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ONLINE EVENT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

In the year of The Gathering, people are being encouraged to get involved in National Heritage Week 2013 and showcase their local natural and cultural heritage.

National Heritage Week 2013 takes place nationwide from 17^th – 25^th August. Online registration is now open and all events must be registered by the 31st of May for inclusion in the National Heritage Week Event Guide.

Each year events range from medieval fairs, night-time bat walks, wildlife walks and lectures, classical music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments, and local history walks and talks. The week focuses on getting people involved in the heritage of Ireland and particularly the heritage of the local community, making it accessible to everyone. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself.

Speaking about the week, Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education at the Heritage Council said, “Every year people’s involvement in National Heritage Week continues to grow. The week is a great platform for people to highlight their heritage assets and to promote what makes their place so unique. We have some great plans underway for the week and will be posting more information on Facebook and heritageweek.ie in the weeks ahead, so stay in touch. The theme for the week is ‘Discover the Past. Build the Future’ because we believe that heritage is about today, about our quality of life and about the things we value. We rely on people across the country who organize events for the week to come up with creative ideas to tell their story and encourage people to get involved in something unique and fun.

To support Event Organisers, this year we are running a free Heritage Week Event Organiser Training Day in Tullamore on 24^th May to provide organisers with hints and tips around event management, marketing and communications, social media, Historic properties and Section 482 properties”.

To register your event log on to www.heritageweek.ie . All events registered by 31st May 2013 will be listed in the National Heritage Week Event Guide which will be available free at OPW Sites, Heritage Centres & Historical Societies, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, CNCI Members, NPWS Sites, Heritage Officers and County Councils, An Óige Hostels, Various Individual Museums (MSPI Participants), Bus Eireann Stations and some Hotels across the country.

To attend the Heritage Council’s FREE Heritage Week Event Organiser Training Day on Friday 24^th May log on to www.heritageweek.ie or call 1850 200 878. (Registration required as places limited).

Heritage Week is co-ordinated by The Heritage Council with support from Fáilte Ireland and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.

ENDS

Note to Editor:

The Heritage Council is the statutory body charged with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage. National heritage includes Monuments, Archaeological objects, Heritage objects, Architectural heritage, Flora, Fauna, Wildlife habitats, Landscapes, Seascapes, Wrecks, Geology, Heritage gardens and parks, and Inland waterways.

Established under the Heritage Act 1995, and operating under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, the Heritage Council provides advice to the Minister, and partners and networks with Local Authorities and a wide range of other organisations and individuals to promote Ireland’s heritage.

Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council with support from Fáilte Ireland, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.

Further information:

Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education, The Heritage Council, 056 7770777 / 087 967 6889

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications 01 703 8604 / 086 3846630

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Heritage Week 2013 Free Event Organiser Training Day

Monday, April 29th, 2013

In addition to our usual supports to event organisers, we are hosting a free National Heritage Week Event Organisers Training Day on Friday May 24th in the Tullamore Court Hotel and we are delighted to extend an invitation to all prospective event organisers to take part.

The training day will run from 10am to 4pm and will take the form of presentations and workshops on such topics as:
• Heritage Week 2013, key messages
• Marketing and communications
• Social Media marketing
• Support for Historic Properties and Section 482 properties
• General event management tips

You can register your attendance online via this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Heritage_Week_Training_May_24_Registration. Here you can also input details of your own specific training needs which will help us to refine the agenda for the day, which we will then forward to you.

Alternatively you can email us on heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie or Tel: 1850 200878 to register your interest.

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AN TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY T.D LAUNCHES €2 MILLION

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Fund to support Gathering Ireland events & activities at local level

Thursday October 25^th: An Taoiseach Enda Kenny today launched a €2million IPB Gathering Ireland Fund at Government Buildings. The fund, a 50:50 partnership between IPB Insurance and The Gathering Ireland 2013 is in response to the rapidly growing number of gatherings being planned across the country for 2013. The fund will be administered by local authorities across the State to support events and gatherings that have the capacity to attract overseas visitors.

Speaking at the launch the Taoiseach said “The core objective of The Gathering Ireland 2013 is to deliver an additional 325,000 tourists to Ireland in 2013 and this generous fund by IPB Insurance and the further provision of funds by the Government is a reflection of the importance of The Gathering as a key Government project that will directly contribute to the economic revival of our country.”

IPB Insurance has allocated €1 million of the fund to support local flagship events and activities in every city and county. The fund will be distributed across city and county councils and will range from €25,000 and €60,000 to support up to three flagship events in each council area subject to approval based on application criteria. In parallel, The Gathering Ireland 2013 has allocated a further €1 million to the fund to target other local and community events in each county. Grant amounts from €500- €2,500 will be made available to these events following approval through a short application process.

Ronan Foley, CEO of IPB Insurance said: “As a 100% Irish owned mutual insurer whose remit it is to protect the interests of our local authority members and their communities we are absolutely convinced by the economic rationale and business opportunity afforded by the Gathering Ireland 2013 initiative. The Gathering Ireland 2013 will I believe, bring new momentum to the development of the global Irish network and deliver not only short term benefits next year but longer term rewards as relationships develop. Corporate Ireland must step forward and assume a leadership position and must do more for our country and our communities by contributing to the future of Irish society in which we all have a stake.”

The target for the combined fund will be to support 700 or more individual Gathering Ireland events. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said: “There has been huge interest in organising Gatherings around the country. To date, between 6,000 and 7,000 people have attended more than 50 meetings in every single county, at which all sorts of Gathering ideas were proposed. Thanks to IPB, for the first time funding will now be available for certain local and community Gatherings. Even if you don’t qualify for funding, I would still urge everyone to get involved, and get organising. Everyone can still organise a Gathering of their own, even if it’s something as simple as inviting one or more people to visit Ireland next year.”

The Gathering Ireland 2013 is Ireland’s biggest ever tourism initiative, providing an opportunity for those with ancestral links or an affinity to Ireland to play a part in and benefit from our economic recovery.

Media Contact

Sile Murphy

The Gathering Ireland 2013

086 0288 132/01 475 1444

Notes to Editor:

IPB Insurance is Ireland’s only indigenous mutual insurer. In 2011 the company issued its first dividend to members followed by a further dividend announcement in 2012.

The company through its Chairman George Jones announced a social dividend at its AGM in 2012. IPB Insurance is the first company to specifically allocate a dividend for Irish society- amounting to €5 million for the financial year end 2011. The social dividend finances the company’s Corporate Social Engagement fund which invests in a range of not for profit and community initiatives for and on behalf of its members. The allocation of € 1 million to the IPB Gathering Ireland Fund forms part of this social dividend and is being promoted through the city and county councils.

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Announcing National Heritage Week Event Award Winners

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

Well done to all entrants in the National Heritage Week event awards. There was a huge increase in submissions this year which is great to see. We are delighted to announce the winners in each category as follows:

Best Overall Event

Event: Thatching “The Nook Cottage” Before & After
Organisers: Margaret Flanagan, Coole Country Cottages

Best Interactive Event

Event: Fabulous Foraging and Brilliant Biodiversity
Organisers: Abby McSherry, Action for Biodiversity Project

Most Innovative Event

Event: Thatching “The Nook Cottage” Before & After
Organisers: Margaret Flanagan, Coole Country Cottages

Best Childrens Event Tyrellspass Festival
Organisers: Tyrellpass Festival Committee, C/O Deirdre O’Brien McGivney

Best Community Group/ENGO/Individual

Event: Glinsk Centenary: The Birth Of A Community
Organisers: Martin Ward, “Glinsk 100”,Glinsk Community Dev. Soc. Ltd

A big thank you to all those who submitted entries. The standard was very high and as much as we’d like to, we can’t give an award to everyone. Our winners demonstrated great commitment, enthusiasm and imagination regarding the ideas, execution, organisation and publicity of their events. For more info about the winning events see below.

Well done to the over 850 event organisers that took part in National Heritage Week this year. Roll on Heritage Week 2013!

For full info about the winning events click here

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TOP PRIZES IN NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK BUILT HERITAGE PHOTO COMPETITION ARE ANNOUNCED

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

POOLBEG CHIMNEYS, ASKEATON FRIARY & SEAN BALLAI OF SPIDDAL WIN TOP PRIZES IN NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK BUILT HERITAGE PHOTO COMPETITION

Tuesday 9^th October 2012: A picture of the Poolbeg Chimney’s by Alex Kearns from Finglas has been awarded the top prize in the 2012 National Heritage Week Photography Competition, announced today by the Heritage Council coordinators of the week.

Speaking about the competition, Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council said “National Heritage Week 2012 focused on celebrating our built heritage. The photo competition has been a great success with over 1300 images entered. We were delighted to receive so many stunning pictures of our built heritage”.

The photo entitled ‘Poolbeg at Dusk’ which won the Adult Category (21+) was taken by Alex Kearns from Finglas. The picture illustrates the two chimneys at Poolbeg which are symbolic signs of Dublin and of home for many leaving and returning to Dublin on planes or boats.

Winner of the Youth Category (Youth 13-20 years) was Dearbhail O’Boyle; aged 13 from Belfast with her picture of Askeaton Friary.

Winner of the Junior Category (Junior 7-12 years) was Katie Feeney; aged 11 from Inverin, Co. Galway with her picture of Sean Ballai (Old Walls) take in Spiddal.

“A big thank you to our judging committee who has spent a lot of time going through the all of the entries we received. It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm and passion for heritage expressed through these images. 2012 was the most successful National Heritage Week to date with nearly 1600 events taking place and a significant rise in attendance figures reported nationwide.

We are delighted to announce that the dates for National Heritage Week 2013 have been set for the 17^th – 25^th August 2012. To get updates on all of our plans for next year, log on to www.heritageweek.ie or follow us on Facebook and Twitter”, added Mr. Starrett.

Prizes are divided among the three categories. The top prize in the adult category of a €500 voucher kindly provided by the Irish Landmark Trust to stay in one of their unique and beautiful properties is sure to be of interest for anyone planning a staycation or a short break! Additional prizes include a, €150 One4All gift voucher, €75 One4All gift voucher, €55 euro Family Heritage Card, €50 Easons vouchers and €30 Easons vouchers.

Adult Category:

Winner – ‘Poolbeg at Dusk’ taken by Alex Kearns from Finglas.

Runners Up – ‘Carlow Filling Station’ by Jarleth Judge from Bunclody, Wexford.

‘Gingersnap’ Dublin City Hall Staircase, by Greg Mathews from Palmerstown, Dublin

Youth Category:

Winner – ‘Askeaton Friary’ by Dearbhail O’Boyle aged 13 from Belfast

Runner Up – ‘Desmond Castle Adare’ by Cian O’Halloran aged 17 from Patrickswell, Limerick

Junior Category:

Winner – ‘Sean Ballai’ (Old Walls) by Katie Feeney, aged 11 from Inverin, Co. Galway

Runner Up – The Lion at the Casino by Darragh Callaghan, aged 7 from Darndale, Dublin 17

Runner Up – ‘Eight sided skylight’ in St. Andrew’s Church, Mount Merrion by Rohan Tyrrell aged 9 from Clonsilla, Dublin 15

ENDS

Note to Editor:

Further information:

Rebecca Reynolds, National Heritage Week Coordinator, 056 7770777 / 086 1719467

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630

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A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK EVENT ORGANISERS

Friday, September 28th, 2012

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK EVENT ORGANISERS

2012 MOST SUCCESSFUL HERITAGE WEEK TO DATE

The Heritage Council, coordinators of National Heritage Week, has today issued a big thank you to all the Heritage Week event organisers across the country.

Speaking about the week Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council said, “2012 has been the most successful National Heritage Week to date. Throughout the month of August, the Heritage Week site recorded over 70,000 visitors. Nearly 1600 events took place during the week and attendance levels recorded across the country were extremely high, in particular at built heritage events. We have also had a record high number of entries for our competitions, with over 1300 entries in our built heritage quiz and over 1200 images submitted to the photography competition.

National Heritage Week could not have taken place without the dedication and commitment of communities across Ireland who have spent many months planning and organising heritage events in their area. The Heritage Council would like to sincerely thank all of the event organisers, many of whom were volunteers, for their efforts in making National Heritage Week such a success. Over <insert number> organisations and individuals across the country played a part in organising an event during the week”.

ENDS

Note to Editor:

National Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 49 countries across Europe.

Further information:

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630

Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education, The Heritage Council, 087 967 6889

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STILL TIME TO ENJOY NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK WHICH RUNS UNTIL SUNDAY 26th AUGUST

Friday, August 24th, 2012

bring their cameras along and take pictures in the beautiful surroundings of St. Enda’s Park. Meet at Nature Room. Event Organiser : Pearse Museum / St. Enda’s Park, Grange Road Rathfarnham Dublin 16, brian.crowley@opw.ie , 01 4934208

Dublin – Meet The Vikings! (Free), 26^th August, 14:00 – 16:30. National

Museum of Ireland-Archaeology, Kildare Street. What did they wear, eat and do? See Dublin’s Viking history brought to life and handle replica swords and armour with Montague Heritage Services. No booking required. All ages welcome. Event Organizer: Education and Outreach Department, National Museum of Ireland-Archaeology, mjfitzsimons@museum.ie, 01 6486332.

Dublin – Woodturning Demonstration & Workshop With Kieran Reynolds (Free), 26^th

August, 10:00 – 17:00. National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. In the Gardens, Kieran will demonstrate his craft all though the day using Irish-grown wood. as well as display a range of his pieces. Local wood turner Kieran Reynolds works in his home workshop exclusively with Irish grown timber and strives to ensure his sources are sustainable. For more information, contact the Education and Visitor Centre on 01 8570909. Event Organizer: National Botanic Gardens, botanicgardens@opw.ie, 01 8570909.

Meath – Bat Watching (Free), 26^th August, 19:00 – 21:30. Moynalty Steam Threshing

Museum, Moynalty, Kells. Brian Keeley talks about ‘Creatures of the Night’ and other hairy stories. Follow the Bat Walk for another spectacular show. We thank Brian Keeley, Wildlife Surveys Ireland, for his continued support. This event is very popular and is much appreciated along with the hospitality. Wear outdoor clothing, suitable footwear and bring a torch to fully enjoy the evening. Children to be accompanied. Event Organizer: Moynalty Steam Threshing, steamthreshing@eircom.net, 046 9244421.

Laois – Wildlife Illustration Workshop with Gordon D’Arcy (Free), 24^th August, 11:00 -

13:00. Durrow Library, The Courthouse, Durrow. Learn how to draw Irish wildlife with Gordon D’Arcy in this wildlife drawing workshop for children. Gordon D’Arcy is a well-known author and illustrator. Event Organizer: Laois County Libraries, bforan@laoiscoco.ie, 057 8674312.

Wicklow - Titanic Inspirations: Blacksmith’s ‘Forge In’ & Sculpture Exhibition

(Free), 25^th & 26^th August, 12:00 – 17:00. Russborough House, Blessington. This year’s 100th anniversary of the Titanic has Irish blacksmiths gather to recreate exquisite ornamental ironworks following some of the same inspirations as the creators of the magnificent RMS Titanic. Watch as the raw material is transformed into finished pieces. Kids can have a go in the hot forging of ‘Shipbuilding Rivets’ (kids workshop on Saturday only). In addition, a showcase of sculpture made specific for this event by Irish blacksmith artists. Event Organizer: Gunvor Anhoj, gunvor@calnan-anhoj.ie, 085 1390209.

For updates on events throughout the week, log on to www.heritageweek.ie or follow us on Twitter @heritageweek or our Heritage Week Facebook page.

ENDS

Further information:

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630

Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education, The Heritage Council, 087 967 6889

Note to Editor:

National Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 49 countries across Europe.

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TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

Friday, August 17th, 2012

We hope you enjoy the many events that organizations and individuals around the country organized for you this year. We are delighted to be promoting a week that has continued to grow and develop into a national campaign for heritage awareness and enjoyment. In order to inform our planning for next year your thoughts and experience of the week would be of great benefit to us. We want to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of the wider public and grow an audience of people who will care for our heritage into the future. Your feedback will help us achieve this and we would be very grateful if you would take five minutes to click on the link below and complete a brief survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NationalHeritageWeek2012

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Mouse Master, Aoife and Strongbow and James the Golden Eagle!

Friday, August 17th, 2012

Friday 17th August 2012: Over the next seven days, over 600,000 people are expected to take part in National Heritage Week, which kicks off tomorrow, Saturday 18th August, and runs until Sunday 26th August. This year the week has hit a new record with over 1550 event due to take place nationwide.

The majority of events are FREE to attend and the message from the Heritage Council, coordinators of the week, is to get out and experience the heritage on your doorstep.To find out what is happening throughout the week, log on to www.heritageweek.ie, download the free iPhone / Android Heritage Week Event App or pick up a copy of the Event Guide in your local tourist information office.

Throughout the week people will have the opportunity to learn about birds of prey in Woodlands Falconry, attend a reenactment of the 842nd anniversary of Strongbow’s marriage to Aoife in Waterford, visit the MouseMaster at the Casino Marino & unravel the riddle of the Mysterious Mice of this 18th Century garden temple, enjoy a unique historical reenactment of life on board the Titanic in Laois, explore Athlone Masonic Hall on its second only opening since 1739, view Olympic posters dating back to 1952 in Donegal, take a tour of Beamish & Crawford Brewery in Cork, walk through hurling history in Tipperary, experience the iconic bells of Christ Church, learn about the big wheel used to spin wool in Galway, view the cars and motorcycles that raced in the Curragh from 1947-1967, tour Scattery Island in Clare, take a family tree masterclass in Kilkenny or even enjoy an Edwardian tea party in Wicklow.

National Heritage Week is coordinated by the Heritage Council, the agency tasked with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage. Speaking on the eve of the week Michael Starrett, CEO of the Heritage Council said, “once again we have seen a fantastic response to National Heritage Week with hundreds of people volunteering their time to organise events in their local areas. When the Heritage Council first took over the running of National Heritage Week in 2005 there were just 500 events taking place during the week. Today the week has tripled in size and this is a direct result of the increasing levels of community involvement we are seeing nationwide. I would encourage everyone to check what events are happening in their local areas, you may be surprised to see what heritage is on your doorstep”.

As well as attending events throughout the week, you can also get involved by entering one of the two competitions run by the Heritage Council during the week. The first is for a two night stay in a Blue Book property. To enter all you need to do is answer three simple built heritage questions. Log on to www.heritageweek.ie to enter the competition, closing date for entries is 31st of August.

The annual National Heritage Week Photo Competition is now also open for entries. Images do not have to be taken during National Heritage Week but must have been taken in 2012. This year’s theme is Built Heritage. Simply submit an image(s) that you think captures Ireland’s Built Heritage. Images can be the interior or exterior of your favourite building, monument or ruin (historic or contemporary), a feature that captures your imagination (a window, door, handle, stairway), an interesting streetscape, a group of buildings, or examples of where built heritage meets natural heritage. To enter, upload your pictures to the official Heritage Week Photo Competition Site: http://pix.ie/group/heritageweek . The closing date for entries is 31st August 2012.

Complete event listings are also available on the National Heritage Week website, www.heritageweek.ie or on the FREE iPhone / Android Heritage Week App. You can also follow us on Twitter @heritageweek or the Heritage Week Facebook page.

A sample of events coming up this weekend – 18th and 19th August 2012:

Galway Latin Quarter Tour, 18 August: 15:30 – 17:15 Let me take you around Galway’s Latin Quarter to see where Christopher Columbus prayed, the King’s Head, and much more. This event will go ahead regardless of the weather so please bring an umbrella. There may be an admission fee for St. Nicholas Collegiate Church of 2euro if the group is brought inside.
Fethard Walled Town Medieval Festival, Tipperary, 18th August 14.00 – 23.00 & 19th August 12.00 – 16.00 Come to the 6th annual Fethard Walled Town Medieval Festival and visit the best small walled town in Ireland! See www.fethard.com for archived news from previous years and for photos and a flavour of this very colourful family festival.
The Hollywood Fair, Co. Wicklow, 18th August : 18:00 – 23:45 and 19th August : 14:00 – 22:45 Depicting Life in the pre-1950’s era including a sheep fair, traditional crafts, music, ceili and games, vintage vehicles and machinery. Fun for all the family! Check out www.thehollywoodfair.com and Facebook page “Hollywood Fair August 2012″ for a comprehensive list of activities.
Glenribbeen BatWatch , Lismore, Co. Waterford, 18th & 19th August 20.30 – 22.00 & 24-26th August 20.30 – 22.00 Short lecture on Irish bats followed by a 300m walk down and back along a stream to witness 3 different forms of bats. Suitable for all ages. Initial lecture by cars so disabled can listen (walk not wheelchair accessible). Bring warm clothes, good walking shoes/boots, insect repellant and a torch/flashlight.
Cork City Heritage Open Day, 18th August.Cork City Heritage Open Day is a unique event celebrating Cork City’s amazing architecture, tradition and history. For one day only, over 38 buildings not usually open to the public will allow entry to all free of charge!
Whale Watch Ireland 2012, 19th August, Location: All around Ireland. 16 headlands. Time: 2:00-5:00 PM Cost: Free event
Ancient Music Ireland Concert, Kerry, 19th August : 16:00 – 17:30 A concert featuring replica instruments from the stone age to early medieval times. Venue: Siamsa Tire, Town Park Tralee, Kerry.
Fairytales At The Enchanted Wood, Phoenix Park Visitor Centre 19th August : 14:00 – 16:00 Follow the pebble path with Hansel and Gretel,watch snow-white at work in her house, have a picnic at Goldilock’s house bring a teddy bear! A magical day for children of all ages. Meet at the visitor centre. No booking required. This will be a magical fairytale day at the enchanted woods near Ashtown Castle.

ENDS

Further information:

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630

Isabell Smyth, Heritage Council, 056 777 0 777 / 087 9676889

Note to Editor:

Established under the Heritage Act 1995, and operating under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht, the Heritage Council provides advice to the Minister, and partners and networks with Local Authorities and a wide range of other organisations and individuals to promote Ireland’s heritage.

National Heritage Week is coordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of the Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 49 countries across Europe.

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NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK KICKS OFF ON SATURDAY WITH OVER 1500 EVENTS

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK KICKS OFF ON SATURDAY WITH OVER 1500 EVENTS

OVER 600,000 PEOPLE EXPECTED AT EVENTS NATIONWIDE

NUMBER OF BUILT HERITAGE PROPERTIES TO OPEN FOR FIRST TIME

Tuesday 14^th August: On Saturday, National Heritage Week will kick off and run for eight days until Sunday 26^th August. Throughout the week, over 1500 events, the majority of which are FREE, will take place across Ireland. Over 600,000 people are expected to attend events, meaning a huge knock-on economic impact for towns and villages across the country.

The message from the Heritage Council, coordinators of National Heritage Week, is to GET INVOLVED. To find out what is happening throughout the week, log on to www.heritageweek.ie, download the free iPhone / Android Heritage Week Event App or pick up a copy of the Event Guide in your local tourist information office.

This year, the Heritage Council has sought to focus on Ireland’s Built Heritage. During the week, over 600 built heritage events will take place with many sites and houses being made accessible to the public for the first time. These include Brownhall in Donegal, Free Masons Hall in Dublin, Courtown House in Kilcock, Stradbally Hall House in Laois, Kilpeacon House in Limerick, Hamwood House and Gardens in Meath, and Bracklyn House in Westmeath.

Speaking ahead of the week, Isabell Smyth, Heritage Council Communications Manager commented, “2012 is shaping up to be the biggest National Heritage Week to date with over 1500 events registered to take place nationwide. This year will be particularly unique in that a number of built heritage properties will open their doors to the public for the first time. Ireland’s built heritage supports over 35,000 jobs and contributes in the order of €1.5 billion to the national economy. The value of our built heritage as an economic resource has for too long been misunderstood and underplayed. This is particularly evident in the case of our tourism offering. . The range and quality of our built heritage environment is a powerful motivating factor for wider tourism and related visitor expenditure, with 1/5 of all out of state visitor expenditure closely attributable to our built heritage.”

The sheer diversity of events taking place during National Heritage Week is what makes it unique. Seven years ago just 500 events took place for National Heritage Week, this year the week has hit a record high. We expect over 600,000 people to attend events across the country during the week and we hope that towns and villages across Ireland will experience a knock-on economic effect as people attend events”, added Ms. Smyth.

For those with an interest in photography, the annual National Heritage Week Photo Competition is now also open for entries. Images do not have to be taken during National Heritage Week but must have been taken in 2012. This year’s theme is Built Heritage. Simply submit an image(s) that you think captures Ireland’s Built Heritage. Images can be the interior or exterior of your favourite building, monument or ruin (historic or contemporary), a feature that captures your imagination (a window, door, handle, stairway), an interesting streetscape, a group of buildings, or examples of where built heritage meets natural heritage. To enter, upload your pictures to the official Heritage Week Photo Competition Site: http://pix.ie/group/heritageweek . The closing date for entries is 31^st August 2012.

To find out more about National Heritage Week pick up one of the 50,000 copies of the National Heritage Week Event Guide which are now available free throughout the country in Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, OPW Sites, Bus Eireann Stations, County Council Offices etc. Complete event listings are also available on the National Heritage Week website, www.heritageweek.ie or on the FREE iPhone / Android Heritage Week App. You can also follow us on Twitter @heritageweek or the Heritage Week Facebook page.

Just some of the built heritage properties which are not normally open to the public but which are opening for National Heritage Week:

Cork – (No public access normally) Guided Tour of Traditional Farm Yard: (20^th August 19.00 – 21.00) (Free) A Guided tour, with Peter Scanlan, of traditional farm buildings with a display of old farm equipment. Venue: Home of John and Cathy Browne, Prospect House, Carrigadrohid, Co. Cork. Organiser Name: Con Dunne, Contact Address: Killinardrish Carrigadrohid Co. Cork. Email: condunne1@hotmail.com Telephone: 087 6904349
Cork - (No public access normally) Public Access to Mercy Order Gardens: (Sunday 19^th August 14.00 – 16.00) (Free) Macroom Mercy Order of Nuns welcome visitors to their gardens! A secluded treed cloister of creative earth adornment and a building model for sustainable communities. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Organiser Name: Teddy Cook Contact Address: Kilbarry, Macroom, Co. Cork. Email: macroomenv@hotmail.com
Donegal – (No public access normally) Brownhall Building Conservation: (23^rd August 14.30 – 16. 30) (Free) Presentation with Tour by Nicholas Prins, highlighting building restoration and preservation efforts at Brownhall, a 17th and 18th Century house. Nicholas Prins is an Irish Architectural Conservation Specialist credited with restoring a number of Irish churches, houses, and buildings. Limited parking; no toilet or catering facilities. Organiser Name: John & Radine Hamilton Contact Address: Brownhall Email: brownhall@eircom.net Telephone: 353 74 9734007
Dublin – (No public access normally) Free Masons Hall: (20^th – 25^th August 11.30 – 13.00 and 18^th – 26^th August 14.30 – 16.00) (Free) Visitors will be guided through the rooms of this Victorian Hall – home of the headquarters of Irish Freemasonry since 1869. Organiser Name: Rebecca Hayes Contact Address: 17 Molesworth Street Dublin 2 Email: archive@freemason.ie Telephone: (01) 6761337
Dublin - (No public access normally) Outhouse Tour and Historical Talk: (21^st August 15.00 – 18.00) (Free) Outhouse LGBT Community Resource Centre is based in an eighteenth century house located at the northern end of Capel Street. We are hosting an open house from 3 – 6 with a talk about the history of the building. Organiser Name: Áine Beamish Contact Address: 105 Capel St. Dublin 1, Email: aine@outhouse.ie, Telephone: 01 873 4999
Dublin - (Public access intermittently during year and for Heritage Week) Deepwell House & Garden Tours: (18^th – 26^th August 10.00 – 13.00) (€7 for house& garden) Occupied continuously since the 1740s, the early cellar vaults of ‘Fairy Hill’ survive but its private beach became a swamp after the first railway in Ireland was opened in 1834. Permission was granted to Richard S. Guinness in 1842 to fill in that swamp and create a walled garden. Then standing on a 1.2ha site overlooking Dublin Bay with Howth Head on the skyline a new house was built in 1857. It was re-named, reflecting the importance of the spring well which provided water for local homes and for watering horses. The present owners acquired the house in 1942. Deepwell is open throughout Heritage Week. A visit to the house to view the art is guided by tour guide. Organiser Name: Breda Conway. Contact Address: Deepwell, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Email: breda.conway@ireland.com Telephone: 01 2887407
Dublin – (Public access intermittently during year) Guided Tour Of Tibradden House: (18^th – 24^th August & 26^th August 14.00 – 18.00) (Free) Guided tour of Tibradden House and local history lecture. Tibradden is a handsome square Victorian house of three bays, built on the site of a Georgian farmhouse in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, overlooking the city and Dublin Bay. The present house was built in 1860 for Thomas Hosea Guinness on land belonging to his wife, Mary Davis, as a wedding present from her father. The design was produced by a Dublin architect, Joseph Maguire, and is his largest and grandest commission. It was constructed by Matthew Gahan, a local builder from nearby Whitechurch. Organiser Name: Selina Guinness Contact Address: Tibradden, Mutton Lane, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Email: selina.guinness@iadt.ie Telephone: 083 1009099
Kildare – (No public access normally) Courtown House, Kilcock: (18^th August 14.30 – 17.00) (Free) Courtown House and Demense is a superb Georgian period residence, which was built c. 1815 by the Aylmer family. Visit by kind invitation of owners. During the 1950s John Heuston and his daughter Angelica who lived there entertained such stars as Maureen O’Hara, Gregory Peck, John Wayne and others. Organiser Name: Pat Given Contact Address: Firmount, Clane, Co. Kildare Email: patkgiven@eircom.net Telephone: 045 868089 (h) 086 243 2359 (m)
Kildare - (Open intermittently during year) Guided Tour of Kildrought House: (18^th August 10.30 – 12.30) (Free) Guided Tour by the owner. Limited number of guests permitted – so please BOOK IN ADVANCE to secure a place. Kildrought House is a Dublin Merchant’s house from 1719 in the heart of Celbridge. Kildrought House was built by Robert Baillie in 1719 to the design of Kildare architect Thomas Burgh who also designed the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. Organiser Name: Sean Darcy, sean.darcy@ie.dsv.com, 087 2552468
Kildare - (Open intermittently during year) Guided Tour of Killadoon House: (18th August 15.00 – 16.00) Guided tour by the owner. Limited number of guests permitted – so please BOOK IN ADVANCE to secure a place. Killadoon House was built circa 1765 and it’s intact decorative scheme dates from the 1820s. From the outside, Killadoon appears a modest Georgian villa of fine proportions with little or-namentation, apart from the fenestration and central tripartite doorway. However, inside Killadoon, there is a sense of grandeur in the noble proportions of the rooms and their detailing. This is typical of Irish country houses of this date: generally plain on the exterior with many windows, just as the Georgian terraces of Dublin display little ornament (apart from their door cases and fanlights). This belies the richness of their interiors with extraordinary rococo and neo-classical plasterwork.Organiser Name: Sean Darcy Email: sean.darcy@ie.dsv.com Telephone: 087 2552468
Kilkenny – (Open intermittently during the year) Tour of Ballysallagh House and Garden: (18^th – 26^th August 9.00 – 13.00) (€5 adult, €2.50 OAP / Student / Children) Introduction to the 18th century house in the local landscape. Ballysallagh House, in the hills north of Kilkenny, is a charming example of an unspoiled house of the early Georgian period. The Purcell family, military allies of the Earls of Ormond, held the surrounding lands, which they forfeited under Cromwell but these were subsequently restored to Nicholas Purcell under a lease.Organiser Name: Geralyn White, Contact Address: Ballysallagh House Kilkenny, Email: geralynmwhite@gmail.com Telephone: 086 2322105
Laois – (No public access normally) Stradbally Hall House Tours: (18^th – 24^th August 09.00 – 13.00) (€10 per person) 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. Home to international boutique arts and music festival Electric Picnic. Come join us on daily house tours throughout Heritage Week. Organiser Name: Thomas Cosby Contact Address: Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois. Email: thomascosby@eircom.net Telephone: 086 8519272
Limerick – (No public access normally) Kilpeacon House Open For Heritage Week: (18^th – 23^rd August 12.00 – 16.00) (Free) Detached three-bay two-storey country house, built c. 1810. This elegant villa, built for Edward Cripps Villiers, is attributed to Sir Richard Morrison. Special opening of property to public. Property can be viewed during times listed. Maximum 25 people. Organiser Name: Heather Holloway, Contact Address: Eagle Lodge, O’Connell Avenue, Limerick. Email: heather.holloway@eaglelodge.ie Telephone: 087 7651988
Limerick - (Open intermittently and for Heritage Week) Guided Tour of Ballinvirick House & Gardens: (18^th – 26^th August 10.14.00) (€5) Visit Ballinvirick House and Gardens for a tour of this early Georgian home with examples of many original features. Max 20 people per tour.Ballinvirick is an example of an early Georgian Irish Country House with formal Gardens, situated about halfway between Askeaton & Adare, County Limerick. The house contains several original architectural features and the property stands on 16 acres of parkland, woodland, formal & informal gardens. The house is presently undergoing renovations. Organiser Name: Kate Fleming, Ballinvirick House, Askeaton, Co. Limerick, katefleming@ireland.com 087 2559216
Meath – (No public access normally) Hamwood House and Gardens: (18^th – 26^th August 14.00 – 18.00) (€5 for House; €5 for Garden ) Hamwood House was built circa 1764 by Charles Hamilton, agent for the Dukes of Leinster, whose family have continuously occupied the property since that date. It was erected as a mid-sized, lime-washed Palladian villa of unusual design. Organiser Name: Anne Hamilton Contact Address: Hamwood, Dunboyne, Co. Meath. Email: Telephone: 01 8255210
Offaly - (Open intermittently and /for Heritage Week) Loughton House: (18^th – 26^th August 14.00 – 16.00) (€5 including refreshment) Guided tour of main rooms of house and flower and vegetable garden including walled garden, water garden and woodland walk. Organiser Name: Dorothy Reilly Contact Address: Loughton, Moneygall, Co. Offaly Email: loughtonreilly@eircom,net Telephone: 050545943
Tipperary – (Open for heritage week) Clashleigh Open House & Garden: (18^th – 26^th August 09.00 -13.00) (€8 per person) Private house and gardens opened especially for Heritage Week. Clashleigh House is a lovely period Georgian home with fine antique furniture and objects throughout. Built in 1810 on the site of an earlier 18th century dwelling, it is a fourteen acre walled estate nestled in a tranquil valley near the lovely Knockmealdown Mountains. Contact Address: Clashleigh House, Clogheen, Co. Tipperary. Email: lizphysio@eircom.net Telephone: 086 8185334
Waterford – (open intermittently during year and for Heritage Week) Guided Historical Tour Of Dromana House: (18^th – 26^th August 14.00 – 18.00) (€5 House, €5 Gardens, €3.50 Concession for both) Dromana House is a true gem, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the strikingly beautiful, unspoilt river Blackwater. It is surrounded by a 600 acre privately owned estate with numerous woodland and garden walks. Several interesting historic follies are also to be seen throughout the grounds including an ancient outer fortification, boathouse and slipway down to the river. This period property has been lovingly maintained by its owners whose family have lived on this location since 1200, the present owner being the 21^st generation. Organiser Name: Barbara Grubb, Contact Address: Dromana House & Gardens, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. Email: bgrubb@eircom.net; Telephone: 024 96144 or 086 8186305.
Waterford – (Open intermittently during year and for heritage week) Curraghmore House & Gardens Guided Tours: (19^th, 21^st & 23^rd Augsut 10.00 -16.00) (€5 Shell House & Gardens Tour €10 House Tour, €15 House, Shell House & Garden Tour) One of Ireland’s foremost and most intact estates that had been developed over hundreds of years and is unique in being occupied by the Power/Beresford family for 900 years. Tours of the House, Shell House, and Gardens are by appointment: 051 387102). The House and Gardens will not be open to visitors during the walk/run on 22nd August. Organiser Name: John Greene, Contact Address: The Square, Donabate, Co. Dublin. Email: info@curraghmorehouse.ie Telephone: 051 387101 or 051 387134
Westmeath – (Not normally open to public) Tours of Bracklyn House: (19^th August 15.00 – 16.30) (Free) Former home of the Fetherstonhaugh family. A substantial and delicately detailed neoclassical country house, which retains its early form, character and much of its early fabric. Tour will comprise a walk through the grounds, entry to the house and a talk on the Fetherstonhaugh family history by Michael Murphy. Special thanks to the Murphy Family (present owners) in helping this event take place. Organiser Name: Bernadette Clancy, Contact Address: 3 Lacora Glen Delvin Co. Westmeath, Email: bbclancy@eircom.net, Telephone: 044 9664658
Wexford – (Open intermittently during year and for Heritage Week) Guided Tours Of Newtownbarry House, Garden Visit & Woodland Walk: (18^th – 24^th August 14.00 -18.00) (€6 House & Garden) Detailed descriptions of historical house and architecture with dates of building, architecture, family history. Newtownbarry House (built 1883 – 89) is one of the last country houses designed by Charles Lanyon (1813-1889), here assisted by his pupil W.H. Lynn (1829-1915) and his son John (d. 1900). Newtownbarry is almost entirely a new structure, both extraordinarily austere and Italianate at the same time. Brief history of local town and dates of garden (when built, when restored) as well as plant species.Organiser Name: Clody & Alice Norton, Newtownbarry House, Bunclody (near Enniscorthy), Co. Wexford. 053 9376383 / 087 0569805

ENDS

Further information:

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630

Isabell Smyth, Heritage Council, 056 777 0 777 / 087 9676889

Note to Editor:

National Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of the Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht,and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 49 countries across Europe.

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