Loughrea
Medieval Festival Free Family Fun!
2017
25th, 26th & 27th August loughreamedievalfestival.com
FRIDAY 25th AUGUST Medieval Food Tour of Loughrea
Time: 5pm – 7pm Starting: Taste Matters, Millennium House, Westbridge Limited to 15 places. Booking essential. Phone: Sheena 086 7332885; Email: sheenadignam10@ gmail.com Sheena Dignam, from Galway Food Tours, will lead food enthusiasts around the medieval town of Loughrea. Through tasting, talking, and sharing you will learn about the local gastronomy. One word of advice, come hungry! Funded by Loughrea Chamber of Commerce.
Fuaim (Irish for ‘sound’) Festival Opening Concert
Time: 7pm - 9pm Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street Celebrating the existing connection between the medieval town of Loughrea, and the medieval Hungarian city of Györ, you are invited to an evening of music and song to open the 4th Loughrea Medieval Festival weekend.nnWelcome address by Ciaran Cannon TD, Minister for the Diaspora and International Development, followed by István S. Pálffy, Ambassador of Hungary. Enjoy the sounds of local musicians Music Matters, Hungarian singer Bogdánné Kálló Zsuzsa who will sing a repertoire of Medieval Hungarian songs, and listen to Cairde Ceoil, musicians from South-East Galway, accompanied on the piano by Ciaran Cannon. For more information view loughreamedievalfestival.com. Funded by Embassy of Hungary - Dublin.
SATURDAY 26th AUGUST SUNDAY 27th AUGUST TEMPERANCE HALL, BARRACK STREET
Nature Bookmaking Workshop (booking essential) Craft Workshop: Irish Wildflower Flags Harvest Knots Meet local food producers from Galway East Food and Heritage Talk: Wild & Free: Discover local edible & medicinal plants Theatre Show: The Flea Circus Craft Workshop: Wooden Medallions Printing & Hat Making Workshop Talk: Inspired by Nature - Beekeeping in the Loughrea Countryside Culinary Demonstration: A Taste of the Past Ceardlann na gComicí / Medieval Comic Workshop (booking essential) Talk: Herbal Medicine from Garden to Bottle: an introduction to traditional medicine-making techniques
SATURDAY, Area 26th AUGUST 11am 12pm 11am - 1pm 11am - 4pm 12pm - 2pm
Small Room Main Hall Main Hall Outside
1pm - 2pm
Kitchen
1pm – 5.30pm 2pm - 4pm 2pm - 4pm 2.10pm 2.40pm 2.40pm – 4.10pm 3pm - 5pm
Main Hall
4.15pm 5.15pm
Main Hall Main Hall Kitchen Kitchen Small Room Kitchen
START: TASTE MATTERS, WESTBRIDGE SATURDAY, 26th AUGUST Medieval Food Tour of Loughrea (booking 11am – 1pm, 3pm – 5pm essential) THE FAIRGREEN (by Court House) SATURDAY, 26th AUGUST Hurling Match: Loughrea v Athenry 11am Archery Games 12pm - 5pm ST. MARY’S OLD ABBEY, ABBEY STREET SATURDAY, 26th AUGUST Mass with the Carmelite Community, with 7.30pm hymns from Padraig Connaughton LOUGHREA LIBRARY, CHURCH STREET Loughrea Heritage Trail Brochure Launch 11am Talk: The Ecclesiastical Heritage of 12pm - 1pm Medieval County Galway Talk: The Down Survey of Ireland - land 2pm - 3pm settlement in the 17th century Talk: Learning about our environment 3pm - 4pm through eagle eyes
WALLED TOWNS DAY THE WALKS (between Abbey Street & Station Road) Moat Runs, with Loughrea Athletic Club Depart: CLONFERT DIOCESAN MUSEUM Grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street A Heritage Walk and Talk of Old Loughrea THE FAIRGREEN (by Court House) Claíomh Living History - interpretative displays, a mix of characters and craftspeople c.1170-1600, and displays of medieval arms, armour and domestic items Talks by Claíomh’s Dave Swift Talk: Food and drink: utensils in Medieval Europe – in the home and on the road Talk: Native Timber and Natural Vegetable Tanned Leather: using natural materials the construction of a range of artefact reproductions can be explained including shields, sword scabbards, knife sheaths, medieval purses and belts all based on Irish Museum originals Talk: Textiles: Flax and the uses of linen in Medieval Ireland. Sheep, wool and the export trade from Ireland. Use of herbs in dying textiles. Talk: Development of Arms & Armour in Medieval Ireland c. 1170 – 1600 Knight’s Tournament – Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland Straw Craft - Melanie Lorien Spinning, Weaving and Natural Dyeing - Susanna Anker Stone Carver - Cormac O’Reilly Woodwork Display - Sam Beardon Meet the Beekeepers - Galway Beekeepers Association Historic Bow Making Display - Master bowyer, Jack Pinson Exploring Ireland’s Heritage Through Natural Crafts - Down to Earth Green Crafts Ancient Music Ireland Exhibition Traditional Crafts - Copper Craft & Rustic Wooden Animals Medieval Weapons Display & Re-enactments - Irish School of Historical Combat Circus Skills Workshop - Galway Community Circus Stephen’s Stage Show BOA NOITE by Maleta Target Archery - The Archery Games Ireland Music on the Green: Galway Early Music; Padraig Connaughton Archaeology: Can You Dig It? The Jester • The Jester Meet n’ Greet • The Jester Juggling • Fire Show (‘The Dark Side of the Fire’) Food & Craft Market Feel the beat of the drums Stilt Walkers
SUNDAY, 27th 11am – 12pm SUNDAY, 27th 12.45pm 1pm – 5pm
1.15pm 2.15pm
3.15pm 4.15pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1.30pm – 4.30pm 1.30- 2.05pm & 3.15-3.50 pm 2.15- 2.50pm & 4.15-4.45 pm 1pm – 5pm tba 1pm – 5pm 1pm - 2pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 4pm - 4.40pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm 1pm – 5pm
SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST Loughrea Heritage Trail Brochure Launch Time: 11am Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street, Loughrea
Join Loughrea Medieval Festival committee for the launch of the new Loughrea Heritage Trail Brochure. The trail links over 20 heritage sites of interest throughout Loughrea. Funded by The Heritage Council and Galway County Council.
Nature Bookmaking Workshop
Time: 11am – 12pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Booking essential. Email: loughreamedievalfestival@gmail.com
Children learn to handcraft their own hardback book, decorate and personalise with leaves, flowers and feathers, with help from The National Print Museum’s Education Department Outreach Programme. Free workshop, but booking essential, as only 15 places available. Aged 8-12 years.
Harvest Knots Workshop
Time: 11am – 4pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street
Find out about the importance of the harvest, and try your hand at weaving with straw - Harvest Knots Workshop led by Tom Doyle and Aoife O’Toole, from the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life. A drop-in, have-a-go free workshop, open to all ages. Sponsored by the National Museum of Ireland.
Wild & Free: Discover Local Edible & Medicinal Plants
Time: 1pm – 2pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Named after the renowned Irish classic book on foraging by Cyril & Kit Ó Ceirín of Lisdoonvarna. ‘Wild & Free: Discover Local Edible & Medicinal Plants’ a talk by qualified Herbalist Vivienne Campbell, will cover many common plants that can be used as nutritious wild foods, as well as herbal medicines. Many of these foods are forgotten now, but at one time were staple foods in Ireland.
The Down Survey of Ireland - Land Settlement in the 17th Century Time: 2pm - 3pm Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street
Join Jimmy Laffey, Skehana & District Heritage Group, for a presentation on The Down Survey of Ireland, the first ever detailed land survey on a national scale anywhere in the world. Jimmy’s presentation outlines the historical context which brought about the survey, it’s planning & measurement, as well as viewing surviving maps & the original Books of Survey and Distribution for County Galway c. 1641.
Uncovering our Medieval Ecclesiastical Heritage
Time: 2-4pm Location: Clonfert Diocesan Museum, located on the
Time: 11am Location: The Fairgreen, Loughrea (by Court House) In recognition of the oldest, fastest and the most skilful field game in the world, medieval neighbours, Loughrea v Athenry will battle it out on the field for a fourth year.
grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street Explore the Clonfert Diocesan collection, with Colman Shaughnessy and Joe Loughnane, Loughrea Memorial Group. View 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).
Irish Wildflower Flags Workshop
Wooden Medallion Workshop
Hurling Match: Loughrea v Athenry
Time: 11am – 1pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street
Time: 2pm – 4pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street
A drop-in workshop, with Down to Earth Green Crafts, where children will be introduced to the various types of Irish Wildflowers through observing and identifying dried flowers. Create a flag using a Japanese technique called: Happa Zome, which uses the juices of plants and flowers to create patterns on fabric.
Join Down to Earth Green Crafts for a drop-in free workshop, making a medallion/necklace from natural material, that the children can decorate with flowers/paint. A drop-in, have-a-go free workshop, open to children of all ages, offering a natural creative space for children to explore and learn with all the amazing materials that nature provides.
Medieval Food Tour of Loughrea
Talk: Inspired by Nature Beekeeping in the Loughrea Countryside
Time: 11am - 1pm & 3pm - 5pm Start Location: Taste Matters, Millennium
House, Westbridge. Limited to 15 places per tour. Booking essential. Phone: Sheena 086 7332885; Email: sheenadignam10@gmail.com Get a taste of Loughrea as you join Sheena Dignam of Galway Food Tours, on a food exploration walking tour around our medieval town. During this tour, you will enjoy tastings from five of Loughrea’s culinary favourites and hidden gems too. One word of advice, come hungry! Funded by Loughrea Chamber of Commerce.
Archery Games
Time: 12pm-5pm Location: The Fairgreen, Loughrea (by Court House)
Welcoming back The Archery Games Ireland, you are invited to become a master of the bow in this medieval inspired archery game. Recommended for ages of 8+
Galway East Food and Heritage Market
Time: 12pm – 2pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Meet local food producers from Galway East Food and Heritage.
Time: 2.10pm – 2.40pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Noel Leahy, of Sliabh Aughty Honey will talk about beekeeping in the Loughrea Countryside. Includes a Q & A session.
Culinary Demonstration: A Taste of the Past
Time: 2.40pm – 4.10pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Join Culinary Arts Lecturer Noel Loughnane, GMIT and team, for a cooking demonstration, as they prepare and cook food inspired by the middle ages.
The Flea Circus
Time: 1pm - 5.30pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street The highly trained, teeny tiny fleas are returning to Loughrea. Don’t miss The Flea Circus, involving feats of astonishing bravery and breath-taking beauty – acrobatics, trapeze, high wire and more. Space for approx.
SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST 20 people per performance. 20-minute show, suitable for families (5+ years).
The Ecclesiastical Heritage of Medieval County Galway
Time: 12pm – 1pm Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street Join Dr. Christy Cunniffe, Archaeologist & Cultural Heritage Consultant, for a talk on “The Ecclesiastical Heritage of Medieval County Galway”.
Printing & Hat Making Workshop
Time: 2pm – 4pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Learn how to make a printer’s hat using the traditional Japanese paper craft of origami, or work with artefacts from the National Print Museum’s collection to create a ‘wanted’ poster. Creative fun for all ages, with a helping hand from The National Print Museum’s Education Department Outreach Programme.
Talk: Learning About Our Environment Through Eagle Eyes Time: 3pm – 4pm Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street Age: Suitable for all ages
Join John Lusby as he explores some of the interesting encounters with birds of prey, and what we can learn from them about the world around us. John is a research ecologist, environmentalist & educator, he works with BirdWatch Ireland and as researcher and presenter for wildlife documentaries.
Ceardlann na gComicí / Medieval Comic Workshop
Time: 3pm – 5pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street Age: 9- 12 years old. Limited to 25. Booking essential. Email: loughreamedievalfestival@gmail.com
I gcomhpháirt le Gaeilge Locha Riach cuireann Coimicí Gael an cheardlann seo ar fail do dhaoine óga 9 – 12 bliana d’aois. Bainfear sult as rudaí agus daoine a tharraingt céim ar chéim as na Meánaoiseanna: Cén cuma a bhí orthu? Cén sórt éadaí a bhí acu? Cé na stíleanna gruaige
a bhí acu? Cé na daoine is uaisle agus cé a bhí thíos le linn na tréimhse sin? Meascán de fhíricí, spraoi agus shamhlaíocht a bhéas faoin gceardlann seo. Más maith leat greannáin cosúil le RíRá nó Calvin and Hobbes taitneoidh an cheardlann seo go mór leat. In cooperation with Gaeilge Locha Riach, Loughrea’s Irish language support group, Coimicí Gael, offers this free workshop for children from 9 – 12 years. The children will enjoy drawing characters, step by step, from our Medieval past: How did they look? What sort of clothes did they wear? What hairstyles had they? Who were the most noble people and what about those who were less important? A mix of facts, fun and imagination will inform this workshop. If you enjoy comics like RíRá or Calvin and Hobbes then you will enjoy this workshop. Eagraítear an cheardlann trí Ghaeilge ach tá fáilte roimh chách. The workshop will be done through the Irish language, but all children are welcome.
Herbal Medicine from Garden to Bottle – An Introduction to Traditional Medicine-making Techniques
Time: 4.15pm – 5.15pm Location: Temperance Hall, Barrack Street It’s a little-known fact nowadays but until about a century ago many medicinal extracts prescribed by physicians (i.e. doctors) were made from medicinal plants. Herbalists continue to use these methods to extract and preserve the medicinal properties of plants. Many of these extracts are safe and easy to make at home. Qualified Herbalist Vivienne Campbell will present an over-view of some of the most common techniques including tincture-making, syrup-making, infusions, poultices, ointments and more.
Mass in 1300ad Carmelite Abbey
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 Padraig Connaughton.
Sunday 27th August
LOUGHREA WALLED TOWNS DAY Moat Run
Time: 11am – 12pm Location: The Walks (Station Road end)
Join Loughrea Athletic Club for fun runs alongside Loughrea’s medieval moat. Open to all ages and fitness abilities.
A Heritage Walk and Talk of Old Loughrea
Time: 12.45pm Start Location: Clonfert Diocesan Museum, located on the
grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street Discover the remnants of the historic medieval town of Loughrea dating from 1236, with Colman Shaughnessy and Joe Loughnane, our knowledgeable local guides from Loughrea Memorial Group. This is a walking tour so please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Estimated duration of 1½ - 2 hours.
Events at the Fair Green include... Time: 1pm – 5pm Admission: Free Location: The Fairgreen, Loughrea (by Court House)
Official opening by Cllr. Eileen Mannion, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway | 1pm Claíomh Living History | 1-5pm
Don’t miss Claíomh’s interpretative displays, as it re-creates a live and authentic image of Medieval life with a mix of characters and craftspeople c.1170-1600, and displays of medieval arms, armour and domestic items.
an emphasis on using nature as a way of creatively exploring Irelands Heritage. • Exploring with Clay • Natural Weaving • Rush Mat Weaving • Willow Crowns • Natural Wig Wam
Historic Bow Making Display | 1pm - 5pm
Master bowyer, Jack Pinson’s historic bow making display is a portrayal of medieval longbow making using traditional tools and equipment. Using mostly a chopping block and side axe, shaving horse and draw knife, Jack works on a variety of bow staves at different stages of production to show the progression from log to longbow.
Informative Talks by Claíomh’s Dave Straw Craft | 1pm - 5pm Swift – A series of short talks Learn the ancient and magical craft of weaving with golden stalks of 1.15pm Talk: Food and drink: utensils in Medieval Europe – in the home
and on the road 2.15pm Talk: Native Timber and Natural Vegetable Tanned Leather: using
natural materials the construction of a range of artefact reproductions can be explained including shields, sword scabbards, knife sheaths, medieval purses and belts all based on Irish Museum originals 3.15pm Talk: Textiles: Flax and the uses of linen in Medieval Ireland.
Sheep, wool and the export trade from Ireland. Use of herbs in dying textiles. 4.15pm Talk: Development of Arms & Armour in Medieval Ireland c. 1170
– 1600
Ancient Music Ireland - Exhibition | 1pm - 5pm
View and hear Ancient Music Ireland’s magnificent collection of ancient Irish instruments, including a selection of Stone Age whistles and flutes, Bronze Age horns and bells, Iron Age trumpets and Early Medieval wooden horns (including the oldest bassoon type instrument from 700 AD).
Exploring Ireland’s Heritage Through Natural Crafts | 1pm - 5pm Join Down to Earth Green Crafts on Walled Towns Day in Loughrea, with various craft ‘stations’ available throughout the day. There will be
wheat. Melanie Lorien has been working with straw for over 25 years, and is a long-term member and, Irish regional representative for the ‘International Guild of Straw Craftsmen’. Using traditional heritage varieties, Melaine will demonstrate and encourage participants of all ages, to discover the many fascinating ways people have used this simple, natural material, make small items to take home, and discover the ancient Irish folklore and customs associated with each different design.
Knight’s Tournament – Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland | 1pm5pm
Meet Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland & discover their weapons and armour. Witness two half-hour combat displays.
Spinning, Weaving & Natural Dyeing | 1pm - 5pm Textile Crafter, Susanna Anker, will give an insight into the age-old craft of spinning and weaving wool with a large display of hand spun wool dyed with plants sheep fleeces, drop spindles, garments made from sheep wool. An educational chart of plants used for dyeing. Susanna will demonstrate: wool carding, dyeing wool and cloth with natural dyes, wool spinning both on a spinning wheel and drop spindle and let people try out wool spinning.
Stone Carver | 1pm - 5pm
Welcoming back stone carver Cormac O’Reilly, people are invited to
learn the basics of carving on limestone, and techniques employed by Medieval stone-masons. Have a go at carving on Walled Towns Day.
Woodwork Display | 1pm - 5pm Join Sam Beardon as he works with naturally felled wood.
a range of skills. • 1pm to 2pm: The Jester Meet n’ Greet • 2.30pm to 3.30pm: Jester Juggling • 4pm to 4.40pm: Fire Show ‘The Dark Side of the Fire’
Beekeeping | 1pm - 5pm
Music on the Green
Traditional Craft Workshops | 1pm - 5pm
Stephen’s Stage Show 1.30pm - 2.05pm & 3.15pm - 3.50pm
Meet and talk to beekeepers from Galway Beekeepers Association.
Make your own rustic wooden animal or engage in some copper craft! Sarah Thompson and Mark Wilson will guide you in this hands-on craft workshop for children.
Medieval Weapons Display & Re-enactments 1pm - 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.
Circus Skills Workshop | 1.30pm-4.30pm
Galway Community Circus will help you master juggling balls, devil sticks and more, at this drop-in, have-a-go workshop, which is open to all ages.
Target Archery | 1pm-5pm
Training for a medieval knight was so important in the Middle Ages, join The Archery Games Ireland as the archer learns to “Nock! Mark! Draw!”. Suitable for 10+ years. No experience required.
Archaeology: Can You Dig It? | 1pm - 5pm
Experience what it is like to be an archaeologist in this hands-on, fun environment for children of all ages. Led by Dr. Christy Cunniffe, uncover hidden treasures and artefacts, and maybe even a medieval body.
The Jester
Jesters in the Middle Ages played a role in bringing laughter in uncertain times. Meet Mollylu, a medieval jester, who will entertain visitors using
Enjoy music from Galway Early Music, Padraig Connaughton and others.
Enjoy a high skill, family show, specialising in ball and ring juggling, with audience participation and danger, but not at the same time!
BOA NOITE by Maleta 2.15pm - 2.50pm & 4.15pm - 4.45pm “Boa Noite” is about friendship, control, power, success and failure. Join Maleta as they use juggling and object manipulation to explore the nature of being human.
Feel the beat of the drums | 1pm - 5pm
Various forms of drums were used during the Middle Ages - have a go at playing this percussion instrument, with Brian Ferguson from Funky Drum School.
Stilt Walkers | 1pm - 5pm
Enjoyed by every age, look out for the Stilt Walkers from Gliondar Community Arts Group, as they engage with and entertain visitors.
Craft & Food Market | 1pm - 5pm
The main objective of the Medieval fairs were trade and commerce, on Walled Towns Day in Loughrea, people are invited to stroll through a wide range of craft and food stalls.
LOUGH REA HOTEL R446 to Athenry & Galway
COURT HOUSE
FAIR GREEN WALLED TOWNS DAY
FAIR G
REEN
M6 GALWAY / DUBLIN
TOWN M
OAT
TOWN MOAT
CARMELITE MONASTERY
Abbey Church
Garda Station
Fire Station
TOWN MOAT
MEDIEVAL ABBEY
Crannóg Crannóg
THE WALKS
Post Office
TEMPERANCE HALL
TOWN MOAT
Old Railway Station
MART
LATIMER GATE
Former RC Church
LOUGHREA LIBRARY
Presbytery
MUSEUM
ST. BRENDAN’S CATHEDRAL
ROAD
STATION
N6 to Ballinasloe Dublin
• WALLED TOWNS DAY • WEAPONS DISPLAY & RE-ENACTMENTS • HERITAGE WALKS & TALKS • MEDIEVAL MUSIC • ARCHERY GAMES • NATURAL CRAFTS • THEATRE SHOWS & LOTS, LOTS MORE!
Friday 25th ~ Sunday 27th August LOUGHREA, COUNTY GALWAY ‘Forget-me-not’
Complimenting Heritage Week’s theme ‘It’s In Your Nature’, this year’s Loughrea Medieval Festival theme is “Forget-me-not” - a reminder of our natural heritage, but also, not to forget Loughrea’s medieval heritage, dating back to 1236. Loughrea Medieval Festival 25th-27th August is a unique, free and not-to-be missed commemorative weekend the whole family will enjoy.
For Further Information Contact: LOUGHREA MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Michael Maher: 086 810 9185 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. Children must be accompanied by a parent / guardian.
In partnership with IRISH WALLED TOWNS NETWORK, GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL & THE HERITAGE COUNCIL