Street See the mark the Anglo-Normans left on Loughrea as you explore its streets, town gate, abbey, the only surviving functioning medieval moat in Ireland and other heritage sites, on a walk and talk with Dr. Christy Cunniffe.
Brick Flick: Medieval Stop Motion Workshops
Time: 2 workshops: 10.30am-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm Duration: 2hrs 30mins. Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Participants will collaborate on designing their own hand-made Loughrea Medieval themed set with help from Createschool, scripting their own story, use mini Lego figures to film the results, adding some dialogue and sound effects. Both workshops have a limited capacity of 20 participants per workshop and suited for children 8 to 12 years. Early booking highly advisable via loughremedievalfestival@gmail.com
Lámhscríbhinní na Gaillimhe sa Ré Mheánaoiseach
Satharn, 27ú Lúnasa 3.15pm Leabharlann Bhaile Locha Riach Díreofar sa léacht seo ar chuid de na lámhscríbhinní is tábhachtaí a scríobhadh in Oirthear na Gaillimhe le linn na Ré Meánaoisí. Tugtar léargas saibhir sna lámhscríbhínní, lena n-áirítear Leabhar Ó Maine agus an Leabhar Breac, ar chúltúr agus ar theanga na nGael i rith na tréimhse staire seo. Is fear léinn clúiteach é Nollaig Ó Muraíle atá ina bhall d’Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann. This lecture in the Irish language will focus on some of the most important Gaelic manuscripts which were written in East Galway during the Medieval period. These manuscripts, such as the Leabhar Ó Maine and the Leabhar Breac, give a rich insight into Gaelic culture and language during this period in Irish history. Nollaig Ó Muraíle is a renowned Irish scholar and member of the Royal Irish Academy. Supported by Gaeilge Locha Riach/ CLEAS – an Club Leabhar
Hurling Match: Loughrea v Athenry
Time: 11am Location: Fairgreen, Gort Road In recognition of arguably the oldest, fastest and the most skillful field game in the world, medieval neighbours, Loughrea V Athenry will battle it out on the field for a third year. At one victory each so far, who will be triumphant?
Launch ‘Medieval Loughrea: Memory Mapping Project 2016’
Time: 11am Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street Don’t miss the launch of the Medieval Loughrea Memory Mapping Project, created by students from Gaelscoil Riabhach, Baile Locha Riach and assisted by archaeologist Dr. Christy Cunniffe, artist Teresa Ward and Garry Kelly, GK Media. This work was commissioned by Loughrea Medieval Festival, The Heritage Council and Galway County Council. Funded by the Heritage Council and Galway County Council.
Play: ‘The Winter Dress’
Archery Games
Glass Bead Making Demonstration with Dr Mags Mannion
Time: 3.30pm (40 minutes) Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Watch a story of life, love and laughter in the face of the Black Death. Performed by Mendandmakedo Theatre Company, ‘The Winter Dress’ is a story of a dress maker and a scribe who meet on their way to Kilkenny in 1348, and share their stories to shorten the journey. One of them is carrying more than a gift to the city.
Time: 12pm-5pm Location: Fairgreen, Gort Road Become a master of the bow in this medieval inspired archery game. Recommended for ages of 8+.
Time: 4.30pm Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street Glass beads have been a popular and important aspect of body ornament from earliest times. Human engagement with beads however extends far beyond their use as jewellery. This practical demonstration will explore the motifs and techniques used by artisans to produce a variety of different types of beads.
Talk: ‘780 Years of Loughrea’
Time: 12pm Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street Join local archaeologist, Dr. Jim McKeon as he takes a look at seven hundred and eighty years of Loughrea’s history.
The Flea Circus
Talks: ‘From Hive to Honey’ & ‘Meet the Goats’ Cheese Farmer’
Time: 1-5.30pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Flea circuses were once common in medieval Europe, but PigNut Productions presents the only one of its kind in Ireland. Don’t miss The Flea Circus, involving feats of astonishing bravery and breath-taking beauty – acrobatics, trapeze, high wire and more – all performed by highly trained, teeny tiny fleas. Space for approx. 20 people per performance. 20 minute show, suitable for families (5+ years).
Time: 12-1pm Location: Temperance Hall (kitchen), Barrack Street
‘The Beekeeping Year – From Hive to Honey’
Join Loughrea Beekeeper Noel Leahy, of Sliabh Aughty Honey, as he gives an insight into the craft of beekeeping, from early medieval period beekeeping, including the bee laws (Bechbreatha – Bee-judgments), to today’s Beekeeper’s year and producing 100% raw Irish honey and natural beeswax products.
The Brewer’s Table – Beer & Food Pairing Talk
Time: 6pm Location: Maggie Mays Bar & Restaurant, Bride Street For most of the Middle Ages, brewing was dominated by women. Join Ireland’s first beer sommelier Sarah Roarty, from N17 craft beers for an interactive talk, learn about different beers and pairing beers with various foods. Hungry? Maggie Mays Bar & Restaurant are offering a special medieval inspired menu.
‘Meet the Goats’ Cheese Farmer’
Inis Mór farmer and entrepreneur Gabriel Faherty from Aran Islands Goats’ Cheese will shine a light on his cheese business ‘Cais Gabhair Arainn’ and the making of gouda, feta, boilies and mature goats cheese.
Loughrea 780 Mass
Producers’ Food Market
Time: 7.30pm Location: The Carmelite Abbey, Loughrea This unique event gives you the chance to meet members of the Carmelite community at Mass in 1300ad Carmelite Abbey, with hymns from the Abbey Choir.
Time: 12pm– 2pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Loughrea Food Movement in association with Loughrea Chamber of Commerce invite you to meet the local producers as you wander from stall to stall absorbing the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Loughrea.
Céilí Mór
Time: 9pm – 11.30pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street A much anticipated part of ‘Loughrea 780’, you are invited to put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the Festival Céilí, with music from Lakeshore Ceili Band and Loughrea Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Table Talk: Food in the Middle Ages
Time: 1-2pm Location: Temperance Hall (kitchen), Barrack Street The preparation and consumption of food formed the framework for daily life in the Middle Ages, join GMIT Tourism and Arts Department, Culinary Arts Lecturer Noel Loughnane as
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SunDAY, 28TH AUGUST LOUGHREA WALLED TOWNS DAY Celebrating 780 years of Heritage
Early Irish Harp Workshop | 1-3pm
Galway Early Music introduces the harp that was played in Ireland from about 1000 – a harp made from a hollowed willow soundbox with strings of brass, silver and sometimes gold. Workshop participants will get a chance to play one of these beautiful sounding instruments. Aimed at Adults, children 12+ welcome.
All the following events are taking place at the Fairgreen, Gort Road, unless stated otherwise.
Juggling Show | 2pm & 3.30pm
Shows are 40 minutes each One of many skills performed by entertainers in the middle ages, join Boa Noite for a unique show that uses juggling, manipulation and the body as a medium to explore and reflect on the themes of power, togetherness and failure.
Moat Run
Time: 11am – 12 noon Location: The Walks, (Station Road end) Join Loughrea Athletic Club for fun runs along our medieval moat. Runs for all age groups and suitable for all fitness abilities. All competitors who complete their quest will receive a commemorative ‘Loughrea 780’ scroll.
Medieval Weapons Display & Re-enactments | 1-5pm
Loughrea 780 Parade
Meet the Beekeepers | 1-5pm
Calling all knights! Join the Irish School of Historical Combat and learn the art of swordsmanship. Get to grips with a range of swords, try on armour and practice your knightly skills.
Time: 12.30pm Location: The Walks, (Station Road end) Let’s gather together to commemorate 780 years since the foundation of our medieval town. Join local clubs, schools, community groups, residents and visitors as we bring Loughrea alive with a ‘Loughrea 780’ parade.
Learn about bees and talk with beekeepers from the Galway Beekeepers’ Association.
Medieval Dance Workshop | 3-5pm
Learn a medieval walking dance called the ‘Farandole’ and partake in some renaissance dances called ‘Bransles’, with help from Galway Early Music. The dancing is accompanied by live music. Open to all, whether experienced or not.
A Heritage Walk and Talk of Old Loughrea
Loughrea Producers’ Food Market | 1-5pm
Time: 12.45pm Depart: Clonfert Diocesan Museum, grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack St. Discover the remnants of the historic medieval town of Loughrea with Colman Shaughnessy and Joe Loughnane, our knowledgeable local guides from Loughrea Memorial Group.
This year, festival organisers welcome the Producers’ Food Market. Loughrea Food Movement in association with Loughrea Chamber of Commerce invite you to meet the local producers as you wander from stall to stall tasting and purchasing some delicious local produce.
Traditional Craft Workshops for Children | 1-5pm
Walled Towns Day Loughrea – Celebrating 780 years of Heritage
Make your own rustic knight face or engage in some copper craft! Sarah Thompson and Mark Wilson will guide you in this hands-on craft workshop for children.
Time: 1pm – 5pm Location: Fairgreen, Gort Road, Loughrea (by the Court House) Take a trip back to Loughrea’s medieval times with a wealth of delights for a merry family day out!
Circus Skills Workshop | 1-5pm
Galway Community Circus are making a welcome return, pitching the Big Top to help you master juggling balls, devil sticks and more.
Knight’s Tournament | 1-5pm
Witness expert knights in full medieval armour as they take on the ultimate medieval combat of skill and strength. From 1-5pm meet Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland and discover their weapons and armour. At 1.30pm and 3pm feel the heat of the battle as Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland fight two half-hour combat displays.
Medieval Animals on Show | 1-5pm
Interact with the animals… Connemara Pony, Irish Donkey, Rabbits, Ferret, Goat, Lambs and more.
Archaeological Dig | 1-5pm
Mini archaeologists are invited to dig deep into Loughrea’s past. With the help of local archaeologist, Dr. Jim McKeon, uncover replica artefacts and even a ‘medieval body’.
Claíomh Living History | 1-5pm
Don’t miss Claíomh’s interpretative displays on The Anglo Normans in Ireland c.1236, with military, monetary (King John pennies/Limerick mint), and textile displays. Check out the 1916 Commemorative display, showcasing Irish Volunteer, Cumann na mBan, British Army and RIC equipment & uniform items.
Food & Craft Marketplace | 1-5pm
Informative Talks by Claíomh’s Dave Swift
Draw back and take aim! Hone your skills for the battlefield in this medieval inspired archery game by The Archery Games Ireland. Aimed for an age group of 8+.
Soak up the sights, sounds and smells as you stroll through the market.
Archery Games | 1-5pm
A series of talks exploring some key periods in history 1.15pm Talk: Medieval Arms & Armour c.1170-1500 2.00pm Talk: Uniforms and equipment: the material culture of 1916 2.45pm Talk: Medieval & Early Modern everyday artefacts – an introduction 3.30pm Talk: The 1916 Proclamation – the physical idiosyncrasies of this famous document 4.15pm Talk: Galwegian Commandant Éamonn Ceannt and the 1916 Rising
780 Commemorative Crafts | 1-5pm
Children’s drop-in arts and crafts activity tent, brought to you by Loughrea Craft Club.
Monster Duck Race on Lough Rea Lake
Location: Beside Loughrea Anglers Association Boathouse Cheer the little yellow ducks along Lough Rea Lake. Will your duck win the race?
Boat trips on Lough Rea | 1-5pm
Craft Demonstrations | 1-5pm
Location: Beside Loughrea Anglers Association Boathouse Baile Locha Riach, Loughrea, the “town of the grey lake” is 780 years old. It lies to the north of the lake from which it takes its name. This is a unique opportunity to view Loughrea town like never before and get up close to some of the lakes surviving Crannógs.
Discover the ancient skills and techniques of medieval crafts Loughrea Commemorative Medieval Coin – Rory Donohoe, Silversmith Stone Carving – Cormac O’Reilly Straw Demonstration – Padraig Larkin Spinning and Wool Craft – Patricia Kirwan Doyle Traditional Butter Making Blacksmithing Demonstration – Finín Liam Christie
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WALLED TOWNS DAY
FAIR GREEN
COURT HOUSE
R446 to Athenry & Galway
LOUGH REA HOTEL
FAIR G
REEN
M6 GALWAY / DUBLIN
TOWN M
OAT
TOWN MOAT
Crannóg
Abbey Church
Crannóg
Garda Station
Fire Station
TOWN MOAT
MEDIEVAL ABBEY
CARMELITE MONASTERY
TEMPERANCE HALL
Post Office
THE WALKS
LOUGHREA LIBRARY
Presbytery
LATIMER GATE ST. BRENDAN’S CATHEDRAL
MUSEUM
START OF PARADE
MART
Old Railway Station
Former RC Church
TOWN MOAT
26th, 27th & 28th August 2016
MAGGIE MAY’S
N6 to Ballinasloe Dublin
Loughrea Medieval Festival STATION ROAD
• Battle Re-enactments • Heritage Talks • Medieval Music & Dancing • Archery Games • Hurling Match • Theatre Shows • WALLED TOWNS DAY & lots, Lots more!! Friday 26th ~ Sunday 28th August Loughrea, County Galway
Loughrea 780 780 years ago the Anglo-Norman Richard De Burgo founded the medieval town of Loughrea. Join us 26th-28th August for this unique and not-to-be missed commemorative weekend the whole family will enjoy. The festival is organised by Loughrea Medieval Festival Committee, in partnership with Irish Walled Towns Network and Galway County Council and with support from The Heritage Council, Department of the Taoiseach and the Local Diaspora Engagement Fund, Fáilte Ireland & IPB Insurance.
For Further Information Contact:
Loughrea Medieval Festival Committee Festival Chairperson Michael Maher: 086 810 9185 Festival Coordinator Michelle Mitchell: 087 941 0864 Email: loughreamedievalfestival@gmail.com Web: loughreamedievalfestival.com FB: /loughreamedievalfestival Twitter: @LoughreaMedFest Marie Mannion Heritage Officer, Galway County Council Tel: 00353 91 509 198 Email: mmannion@galwaycoco.ie Events and times maybe subject to change
loughreamedievalfestival.com 8
Loughrea Medieval Festival
780 2016