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Looking for some last minute ideas to entertain the kids this weekend? National Heritage Week runs until Sunday 30th August. There are hundreds of events taking place over the next three days which are ideal for entertaining kids over the last weekend of the summer holidays.
"National Heritage Week has been a great success so far and I would encourage people who haven’t had a chance to enjoy any of the events to log on to www.heritageweek.ie and check out what is happening in their county this weekend", commented Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications at the Heritage Council.
People are also being reminded to capture their experiences and upload photos to enter the National Heritage Week Photo Competition. Up to five photos can be submitted into each of the three categories; Natural Heritage, Built Heritage and Cultural Heritage. Log on to www.pix.ie/go/heritageweek and upload your images before 13th September 2009.
National Heritage Week Events this Weekend
- Cavan:Rocky Roadshow Give your Junior Explorer the chance to learn about the natural landscape of the Geopark with hands-on activities. Aimed at children under 15. 29 August : 12:00 - 16:00
- Cork:Heritage Open Day - Cork Heritage Open Day is a unique event celebrating the amazing architecture and history of the built heritage of the Cork City Region. Over 30 Heritage buildings will open free of charge for one day only. A list of buildings is available on the website www.corkheritageopenday.ie (29 August : 09:00 - 17:00)
- Cork: Living History & Military Displays - Dave Swift of Claiomh will demonstrate the arms and armour used during the 17th century Desmond Wars in Munster (29 August : 12:00 - 17:00)
- Dublin: Heritage on Board the Spirit of the Docklands (courtesy of Dublin Docklands Development Authority), with Pat Liddy, writer & historian. A boat trip along by the changing Liffey Landscape with commentary by writer and historian Pat Liddy 29 August : 14:45 - 16:45.
- Dublin: Bat Walk & Talk. Bring torches and insect repellent. Meet at the lake behind Terenure College 29 August : 20:30 - 22:30
- Dublin: Merrion Square Open Day A day of special events celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of Merrion Square and its surroundings Visitors will have an opportunity to see properties not often open to the public and enjoy special talks, walks, workshops, and music in historic churches in a programme with something for everyone. 29 August : 10:00 - 17:00
- Galway: Grand Opening of the new Bio Diversity Garden at Doorus OrchardCommunity Garden: Opening of our new demonstration Bio-Diversity Garden, with pond and bog garden. Learn all about how to encourage wildlife into your garden 30 August : 14:00 - 16:00.
- Galway: 'FAYRE DAY' at Portumna Castle. A Fayre day in the 17th/18th Century had a variety of stalls with refreshments, games and challenging competitions for all the Family. 'Fairytails' -Fancy Dress, face painting, Refreshment and local goods Stalls, Historical Games, Speakers Corner, Archery, Competitions and guessing games, entertainment for all on the day. 30 August : 14:00 - 17:30
- Kerry: Guided Tour Of Birds Of The Iveragh Peninsula & Habitats (29 August : 12:00 - 14:00)
- Kerry: Lecture And Food Tasting: No Spuds Please - Food In Medieval Ireland - Fancy a pigeon pie? Hear all about food in the Middle Ages and have a taste (if you dare!) (29 August : 17:00 - 18:00)
- Kildare: Welly Walk Through Castletown House Parklands Join Cathriona Russell, Horticulturist, on this wonderful nature walk for all the family to enjoy 30 August : 12:00 - 13:30.
- Longford: 'Weapons from the Past' Find out about Viking swords, stone tipped arrow heads and longbows from Christopher Read, lecturer of Archaeology, Sligo I.T. 29 August : 15:00 - 16:00.
- Mayo: The Jackie Clarke Library And Archives - Unveiled - Ireland's Newest National Treasure: The newly discovered Jackie Clarke Library and Archives - a collection of 100,000 items covering 400 years of Irish history is unveiled. 30th August : 13:00 - 17:00.
- Offaly: Commemoration of the World's First Motoring Fatality: Mary Ward, Birr, 1869. Speakers: The Countess of Rosse, Isobelle Fallon, Medical Doctor, Denis Dowdall, Chairman of Gordon Bennett Car Rally. After the lectures, all are invited to the site of the accident nearby for the unveiling of a commemorative storyboard. 29 August : 14:00 - 16:30.
- Waterford: The Wake Room History At The Cosy Thatch - The pub is where news and entertainment was shared, alcohol, tobacco and groceries were bought and wakes took place. The original wake room is still as it was all those years ago. The Cosy Thatch is the last of thirteen vernacular cottages that made up the old village of kilmeaden. The cottage dates from 1475. 26th-30th August 11.00-19.00.
- Wexford: Raven Wood Nature Reserve Wildlife Walk for Budding Photographic Enthusiasts - A walk through Raven Wood to look at the many flowers, butterflies and dragonflies with lots of stops to practice your photography skills. (29 August: 14:00 - 15:30).
For full event listings click here
National Heritage Week is co-ordinated by The Heritage Council and funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 49 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 Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 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 co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.
Further information:
Michelle Guinan, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630
Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education, The Heritage Council, 087 967 6889