Be here when it’s all happening
Come on, let us show you around... th th
17 -25 August 2013 www.heritageweek.ie www.facebook.com/heritageweek email: heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie
You couldn’t be coming at a better time! Ireland is a great place to visit at any time but there’s no better time than Heritage Week. Heritage Week is made up of over 1,500 mostly free events, put on by people who want to share their passion – whether it’s for genealogy, local history, wildlife, music, architecture or archaeology. Local people in almost every town and village are there, ready to help you trace your roots or to show off their neighbourhood.
Be here when it’s all happening
So what do you fancy? Craggy mountains or rugged coastlines? Pre-Christian tombs or Georgian mansions? It’s all there: medieval castles, wildlife walks, music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments, plays, food fairs and craft workshops.
Come on, let us show you around... At the time of print all events in this brochure are scheduled to take place during Heritage Week. However events are subject to change. To avoid disappointment please contact event organisers in advance to check event details. National Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council with support from FĂĄilte Ireland and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries
Fun and
family-friendly
Most Heritage Week events are child-friendly and free. And, whether you’re looking for landscapes, landmarks or simply a family day out, there’s something for you and yours. There are storytelling sessions for young and old. Then there are stories to be read in the landscape, on nature walks and heritage trails, stately home tours, castles, ruins, parks, gardens, mountains, rivers and beaches.
Woodlands Falconry Co. Carlow et up close and personal with our majestic native birds of prey and hear G about their habitats, likes and dislikes. Learn about eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Hawk walks are available by appointment. Contact: Woodlands Falconry, Rathwood, Rath, Tullow, Carlow, Email: info@rathwood.com Telephone: 059 915 6878
Glenveagh National Park Co. Donegal Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of Co. Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, beautiful boglands, woodlands and pristine lakes. The park hosts an extensive and varied programme of free events for all ages and interests during Heritage Week ranging from guided nature walks, to storytelling, Irish dancing and much more! Contact: Glenveagh National Park, Churchill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Email: glenveaghbookings@ahg.gov.ie Telephone: 074 913 7090
Rose of Tralee Fashion Exhibition Kerry County Museum Visit this award winning museum during Heritage Week and not only will you experience life in Ireland through the ages but you’ll learn about the famous Rose of Tralee festival. You might be lucky and even spot this year’s Roses visiting the Rose of Tralee fashion exhibition! Come and see the fabulous dresses, shoes and jewellery worn by the Roses of Tralee over the past 52 years. Contact: Claudia Kohler, Kerry County Museum Ashe Memorial Hall, Denny Street, Tralee, Co Kerry, Email: education@kerrymuseum.ie Telephone: 066 712 7777
To the waters and the wild... Ireland is surrounded by sea and full of lakes, rivers and canals. We have abundant aquatic life and Heritage Week is your chance to see it with the experts. Irish waters are a whale and dolphin sanctuary. During Heritage Week, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group stages sixteen whale-watching events from headlands around the coast. It’s a beautiful way to spend the day and who knows, you could see one of the largest creatures on earth.
IWDG Whale Watch Ireland Day Participate in Marine conservation, meet local people, enjoy stunning scenery and take part in land based Whale Watching Events at over 16 coastal locations all around Ireland during Heritage Week.
Contact: The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Merchants Quay, Kilrush, County Clare. Email: enquiries@iwdg.ie www.iwdg.ie
Discover your roots Everyone has a good reason for visiting Ireland. During the 2013 Gathering, many people are coming to trace ancestors who left Ireland years, or centuries, ago. There are plenty of genealogical events during Heritage Week, local and national, all designed to help you trace your roots. But there’s more to it than that. Heritage Week is a chance to see where your ancestors lived and to visualise how they lived their day to day lives.
Donaghmore Workhouse, Co. Laois Donaghmore Workhouse is an authentic Irish famine workhouse which operated until 1886. Take a tour and hear about the harsh realities for the families that lived within its walls before, during and after the mid 19th century famine. An extensive agriculture and household collection donated by local families also vividly captures day to day domestic life in Ireland between the 18th and 20th centuries.
Contact: Trevor Stanley,Donaghmore, Rathdowney, Co. Laois, Email: info@donaghmoremuseum.com Telephone: 086 829 6685
Ancient Irish Families at The Royal Irish Academy, Dublin City During Heritage Week 2013 The Royal Irish Academy will host an exhibition of Irish manuscripts connected with particular families. Names include the Ó Duibhgeannnáin (Duignans), the O’Lees, the O’Garas, McSweeneys and much more. Included will be The Annals of Connacht, Leabhar Uí Ghadhra, Leabhar Chlainne Suibhne and many more. To book or for more information on what is sure to be extremely interesting for anyone tracing their family history contact The Royal Irish Academy closer to the time. Visits by family groups facilitated by appointment.
Contact: Siobhán Fitzpatrick/Bernadette Cunningham, Meeting Room, Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson St., Dublin 2, Email: library@ria.ie Telephone: 01 609 0620
Coole Cottages: Thatched Cottage Open Day, Co. Waterford Come and stay in an authentic traditional Irish cottage during Heritage Week. Coole cottages are beautifully restored traditional Irish homes and as well as being available as holiday homes, the Nook cottage will also be hosting a heritage open day during the week. Experience life in Ireland as it would have been up until the early 1900’s. Learn about thatching and meet and listen to the stories of local people while enjoying a cup of tea and some braic by the open fire.
Contact: Margaret Flanagan, Coole Country Cottages, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Email: Coolecottages@eircom.net Telephone: 058 41321
Platform Céile, North Tipperary Re-enacting the community activity of platform dancing which took place on this farm in the 1940s and 1950s. Bean an Ti Maureen Culleton will call the sets and the singers and the musicians will perform in an evening of fun for young and old. Local communities and visitors come together for a great mix of traditional music, dancing and song.
Contact: Sean O’Farrell, Cloncannon, Moneygall, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, Email: ofarrejf@tcd.ie Telephone: 087 922 7957
Coin Minting Demonstrations, Dalkey Castle, Co. Dublin Learn how to mint Viking currency from Sitric the Coin Minter at Dalkey Castle, dating from the 14th century. Take a tour of the castle and encounter the Ghost, the Merchant and Rupert the Archer AND discover the Secrets of Dalkey’s Tudors during Heritage Week!
Contact: Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Email: info@dalkeycastle.com Telephone: 01 285 8366
Stone Age Currach: Boyne Currach Centre, Co. Meath Celebrate the tradition of leather skinned boats and learn about the skills involved from artisan crafts people. In the beautiful setting of the Boyne Valley, learn about Stone Age people and see the reconstruction of their leather boats from 5,000 years ago.
Contact: Boyne Currach Group, Boyne Currach Centre, Donore, Drogheda, Co.Meath. Email: boynecurrach@gmail.com
Newbridge House And Farm, Donabate, Co. Dublin From the gentle wild flower meadows of the park to the stately grandeur of the Georgian Mansion, Newbridge Demesne truly is an experience for all ages. Take a tour of the farm and learn how to care for goats, piglets and chicks and try your hand at traditional skills such as spinning and weaving! Finish with refreshments in the 18th century courtyard tea rooms.
Contact: Brenda Comerford, Newbridge House and Farm, Newbridge Demesne, Donabate Co. Dublin, Email: info@newbridgehouseandfarm.com Telephone: 01 843 6534
Living Crafts... Did you ever wonder what life was like before department stores and supermarkets?
When having butter for your toast meant using a churn and having a winter coat meant making one yourself. During Heritage Week many forgotten and traditional skills are brought back to life, so you can learn some of the crafts your ancestors took for granted: basket weaving, butter making, embroidery, thatching, wrought iron work, stone wall building, wood carving and many more.
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Cliffs of Moher Boat Cruise, Co. Clare During Heritage Week experience the sensational and world renowned Cliffs of Moher from a different angle and take a unique guided geology tour around the cliffs by boat. This event is a must for the more adventurous and booking is essential.
Contact: Roisin Kelly, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Email: bookings@cliffsofmoher.ie Telephone: 065 708 6141
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Guided Nature Trail and Scavenger Hunt at Powerscourt Waterfall, Co. Wicklow Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m (398ft.). It is set in one of Ireland’s most beautiful parklands at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. Join ecologists on a unique nature walk and scavenger hunt through the beautiful parkland surrounding the magnificent waterfall.
Contact: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. Email: aoife.odriscoll@powerscourt.net Telephone: 01 204 6009
Burren National Park, Co. Clare From nature walks and exploring geology underground to simply enjoying what life has to offer the sensational scenery of the Burren will rejuvenate you. This unique landscape is home to a wide range of flora and fauna and is a must see for anyone in search of outdoor experiences when on the west coast of Ireland during Heritage Week.
Contact: Burren National Park, Clare Heritage Centre, Corofin, Co. Clare. Email: burrennp@gmail.com Telephone: 065 682 7693
Walled towns, festivals and fairs Fethard Walled Town Medieval Festival, South Tipperary Fethard’s Medieval Walled Town festival is a not to be missed event in South Tipperary during Heritage Week. Meet local people, take part in medieval workshops, enjoy local music and take a tour of the medieval fortress. It’s a day of fun for all the family.
Contact: Fethard Festival Committee, Fethard Walled Town, The Valley Park, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Email: festival@fethard.com Telephone: 052 613 1000
The Hollywood Fair, Co. Wicklow The Hollywood Fair depicts life in Ireland in the pre-1950’s era including a sheep fair, traditional crafts, music, céile and games, vintage vehicles and farm machinery. Great fun and insight into Irish life for all ages!
Contact: Marie Corrigan, Boleybeg, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Email: hollywoodfair@gmail.com Telephone: 085 134 2676
Boheh Stone Walking Festival, Co. Mayo Take part in this unique event and join local archaeologists and walking guides for an exploration of ancient neolithic sites and experience the rolling sun phenomenon. Enjoy stunning landscapes and folklore over two days of guided walks of varying difficulty. Booking essential.
Contact: Mairead Dooley, Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail, c/o Tochar Valley Rural Community Network, Mayo Abbey Resource Centre, Mayo Abbey, Co. Mayo, Email: info@croaghpatrickheritagetrail.com Telephone: 094 936 0891
There are 27 medieval walled towns in Ireland, with fortifications designed to keep people out. Today however, they will welcome you with open arms. Throughout Heritage Week not only cities and towns like Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Limerick and Kilkenny, have festivals and fairs but also smaller towns and villages such as Youghal, Cashel, Fethard, Athenry and Clonmel. All have music, traditional crafts, exhibitions, archaeological digs, local artisan foodstuffs and historic games. Whether you’re nine or ninety, you’ll have a ball beyond the wall.
Join in a Viking or medieval re-enactment
It’s almost a thousand years since the Vikings put down their swords and became part of Ireland’s ongoing heritage. Even with the passing of time there is still a great deal of evidence of their visits on the landscape, providing the ideal backdrop for historical re-enactments and craft displays, using authentic weapons and tools.
Pageant of the Wedding of Strongbow and Aoife, Waterford A not to be missed re-enactment on the 843rd anniversary of the wedding of Strongbow and Aoife which followed the capture of Waterford by the Normans; where “amid the smoking ruins of the city” the pair were wed. Come along to witness the marriage that changed the course of Irish history in this wonderful living history event in the centre of the historic quarter of Waterford!
Contact: Waterford Museum of Treasures, Cathedral Square, Waterford city, Waterford. Email: emceneaney@waterfordcity.ie Telephone: 051 304500
Medieval Tavern Tour of Kilkenny Learn about the medieval history and archaeology of Kilkenny while drinking some real ales, mead and wine. Starting at Bridie’s and finishing at Cleere’s, the tour connects four bars across the heart of the medieval city.
Contact: Liam Mannix Email: liam.mannix@hotmail.com Telephone: 086 055 0755
Take a closer look at our art and literature Yeats & Son, Sligo Two separate but interrelated exhibitions that are essential viewing for Yeats fans. Drawn from the Niland Collection, the exhibitions look at the artistic achievements of two members of the Yeats family: John Butler Yeats and his son Jack B. Yeats.
Contact: The Model, home of the Niland Collection, The Model, The Mall, Sligo, Email: info@themodel.ie Telephone: 071 914 1405
James Joyce Talk & Readings An illustrated talk by acclaimed Joycean expert, enthusiast and highly entertaining performer, Rodney Devitt on James Joyce and his association with Sandymount including readings from Ulysses. The talk will be followed by a guided walk around Sandymount Village to see locations featured in Ulysses.
Contact: Joe McCarthy, Email: joemcc@me.com Telephone: 086 245 6788
Art is our way of exploring who we are, whether through paintings, photographs, music or literature. During Heritage Week there are countless exhibitions, art workshops and readings of work by poets and playwrights from James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats to Samuel Beckett, John B. Keane and Seamus Heaney. A great many galleries and museums will also be exhibiting rarely seen material from their archives.
During Heritage Week you will see that nothing stands still. Heritage is a living organism, with stories to tell. A cathedral with foundations a thousand years old, tells its stories through its walls, windows and tombs. Different coloured stone on a bridge tells us where it was washed away by a storm or blown up in a rebellion. A bump in a field hides a pre-historic grave. And in every corner of Ireland, people are ready to help you uncover those stories.
Exploring treasures, finding hidden gems St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptised converts on his visit to Dublin. The present building dates from 1220 and hosts a variety of Heritage Week events for all interests from historical re-enactments and organ recitals to concerts, tours and ringing the Cathedral bells. Heritage Week wouldn’t be complete without the participation of this wonderful building.
Contact: Andrew Smith, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, Email: education@stpatrickscathedral.ie, Telephone: 01 453 9472
The Casino Marino Dublin This building is widely regarded as the most important neo-classical building in Ireland and was built for the 1st Earl of Charlemont, starting in the late 1750s and finishing around 1775. The name Casino was taken from the Italian meaning ‘little house’ and was not a gambling spot. It is actually quite small, measuring only fifty feet square to the outer columns. From costumed tours and arts and crafts for all ages, to traditional music and storytelling in the kitchen; it all happens during Heritage Week in this architectural gem.
Contact: Casino Marino, Cherrymount Crescent, off the Malahide Road, Marino, Dublin 3, Email: casinomarino@opw.ie, Telephone: 01 833 1618
Walk To Ring Fort & 13th Century Church Ruin, Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon Visit two fine examples of former life in Ireland, Urney Church and a superb ring fort, with local archaeologist Gary Dempsey. Strokestown Park is Ireland’s national famine museum and hosts a vast array of events during Heritage Week from photography exhibitions and archaeology to children’s events and talks on gardening and biodiversity. It is a unique visitor attraction tucked away in Co. Roscommon, comprising Strokestown Park House, a Georgian Palladian mansion preserved with its original furnishings and fabrics.
Contact: Strokestown Park, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, Email: HeritageWeekStrokestown@gmail.com, Telephone: 071 963 3013
Traditional Irish Music in the Gardens, Dublin In the midst of the magical surroundings of the National Botanic Gardens find your rhythm and tap your feet to traditional music in the gardens. Why not take a tree tour and enjoy traditional skills workshops while you are there.
Contact: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, Email: botanicgardens@opw.ie Telephone: 01 857 0909
Workshops in the Core Instruments of Traditional Irish Music at Muckross House, Killarney, Co. Kerry Located approximately 6km (3.6 miles) from Killarney town centre, Muckross House and Gardens represent the focal point and nucleus of Killarney National Park. This is Ireland’s oldest National Park and it includes the world famous Lakes of Killarney, as well as the mountains and woodlands that surround them. During Heritage Week many events are organised spanning Irish culture including workshops in the core instruments of traditional Irish music. If you ever wanted to learn to play the harp or bodhrán and get to the heart of Irish culture this is the place and the event for you!
Contact: Toddy Doyle, Muckross House, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Email: traditionalfarms@muckrosshouse.ie, Telephone: 064 663 0804 / 087 253 1625
Gramophone Music At The Rambling House, Limerick A music night with a difference, this event encapsulates all that is different about many of the events during Heritage Week. It’s about as quirky as it gets and you’ll bring home a very special memory of a unique evening in Ireland. Enjoy the company of locals and tourist alike as you listen to old gramophone records on a real gramophone.
Contact: Pat O’Donovan, Rambling House, Knockfierna, Ballingarry, Limerick, Telephone: 087 997 7340 or Marion Hanley 087 974 1387
Discover Ireland’s heartbeat in her music
Irish music is at the heart our culture and during Heritage Week you will find musical events of every shade and tone: join in the dancing at a cross roads at sundown; take part in an Irish dancing workshop; join in a ‘sessiún’ – an impromptu music session – and learn the difference between Uilleann pipes and bagpipes and between jigs and reels.
Go on, find your feet and discover your rhythm.
Join in a celebration of Ireland’s poetic past
In Ireland there’s a story under every stone and we have a great many archaeological sites and ancient monuments to prove it. The Hill of Tara, seat of the ancient High Kings of Ireland, is at the heart of it all. Each year, during Heritage Week, you are invited to join some of Ireland’s world-renowned artists, poets and musicians at Tara, for a celebration of Ireland’s heritage and culture. It’s an experience not to be missed.
Feis Teamhra, Co. Meath Feis Teamhra: A Turn at Tara is a celebration of the continuity of the linked traditions of Irish writing and music, traditions that have almost certainly flourished at the Hill of Tara since at least 2000 BC. It is a sacred site where ancient Ireland crowned its kings and every year it is celebrated during Heritage Week with readings and performances by internationally recognised Irish writers and musicians. The line up in previous years has included Colm Tobín, Seamus Heaney, Paul Muldoon, Declan O’Rourke, Anne Enright and Susan McKeown.
Contact: Susan McKeown, P.O. Box 2349 New York, NY 10009, Email: sumckeown@yahoo.com
An Evening of Storytelling and Song at Fort Dunree, Donegal Fort Dunree or ‘Fort of the Heather’ indicates that this site has been an important defensive site down through history. Today however, its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife are just a couple of reasons to visit one of the Inishowen peninsulas’ most beautiful and peaceful locations. During Heritage Week take in all that this western most location has to offer. Enjoy a special evening of song and storytelling after a scenic walk.
Contact: David Magee, Fort Dunree Linsfort Buncrana Email: dunree@eircom.net Telephone: 074 93 61817
The Life & Work of Patrick Kavanagh Exhibition, Co. Monaghan During Heritage Week take a guided tour of the Life and Work of Patrick Kavanagh, one of the foremost poets of the 20th century. Also on view are twelve specially commissioned paintings illustrating Kavanagh’s epic poem ‘The Great Hunger’, a miniature model depicting Kavanagh’s classic, ‘A Christmas Childhood’, Kavanagh’s death mask and other memorabilia associated with the poet.
Contact: The Patrick Kavanagh Rural & Literary Resource Centre, Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan. Email: infoatpkc@eircom.net Telephone: 042 937 8560
Traditional Crafts & Customs Heritage Showcase, replicating a rural community’s way of life In ancient Ireland, Co. Roscommon See the only working model of an early medieval horizontal water driven corn mill in Ireland! A working model of a 1948 Garvey corn threshing mill, powered by a scaled model of a 1956 Fordson Major tractor. Learn how to spin, carve wood, churn butter, make patchwork quilts and make rush candles from the 17th century. This event truly connects the local community and welcomes visitors to engage with local people.
Contact: Anton Lennon, Drum Heritage Centre, Co. Roscommon, Email: drumheritage@gmail.com, Telephone: 087 991 8966
Stained glass demonstration, Knock Museum, Co. Mayo Have you ever wondered how stained glass gets stained? And how the designs are created? Well now is your chance to find out and attend a stained glass demonstration by Aidan Page, who continues the increasingly rare tradition of Irish stained glass artists.
Contact: Grace Mulqueen, Knock Museum, Co. Mayo, Email: museum@knock-shrine.ie, Telephone: 094 937 5034
“ The traditions are passed down. We keep them alive because we share them.� Andrew St. Ledger, Woodcarver Learn about local traditions and history, from local people.
Experience the real Ireland, through the stories of real people
Ireland’s community spirit, locally and nationally, comes to life among the people who take pride in sharing their stories. The events they organise locally, for visitors from far and near, bring the past to life and invigorate the present. Be part of that community – by simply being there. Virginia Show, Co. Cavan Visit Ireland during Heritage Week and check out the Virginia Show in Co. Cavan on the scenic grounds along the shores of Lough Ramor. Few events capture community spirit and the ways of rural Ireland like a county show. The event is steeped in tradition, consists of over 450 classes and 3,500 exhibits annually and community involvement abounds. Exhibits and competitions range from the high profile Baileys All Ireland Champion Cow Competition to hotly contested cake baking competitions. This show is living proof that Ireland’s heritage is alive and well!
Contact: Kathleen Duffy, Virginia Show Society Ltd., Virginia, Co. Cavan, Email: virginiashow@eircom.net, Telephone: 049 854 7197
Foynes Flying Boat Museum Archive, Limerick Ireland’s heritage is rich and diverse and the Foynes Flying Boat Museum demonstrates the variety on offer during Heritage Week. Foynes was the centre of the aviation world between 1937 and 1945. Discover and learn about the intrinsic value of the museums historic aviation and maritime archival collection by attending an interactive workshop. Meet the Curator of the museum for a discussion on the history of the flying boat era and check out the Yankee Clipper!
Contact: Barry O’Kelly, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Main St, Foynes, Co Limerick, Email: info@flyingboatmuseum.com Telephone: 069 65416
Dromana House Historical Tours, Cappoquin, Waterford Dromana House is a true gem, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the strikingly beautiful, unspoilt river Blackwater. This period property has been lovingly maintained by its owners whose family have lived on this location since 1200, the present owner being the 21st generation.
Contact: Barbara Grubb Email: bgrubb@eircom.net Telephone: 024 96144 or 086 818 6305
Stradbally Hall House Tours, Laois Built in 1772, the Cosby ancestral home is located on 550 acres of rolling woodland, streams and countryside surrounded by ancient oaks and chestnut trees.
Contact: Thomas Cosby, Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois. Email: thomascosby@eircom.net Telephone: 086 851 9272
Huntington Castle, Co. Carlow Huntington Castle, Clonegal, County Carlow, the ancient seat of the Esmonde family is today one of Ireland’s historical treasures. Presently lived in by four generations of the Durdin-Robertson family, descendents of the Esmondes, the castle is set in picturesque countryside at the foot of the Blackstairs mountains.
Contact: Durdin Robertson, Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co. Carlow. Email: info@huntingtoncastle.com Telephone: 053 93 7 7160
Temple House, Co. Sligo Temple House is a classical Georgian mansion set in a private estate of over 1,000 acres, overlooking a 13th century lakeside castle of the Knights Templar. The Perceval family home since 1665, the present manor was redesigned in 1864 and enjoys the authentic and unpretentious country house atmosphere.
Contact: Roderick or Helena Perceval, Temple House, Co. Sligo. Email: stay@templehouse.ie Telephone: 071 918 3329
Historic homes uncovered
Over 300 privately owned Georgian houses, country manors, barbican towers or medieval castles open their doors for Heritage Week. Visit Ireland’s lesser known but no less magnificent historic properties and their owners who will show you their homes and gardens and share their ancestral stories during Heritage Week.
Experience authentic Ireland
Irelands community spirit is crystallised by local people taking pride in their heritage and telling their stories through the events they organise for all who pass through their villages and towns. Be part of what makes Ireland truly special and join us during Heritage Week. Some heritage and cultural organisations you may find of interest:
www.irishlandmark.com
The Irish Landmark Trust saves heritage buildings throughout the island of Ireland that are at risk of being lost through neglect or inappropriate use; conserving and estoring these buildings so they can be let as holiday homes.
www.npws.ie
There are six national parks in Ireland. The National Parks and Wildlife Service is charged with their conservation.
www.IrishTrails.ie
Allows users to search for and find information on waymarked walking, cycling and other trails in Ireland.
www.cnci.ie
The Council of National Cultural Institutions is made up of 13 institutions which lie at the heart of Irish culture.
AA Ireland Routeplanner
Allows you to plan your trip from A-Z where ever you are around Ireland.
www.hiddenireland.com
Hidden Ireland is a fascinating collection of historic country houses where visitors stay as guests. All privately owned, they are as far removed from the modern hotel as could possibly be imagined.
www.irelands-blue-book.ie Ireland’s Blue Book is a divine collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, Castles and Restaurants. Located throughout the island of Ireland these charming and stylish hideaways are the perfect choice for your holiday vacation in Ireland.
Be here when it’s all happening
Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what one tourist had to say about a Heritage Week event they attended: “ To all involved in the weekend’s fair, I just wanted to send a quick note to congratulate you all (and the sheep, ducks, horses, goldfish etc.) for a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable time at the Hollywood Fair yesterday. Having come across the fair through the Heritage Week website, my French partner and I took our 6 month old son, our respective mothers and our red setter ‘Rua’ along to see what was going on yesterday. We couldn’t quite believe our eyes when we arrived as, no sooner had we turned off the N81, than we were transported back in time to an Ireland less troubled by global markets and economic woe and to a place where a sense of community spirit was not just alive and well, but positively thriving. The efforts made by all involved ensured the place and participants, not only looked the part but convinced outsiders that they were also a living part of this heritage. The organisation was impeccable, the admission charge mindful of families was more than reasonable, and the overall buzz of the fair exceptional. Well done and thank you for a truly great event.”
Visit the website, find out what’s on offer for you, during Heritage Week and experience the real Ireland with real communities – all in your own good time.
www.heritageweek.ie www.facebook.com/heritageweek email: heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie
Be here when it’s all happening
17th-25th of August 2013 design by www.penhouse.ie