Loughrea Medieval Festival 24th~26th August 2018
A Taste of the Past
Loughrea Medieval Festival th th 24 ~26 August 2018
A Taste of the Past Travel back in time & immerse yourself in the sights, sounds & smells of medieval Loughrea
Small Towns BIG IDEAS
Loughrea Medieval Festival is delighted to have been chosen as one of the projects for Small Towns Big Ideas, one of Galway’s 2020 European Capital of Culture flagship programmes. galway2020.ie
LOUGHREA, COUNTY GALWAY
Loughrea Medieval Festival, 24th ~ 26th August, is a unique, free and not-to-be missed commemorative weekend the whole family will enjoy. In partnership with Irish Walled Towns Network, Galway County Council, The Heritage Council and Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture and with support from Galway West of Ireland European Region of Gastronomy 2018.
CARMELITE MONASTERY
Old Railway Station
LOUGH REA HOTEL R446 to Athenry & Galway
MEDIEVAL ABBEY
MART
Abbey Church
STATION ROAD
M6 GALWAY / DUBLIN
N6 to Ballinasloe Dublin THE WALKS
TOWN MOAT
TOWN MOAT
TOWN MOAT
Former RC Church
FAIR GREEN
OAT TOWN M
COURT HOUSE
FAIR G
REEN
Post Office
Fire Station
LOUGHREA LIBRARY
Garda Station
WALLED TOWNS DAY
Presbytery
TEMPERANCE HALL
Crannóg Crannóg
MUSEUM
LATIMER GATE
ST. BRENDAN’S CATHEDRAL
A Taste of the Past: Exploring our European Connections Date and Time: Friday 24th August, 7pm Location: Lough Rea Hotel and Spa Rooftop Garden, Athenry Road In partnership with Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture Join Loughrea Medieval Festival for a unique evening overlooking the medieval town of Loughrea. This opening night, in partnership with Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture, recognises and builds on the connections between Ireland, Spain and Hungary through our rich gastronomical traditions, exploring our language, landscape and migration. Talks lead the evening’s festivities, followed by great food, Spanish and Hungarian wine and musical entertainment from all three countries. Guests are encouraged to dress in medieval attire. Limited availability. Booking essential via eventbrite.
UGUST A 4 2 Y A FRID
Drawn Together: Loughrea Zibaldone Project In partnership with Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture The Drawn Together – Loughrea Zibaldone Project involves sketchers from Hungary, Spain and Ireland drawing together around the medieval town of Loughrea. Over the festival weekend the artists will create images that will be brought together into a one of a kind handmade Zibaldone* book. View a display of this original artwork and engage with the artists from Ireland, Spain and Hungary on Walled Towns Day in Loughrea, at the Fairgreen (festival tent), Sunday 26 August, 1pm – 5pm. *A Zibaldone was originally a notebook kept by Italian merchants in the 14th century. Alongside workaday notes they began to add personal stories and pictures. The most famous examples are Leonardo DaVinci’s notebooks. The idea today is that a Zibaldone can contain anything, drawings, text, poetry, notes, maps, prayers, lyrics, legends, etc. which makes it the ideal format for a sense of place.
AUGUST 5 2 Y A SATURD
Loughrea Library
From Fire & Soil ~ Iron Production in Ancient and Medieval Europe Time: 10.45am – 11.30am | Location: Loughrea Library, Church Street
A talk by Kamila Brodowska, an archaeologist and bloomery iron making enthusiast and also a Ph.D. student at The Antiquity of South-eastern Europe Research Centre (ARC), Warsaw, Poland. In association with Furnace Festival, Woodford, Co. Galway 25-26 August 2018 ~ making iron for the first time in over 200 years.
The Walks
Enchanted Fairy Walks
Time: 12pm – 2pm | Location: The Walks, between Abbey Street and Station Road In association with Loughrea Tidy Towns | Sponsored by McInerney’s SuperValu The fairies are on their way back to The Walks! Everyone is invited to dress in their favourite fairy or elf costume and take a stroll along our medieval moat to find Loughrea’s most magical residents. How many doorways will you find? Bring your picnic basket and blanket, and prepare to enjoy the fairy stilt walkers, bubbles, face painting, activity sheet and fairy tale story time. Children must be supervised at all times.
Loughrea Town
Merry Minstrels
Hear our minstrels as they wander around the medieval town of Loughrea.
Explore Our Medieval Ecclesiastical Heritage Time: 2pm-4pm Location: Clonfert Diocesan Museum, grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street
Explore the Clonfert Diocesan collection with Colman Shaughnessy and Joe Loughnane, Loughrea Memorial Group. View ‘Our Lady of Gyor’, or the ‘Irish Madonna’, along with chasubles from the late 15th century, carved painted wooden figures including the Kilcorban Madonna (c.1180 AD) and the 500-year-old ‘Matheus Macraith’ chalice.
Temperance Hall Talking Food: Local Food, Local People
Location: Temperance Hall (Main Hall), Barrack Street Time: 2pm – 4.30pm. In partnership with Galway West of Ireland European Region of Gastronomy 2018 Join us for a culinary, cultural and educational experience Browse the range of market stalls meeting the local producers from Galway East Food and Heritage Movement (Sliabh Aughty Honey, Living Foods Ireland, Ivy House Chocolates, MF Wellness, Tribal Foods) and hear their stories.
Sugar & Spice
European Flavours
Time: 2pm – 4.30pm Location: Temperance Hall (Kitchen), Barrack Street In partnership with Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture. Did you know the Spanish conquistadors brought the potato plant from Peru to Europe and it was introduced into the Irish diet in the 16th Century? Join Noel Loughnane, Culinary Arts Lecturer GMIT and team, as they prepare and cook potato dishes from Ireland, Spain and Hungary. Learn about different potato varieties and find out what makes the potato the ‘King of the Vegetables’. This event is open to all and will give people an opportunity to see and sample recipes using ingredients available during the medieval period.
Check out the exciting array of quality food products from the ‘Heart of Spain’ and Hungary.
Ireland’s Green Larder
Join author Margaret Hickey and hear about the story of food and drink in Ireland from the ancient field system of the Céide Fields right up to today’s thriving food scene.
Butter & Cheese Making Demonstration
Food historian Anna O’Donnell will focus on the importance of dairy products in medieval times with a demonstration of butter and cheese making.
Meet members of Tralee Medieval Society and view the display of sugars and spices and have a go at making powdered sugar. Sample Medieval baking and nonalcoholic drinks and view embroidery and wool carding/ spinning. Child-friendly weapons, armour and crafts made by the society are available to purchase.
Potato ‘King of the Vegetables’
Temperance Hall
Leaf Tile Workshop
Time: 11am – 1pm | Location: Temperance Hall (Main Hall), Barrack Street Create your own leaf tile using terracotta clay, decorate with leaves & flowers & bring your tile home to dry. This drop-in workshop with Down to Earth Forest School is a favourite with children of all ages!
The Fairgreen
Archery Games ~ The Archery Games Ireland
Time: 12pm-4.30pm | Location: Fairgreen, Gort Road Go head-to-head in a contest of skill & accuracy with this medieval inspired archery game. Recommended for ages of 8+.
Through Our Eyes: Photo Exhibition
Time: 2pm – 4.30pm Location: Temperance Hall (Main Hall), Barrack Street: View an exhibition of photographs by Loughrea Camera Club.
Painting with Food
Time: 2pm – 4pm Location: Temperance Hall (Main Hall), Barrack Street A drop-in hands-on workshop, with Down to Earth Forest School, introducing children to the various foods and plants that grow in Ireland. Get messy and make paints from the marvellous colours that food has! The children can then create their own image, as well as making quills to paint with. Masterpieces will be created on fabric and canvas for the children to bring home.
Galway West of Ireland European Region of Gastronomy 2018
Find out what the European Region of Gastronomy 2018 designation means for Galway and the West of Ireland.
Demonstration & Tasting: Traditional Herbal Tonic Drinks
Time: 11.45am – 12.30pm | Location: Temperance Hall (Kitchen), Barrack Street Cordials, syrups and oxymels are delicious traditional drinks that can be used as herbal medicines or unusual culinary drinks. Join local herbalist and foraging teacher Vivienne Campbell for a drink demonstration using local seasonal wild herbs and plants, where everyone gets a taste. Learn how different herbs bring different therapeutic and culinary benefits to these drinks. Includes a Q&A session.
Medieval Carmelite Abbey Mass
Time: 6pm | Location: The Carmelite Abbey, Abbey Street 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 26 AUGUST
LOUGHREA WALLED TOWNS DAY Moat Fun Runs
Time: 11am – 12pm | Location: The Walks (Station Road end) Join Loughrea Athletic Club for fun runs along the only functioning medieval town moat in Ireland. Test your speed with the annual fun run, and skill in the hobby-horse race, or the egg and spoon race. All competitors who complete their quest will receive a commemorative festival scroll.
Picture This!
Sponsored by McD’s Superstore Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm | Location: McD’s Superstore, Fairgreen Stop by Frans Photo Booth to get your photo taken with your family and friends and take a complimentary ‘photo’ home with you.
The Fairgreen
1pm~5pm | Free Events
The Jester
Jesters may have looked and acted like fools, but in the Middle Ages played a role in bringing laughter in uncertain times. Meet Mollylu, a medieval jester, who will entertain visitors using a range of skills. Meet and Greet 1pm ~ 2pm; Props Juggling 2.30pm ~ 3.30pm; Fire Show 4pm ~ 4.40pm.
Clash of Knights ~ Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland
Experience two adrenalin-fuelled combat displays as four knights battle it out for victory. Meet Medieval Armoured Combat Ireland and discover their armour, weapons and training.
Fingal Living History Society
Sponsored by Chanelle Group Learn about the armour, weapons and tactics used on the battlefields of medieval Europe. Master crafters demonstrate their ancient skills in fibre craft and coin striking, where the children can take home a coin. Marvel at the kitchen display and learn about children’s medieval games.
Claíomh Living History
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.
A series of short informative talks by Claíomh’s Dave Swift
1.15pm Talk: Cattle and cattle raiding: the medieval gold standard and Ireland’s favourite medieval ‘sport’ 2.15pm Talk: European archaeological influences in late sixteenth century Rapier and Dagger combat 3.15pm Talk: Provisioning for the Medieval Soldier 4.15pm Talk: European export armour compared with Irish insular styles
Loughrea Heritage Town Walk & Talk In partnership with Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture
Time: 12.45pm | Start Location: Clonfert Diocesan Museum,in the grounds of St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street Discover the remnants of the historic medieval town of Loughrea with Colman Shaughnessy and Joe Loughnane, our knowledgeable local guides from Loughrea Memorial Group. Enroute see ‘Our Lady of Gyor’ at Clonfert Diocesan Museum, the only surviving functioning medieval town moat in Ireland, 1300 St. Mary’s Carmelite Abbey and the 15th Century Town Gate. This is a walking tour so please wear suitable footwear and clothing.
A Musical Flavour of Europe | 2pm–3pm
Spinning, Weaving & Natural Dyeing
Tralee Medieval Society
Natural Crafts Drop-In Workshops
Enjoy Walled Towns Day as you’re taken on a melodious journey listening to a taste of some of Europe’s music from Cairde Ceol. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of medieval life as Tralee Medieval Society set up camp at the Fairgreen. Meet Lord and Lady Fitzgerald and family in the Pavillion tent. Here, the ladies demonstrate fine embroidery techniques used in Medieval times, as Lord FitzGerald regales them with tales of the hunt. Stop by the Bell tent which will house samples of medieval baking and non-alcoholic drinks from all over Europe and a display of spices and cooking implements of the Medieval era. Experience the chore of making ‘powdered sugar’ using only a pestle and mortar under the watchful eye of the Tavern Owner! For those unlucky enough to need Dentistry, the barber surgeon will be open for business. Take part in the child friendly crossbow firing and axe throwing and view the basketmaking demonstration.
Knighthood Training
Learn some top weapon handling and sword fighting skills from our visiting medieval knights, Gallimh Gallóglaigh, at this ‘have-a-go’ session for all ages!
Have-a-Go Target Archery
The sight and sound of a flight of arrows was a terrifying element of medieval warfare. Perfect your archery skills with help from Archery Games Ireland. Suitable for ages 10+. No experience required.
Blacksmith Demonstrations
Stop by Castlebar Men’s Shed blacksmith mobile forge and ask the blacksmith how he makes implements.
Beekeeping
Meet and talk to beekeepers from Galway Beekeepers’ Association.
Straw Craft
Learn the ancient craft of weaving with golden stalks of wheat. Melanie Lorien 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.
Textile Crafter, Susanna Anker will give an insight into the age-old craft of spinning and weaving wool. Explore Ireland’s heritage with Down to Earth Forest School. Join in the hands-on craft activities ~ exploring with clay, Hapa Zome, leaf and flower print flags, willow crowns, and nature painting.
Bran Dubh Historical Combat & Living History Society
Step back in time and join Bran Dubh Historical Combat and Living History Society in this authentic living history village with a medieval surgeon, maille making, leather worker, preparation of traditional medieval dishes, medieval games, and take part in the children’s battle. View the combat display, a recreation of medieval combat with a variety of weapons, from swords to polearms pitting fighters from different social classes and eras against each other. Discover the dedicated arms and armour display, allowing people to take a closer look at the weapons of medieval warriors. Don’t miss ‘Dressing a Knight’, a talk on the armouring of 13th ~ 15th century knights, demonstrating the massive change over 300 years, how the armour is attached, the multiple layers of defence and how they combine to make them all but invulnerable on the battlefield.
Fairy Stilt Walkers
Marvel at these larger than life bright and colourful characters from Gliondar Community Arts Group as they engage with and entertain visitors.
Food & Craft Market
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 food and craft stalls.
n! u F y l i am F Free
SUNDAY 26 AUGUST
LOUGHREA WALLED TOWNS DAY Festival Tent | 1pm-5pm
Drawn Together ~ The Loughrea Zibaldone Project
In partnership with Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture View a display of original artwork by sketchers from Hungary, Spain and Ireland who spent the weekend drawing together around the medieval town of Loughrea.
Glass Bead Making Demonstration
Join glass bead artist, Dr Mags Mannion, a PhD graduate on glass beads with the Archaeology Department in NUIG, as she demonstrates the techniques of the ancient craft of glass bead making, with examples of pre-Christian decorative designs and later prayer beads.
Through Our Eyes: Photo Exhibition View an exhibition of photographs by Loughrea Camera Club.
The Myth & Magic of Bread & Butter
Join Anna O’Donnell for an interactive demonstration and talk on the history and mythology of butter making and its use in the baking of bread and pastries. Anna is a Culinary Historian, Chef and Writer with over forty years’ experience in the world of Gastronomy.
Hands-On Archaeology
Calling all budding archaeologists! Join Dr. Christy Cunniffe where you’ll be digging deep into Loughrea’s medieval past, uncovering hidden treasures and artefacts and maybe even a ‘medieval body’.
Medieval Games
In association with Bank of Ireland ~ Loughrea Branch Learn about and play games which kept medieval people entertained, such as Chess, Nine Men’s Morris, Quoits, Hula Hoop, and much more. A special guest appearance will showcase their football skills.
Build It: Medieval LEGO Workshops 2pm – 4pm
Get hands on and showcase your LEGO building skills based on Nexo Knights and Clash of Clans. Join Bricks 4 Kidz for a fun filled workshop and build your own medieval masterpiece.
Punch & Judy Show | 3pm – 3.45pm
The Punch and Judy show origins are traceable to the 16th-century. Custard Pie Puppet’s unique adaptation is 45 minutes of entertainment, with lots of audience participation and a must see for all the family.
Children’s Heraldry Workshop
Join Medievalist Valerie Kelly to learn about the different symbols that can appear on coats of arms. Children can design their own coat of arms incorporating Latin family mottos.
Fun! y l i am F e e Fr
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
Loughrea Medieval Festival committee comprising of Michael Maher, Michelle Mitchell, Valerie Kelly, Mary Ida Kelly, Fiona Cusack, Colman Shaughnessy and Joe Loughnane would like to say thank you to all our sponsors. Full list of sponsors is available on our festival website. 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 and Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture and with support from Galway West of Ireland European Region of Gastronomy 2018.