PACKED HERITAGE WEEK AHEAD FOR LOCAL VILLAGES
Ballyhoura Development has announced that Heritage Week will run from August 24 - August 31. Billed as a week long celebration of “who we are and where we’ve come from,” Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union.
In Ireland Heritage Week is co-ordinated by the Heritage Council with support from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and each year many national, as well as hundreds of local community organisations, participate by organising events throughout the country.
There is something to appeal to almost everyone and the main aim is to build awareness of native built, natural and cultural heritage thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation. Activities will be taking place in every county and most activities are free of charge or offer great value for money.
Everyone is encouraged to get involved and activities range from fairs, night-time bat walks, wildlife tours and lectures to music recitals, historical re-enactments, and outdoor activities. Many heritage sites and stately homes will offer free admission or special concessions.
The ‘Villages of Tradition’ in Ballyhoura Country are also getting involved with events to suit all ages. Check out the gala week in Kilbehenny running from Monday, August 25 to Sunday, August 31 with a launch of the DVD marking ‘A village evening in the 1940s’.
A plethora of events will be held throughout the week. Galbally will hold its 29th annual garden fete in the village on August 31 when thousands of people are expected to throng the village.
Knockainey will be having an open day on this Sunday, August 24 at the recently restored St John’s Church, now used as a cultural centre where concerts are held year round.
The village of Glenbrohane will be hosting a guided walk visiting the sites identified in the new heritage board in the village; the start point is St Patrick’s Church at 2pm on August 31.
For something a little more active why not take to the new biking trails in Glenanaar forest near the picturesque village of Ardpatrick.
Blackwater Castle in Castletownroche will be having guided tours of the 12th century castle from 10am to 4pm, tours given every hour on August 24, while Mitchelstown Heritage Society will be launching the Mitchelstown Heritage Town Trail at 6.30pm on Thursday, August 28; meeting point will be the interpretative sign at the Georgian pump in King Square.
Published:
Thursday 21st August 7:02pm