Well done to the 2011 National Heritage Week Event Award Winners who were recognised by the Heritage Council at an awards presentation on February 9th 2012 for their wonderful work during Heritage Week last year.

The award for Best Interactive Event  and Best Overall Event  went to the Tyrrellspass Festival Committee for their Tyrrellspass Festival. This was the first time the festival was held and the objective was to highlight the vast heritage that Tyrrellspass has to offer by creating a community family event incorporating as many elements of the heritage of Tyrrellspass as possible. The 600 year-old castle which was opened for the first time in many years gave a strong medieval theme and provided a foundation for tours, talks and walks. The festival included a medieval parade, a choral evening, bee keeping, arts and crafts, photography exhibitions, bog cutting, nature walks and archaeological walks and talks. All organised on a voluntary basis, the event encouraged access to heritage that isn’t normally available and resulted in ongoing heritage accessibility, engagement and education which is a key aim for National Heritage Week.

Best Community Group/ ENGO/ Individual  was awarded to the Drimoleague Heritage Walkways Committee for their special re-enactment of St. Finbarr’s Pilgrim Walk. The walk included contemplative stops featuring St Finbarr’s life and Gospel. Historical facts and stories were recounted and various topographical features in the landscape were noted. Over 100 people took part in the walk over three days and the event is an example of how National Heritage Week can be used to draw attention to local heritage and revived traditions.

 The award for Most Innovative Event  went to Droichead Arts Centre and the Louth Heritage Office for their event entitled ‘I Am Wall’ which saw nearly 2,500 people all wearing red t-shirts join hands along the medieval town walls of Drogheda raising awareness of the walls and of the towns medieval heritage. The event showed great originality. Its idea and execution demonstrate how a part of our heritage that has all but vanished (only 10% of the walls remain) can be brought back to life through human spirit and creativity.

The NPWS Clara Visitor Centre won the award for Best Childrens Event. Twenty five 7-12 year olds met two local NPWS Conservation Rangers, who were their mentors for the day. The children completed a treasure hunt activity in the Visitor Centre. This activity was designed to enable children to learn basic map reading skills, and to encourage them to explore and reflect upon the Centre’s interactive multimedia exhibition which explains all about the wildlife of Clara Bog. During the field trip the Mini Rangers experienced the wet and soggy nature of a living raised bog. They discovered the plants and animals that live on Clara Bog, learned how to identify a range of species and recorded their findings. The children were encouraged to use their creativity to create a wildlife scene using a mixture of natural materials and other media to form a collage. The event was an excellent example of a very well structured well thought out educational and fun event for young children introducing them to our natural heritage.

Wednesday 5^th October 2011: A picture of the interior of Christchurch Cathedral by David Soanes from Tallaght, Dublin has been awarded the top prize in the 2011 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 2011 was about history, culture and nature. The competition has been a great success with over 2500 images entered. We were delighted to receive so many engaging pictures of our diverse and rich heritage”.

The photo entitled ‘Gothic Splendor’ which won the Adult Category (21+) was taken by David Soanes.  The picture illustrates the vibrant red colour of the modern chair cushions in Christchurch Cathedral within the dramatic setting of the cathedral. 

Winner of the Youth Category (Youth 13-20 years) was Ben Whitley, aged 14 from Nobber, Co. Meath with his picture of the native ‘Red Squirrel’ taken on the Cooley Peninsula. 

Winner of the Junior Category (Junior 7-12 years) was Patrick Dougherty from Paul Gunnarsson, aged 12 from Carrigaline, Co. Cork with his picture ‘Brief Encounter’.

“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. 2011 was the most successful National Heritage Week to date with nearly 1500 events taking place and a significant rise in attendance figures reported nationwide. We are delighted to announce that the dates for National Heritage Week 2012 have been set for the 18^th – 26^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 – David Soanes from Tallaght, Co. Dublin with ‘Gothic Splendor’

Runners Up – Andrew Joy from Killarney, Co. Kerry with ‘Into Our Hands’

and Lee Downey from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal with ‘Changing times of Magheroarty Coastline’

Youth Category:

Winner – Ben Whitley aged 14 from Nobber, Co. Meath with ‘Red Squirrel’

Runner Up –Aoife Hosey aged 18 from Quinagh, Co. Carlow with ’Living on the Edge’

Junior Category:

Winner – Paul Gunnarsson from Carrigaline, Co. Cork with ‘Brief Encounter

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.

Further information:  

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

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630

Best Overall Event

Event: Tyrellspass Festival
Organisers: Tyrellpass Festival Committee 

Best Interactive Event

Event: Tyrellspass Festival
Organisers: Tyrellpass Festival Committee

Most Innovative Event

Event: I Am Wall
Organisers: Brendan McSherry, Louth Heritage Officer and Marcella Bannon, Drogheda Arts Centre

Best Childrens Event

Event: Mini Ranger Day
Organisers: NPWS, Clara Bog Visitor Centre

Best Community Group/ENGO/Individual

Event: St. Finbarrs Pilgrim Walk
Organisers:  Drimoleague Heritage Walkways Committee

Sincere commiserations to those who submitted entries and were pipped at the post but unfortunately as much as we’d like to we can’t give an award to everyone. Although the standard of submissions was very high our winners demonstrated great commitment, enthusiasm and imagination regarding the concepts and organisation of their events. Well done to the over 750 event organisers that took part in National Heritage Week this year. Looking forward to next year already! For more info about the winning events see below.

Winner of Best Overall Event and Best Interactive Event

Event: Tyrellspass Festival
Organisers: Tyrellpass Festival Committee

The objective was to highlight the vast heritage that Tyrrellspass has to offer by creating a community family event incorporating as many elements of the heritage of Tyrrellspass as possible. The castle 600 years old gave a strong medieval theme and provided a foundation for tours, talks and walks. The event included as many free events as possible making it accessible to all. The event was 3 day festival.

There was a grand parade which encouraged young Sport and Events groups to part take and dress in medieval costume. This encouraged them to read up on the traditional dress. This led to the 600 year old castle for a crowning of our king and queen. 

The bog walk was not only historical as it informed of the traditional bog cutting, but archaeological as the croghan man and other bog bodies were discussed as well as the flora and fauna. This was attended by young and old. Over 200 people attended guided tours of Tyrrellspass Castle which do not normally take place. The castle is a fortified tower house over 600 years old and the interest shown has spured on the owners to open it more often to the public. Choral evening with local musicians and singers were held in the St. Sinians; a heritage building and one with a fascinating history. Many had never been inside before. The sunday fete had a number of educational elements including a bee keeper with a live display of bees, arts and crafts for young children and an art/photo exhibitions by local artists and photographers.

Judges comments: This event encouraged access to heritage that isn’t normally available and resulted ongoing heritage accessibility, engagement and education which is a key aim for National Heritage Week.

Most Innovative Event

Event: I Am Wall
Organisers: Brendan McSherry, Louth Heritage Officer and Marcella Bannon, Drogheda Arts Centre

The aim was to bring the walls of Drogheda to life and to allow the people of Drogheda reclaim their Walled Town heritage. The people of Drogheda to come out and hold hands right around the line of the former town walls circuit (or as close to it as we could get). As we were told that red is the most noticeable colour, we asked the participants to wear red. 2,000 red ‘I am Wall’ T-shirts were printed and these were either collected by participants before the day of the event or were handed out on the day itself.

More than 2,000 people took part. They were on site by 11:45, on the Sunday morning. The signal to join hands was the now traditional ringing of the bells of all the churches of Drogheda at midday. Hands were held while an Air Corps helicopter we had borrowed flew over the town photographing the crowds below.  The roar of the cannons on the Millmount, Drogheda’s castle (originally a motte and bailey fortress) signalled the time to let the wall break apart again, at a quarter past twelve. We also had demonstrations of medieval crafts and traditional building skills.

Judges comments: This event showed great originality. Its idea and execution demonstrate how a part of our heritage that has all but vanished (only 10% of the walls remain) can be brought back to life through human spirit and creativity.

Best Childrens Event

Event: Mini Ranger Day
Organisers: NPWS, Clara Bog Visitor Centre 

The free event was designed to fulfil the following objectives in an entertaining and fun manner:

• To introduce children to the function of the National Parks and Wildlife Service
• To enable children to discover the flora and fauna of raised bog habitats
• To instil a sense of pride for their local natural heritage
• To evoke a creative response to the natural world

The day long event was fully booked, and was attended by 25 children between the ages of 7 and 12 – all of whom were keen to undergo the required training to become a Mini Ranger.

The children spent the day with NPWS Conservation Rangers and Guide staff. The day started with activities in the Clara Bog Visitor Centre, after which the children embarked on a field trip to Clara Bog. The day ended with an art and craft session back at the Centre, and all the participants were presented with Mini Ranger Certificates. 

The children met two local NPWS Conservation Rangers, who were to be their mentors for the day. The Rangers talked to the children about their role and function, and showed the children some of the vast array of equipment that they might use on a daily basis and explained how it all worked.The children completed a treasure hunt activity in the Visitor Centre. This activity was designed to enable children to learn basic map reading skills, and to encourage them to explore and reflect upon the Centre’s interactive multimedia exhibition which explains all about the wildlife of Clara Bog. During the field trip the Mini Rangers experienced the wet and soggy nature of a living raised bog. They discovered the plants and animals that live on Clara Bog, learned how to identify a range of species and recorded their findings. The children were encouraged to use their creativity to create a wildlife scene using a mixture of natural materials and other media to form a collage.

Judges Comments: This is an excellent example of a very well structured well thought out educational and fun event for young children introducing them to our natural heritage. 

Best Community Group/ENGO/Individual

Event: St. Finbarrs Pilgrim Walk
Organisers:  Drimoleague Heritage Walkways Committee 

An ancient oral tradition in Drimoleague states that St. Finbarr “having admonished the people to return to Christ, went on his way to Gougane Barra”. For centuries local people walked the route as a pilgrimage on 25^th September each year. Three years ago the 34km path from the Top of the Rock to Gougane Barra was re-opened, and it is being well used as a pilgrim route once again. This particular National Heritage Week event was a special re-enactment of the pilgrim walk, with contemplative stops along the way, featuring St Finbarr’s life and Gospel; simple meals in local homes on the route; and a remarkable atmosphere of camardrie and community spirit which evolved along the way. Thirty six people walked each day; the weather was perfect and the scenery was at its best. Already many are enquiring about next year’s event.

Along the way stops were made each day at significant points on the route and historical facts and stories were recounted and various topographical features in the landscape were noted. 

Judges comments: This event is an example of how National Heritage Week can be used to draw attention to local heritage and revived traditions making both accessible to all during a week when the spotlight is on our heritage both locally and nationally.

National Heritage Week Survey

Over 1400 events were registered to take place during National Heritage Week which runs until Sunday 28^th August. The majority of events are free to attend. For a full list of events in your area over the next few days, log on www.heritageweek.ie or download the free Heritage Week iPhone App to search by date, location, event type or keyword. 

Speaking as the week approaches its final weekend, Michael Starrett, CEO of the Heritage Council said, “National Heritage Week has been a fantastic success this year. We have seen a record number of events taking place during the week and have reports of extremely high attendance levels at events nationwide”.

Just some of the events which people can still get involved in over the next few days are listed below. To avoid disappointment contact event organisers to check if booking is required. 

• Meath – Feis Teamhra: A Turn at Tara (Free) 28^th August 15:00 -17:00. Hill of Tara, Co. Meath. Poet Paul Muldoon, author Paul Murray, musicians Susan McKeown, Laoise Kelly & AIdan Brennan and guests perform at Tara. Event Organiser/Organisation: Susan McKeown, Email: sumckeown@yahoo.com, Telephone: 087-934-5045 
• Clare & Cork – Open Day At Loop Head Lightkeepers’ House & Galley Head Lightkeepers’ Houses (Free), 28^th August 10:00 – 16:00. Loop Head Lightkeepers’ House, Kilbaha, Clare and  Galley Head Lightkeepers’ Houses, Clonakilty, The Irish Landmark Trust rescues and restores Ireland’s built heritage. Come and experience an authentically restored C19th lightkeepers’ house. Self-guided tour of these restored properties now available as a holiday home. Child supervision is required due to coastal location. Event Organizer: The Irish Landmark Trust, Caroline Crowley, caroline@irishlandmark.com, 01 6704733.  
• Donegal – Medieval Weapons and Medieval Magic Displays (Free), 28^th August 14:00 – 17:00. Donegal Castle, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal. Medieval weaponry display, talk and magic show. Event Organizer: Donegal Castle, Sean McLoone, donegalcastle@opw.ie, 074 9722405. 
• Dublin – Concert ‘Traditional Irish Music In The Gardens With Mick O’Brien, Family & Friends’ (Free), 28^th August 15:00 – 17:00. National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.  Mick O’Brien and his entourage will play a selection of music on banjo, fiddle, harp, uilleann pipes and whistle. This ’seisiún’ will be held outdoors weather permitting. Event Organizer: National Botanic Garden, Felicity Gaffney, botanicgardens@opw.ie, 01 8570909.
• Dublin – Garden Squares Day: St. Stephens Green (Free) 27^th August 10.00 – 17.00. St. Stephen’s Green. Enjoy walking tours, play chess against Grandmaster Baburin, laze on the grass to the Concert band or dance the Tango Argentino. Celebrate Dublin’s 2nd Garden Squares Day. See www.dublincivictrust.com for full info or email info@dublincivictrust.ie Event Organiser: Dublin Civic Trust, Rebecca Jeffares, Email: rebjeff@utvinternet.com, Telephone: 087 9537959 
• Wexford – Traditional Boat Building Workshop (Free) Saturday 27^th August 2.30 – 5.30.  Boat Building Shed, Seaview House, Hantoon Rd., Maudlintown, Wexford. A hands on workshop in how to build a Wexford Cot, a traditional wooden clinker built boat. Including: hands on experience, videos of boats being built and a demonstration of sailing. Very suitable for children. Event Organiser: Southend Family Resource Centre, Murt Flynn, Email: southend1@eircom.net, Telephone: 053 9126027 
• Kilkenny – Demonstration on Making Stained Glass (Free), 27^th August 10:30 – 12:00. Workshop of Joe Sheridan, Newtown, Kells. Demonstration on the making of stained glass. Event Organizer: Callan Heritage Societ, Philip Lynch, joekennedy@esatclear.ie, 056 7725309.
• Carlow – Slí na Scéacha Workshop With Nature Storytelling Session Including Dance (Free), 27^th August 12:00 – 16:00. The Forge, Kilbride, Ballon. Nature interactive, walk, talk around the new Slí na Scéacha. Traditional story telling session with dance. Bring a picnic or eat in the Forge. Donations may be made to the Carlow, Kilkenny Homecare Team, Event Organizer: Ballon Improvement Group, Máire George, mairegeorge@gmail.com, 087 2424934. 
• Laois – Geology Weekend Focusing on the Upper Carboniferous (Free) Friday 26^th August   8 – 9.30pm, Saturday 27^th August 10am – 4pm and Sunday 28^th August 10am  – 2pm. Kinnitty Community Centre as base, Kinnitty, Slieve Blooms. Geologist John Feehan will lead a 3 day programme with field trips in Laois and Offaly on Sat and Sun. Introductory lecture Friday. Places are limited.. Event Organiser: Offaly Naturalist’s Field Club, Amanda Pedlow, Booking essential with heritage@offalycoco.ie or 057 9346839 
• Offaly – Go Bats In Daingean: Walk And Talk (Free) 27^th August 8.30 – 10pm Daingean Town Hall, Daingean, Offaly. A talk and presentation on the habits of bats in and around Daingean followed by a walk around the town with bat detectors. Event Organiser: Daingean Development Association, Email: daingeandevelopment@gmail.com, Telephone: 087 7476589  
• Sligo – Benwiskin Centre Heritage Day (Free) Sunday 28^th August 6-8pm. The Benwiskin Centre, Ballintrillick. Bread making, jam making, hay ropes, basket making, knitting, crochet work, story telling and an introduction to the popular 25 card drive (card game). Event Organiser: Ballintrillick Environmental Group Ltd, email: info@benwiskincentre.com, Telephone: 071 9176721 

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.

For the next nine days over 370,000 people are expected to take part in National Heritage Week, which kicks off tomorrow Saturday 20^th August and runs until the 28^th August. This year the week has hit a new record with over 1400 events 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.

Throughout the week people will have the opportunity to experience a diverse range of events from learning how the 1916 proclamation was printed at the National Print Museum, exploring lightkeepers’ houses along the coast, seeing a medieval weapons display in County Donegal, listening to a traditional music session with Mick O’Brien & family in the Botanical Gardens Glasnevin, touring the tower and ringing room of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, hearing the tales of the famous White Mice of the Casino Mario, exploring the mystery of Tara in Meath or even following Obama’s tour of Offaly. 

For the first year ever, people will now be able to find out what is happening in their area while they are out and about by downloading the free iPhone app – Heritage Week Events 2011. Full event listings are also available on www.heritageweek.ie .  

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 is well over double the 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. For those who have the gift of the gab, you can enter the National Heritage Week Tell Tale Storytelling Competition. Simply record an audio or video file of your tale or memory about your favourite place (fact or fiction), favourite folk tale or fictional story about Irish / European heritage and send it to heritageweektelltale@gmail.com . Stories can be recorded on your smart phone or camera. Prizes include a weekend for two at Kinnitty Castle and a €300 One4All Voucher.

For those who think they have that photographic eye the challenge is to take a photo which you think captures Your History, Your Culture and Your Nature and enter it into the National Heritage Week Photography Competition. Photos can be submitted to http://pix.ie/group/heritageweek  Prizes include a €500 Irish Landmark Trust Weekend Stay Voucher. 

For updates on events throughout the week, download the free iPhone app Heritage Week Events 2011 or log on to www.heritageweek.ie. You can also follow us on Twitter @heritageweek or the Heritage Week Facebook page. 

ENDS

Further information:

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630 

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.

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.

National Heritage Week runs from Saturday 20^th – Sunday 28^th August. Over 1400 events are scheduled to take place nationwide during the nine day celebration of our heritage, the majority of which are free of charge. 

As well as attending events on Saturday you can also play your part and enter the National Heritage Week Tell Tale Storytelling Competition. Simply record an audio or video file of your tale or memory about your favourite place (fact or fiction), favourite folk tale or fictional story about Irish / European heritage and send it to heritageweektelltale@gmail.com . Stories can be recorded on your smart phone or camera. Supporting the Tell Tale Storytelling Competition are 2FM DJ Rick O’Shea, TG4 Weather Presenter Cormac Ó Loideán have all recorded their own tales for National Heritage Week. Their tales will shortly be available to view on www.heritageweek.ie and the Heritage Week Facebook page. 

Speaking about National Tell Tale Day Conor Newman, Heritage Council Chairman said, “storytelling is a tradition that for many of us has been lost due to a lack of time and an overreliance on technology. The simple act of telling a tale brings an added dimension to our sense of place, connecting us to our landscape and historic sites, as they are brought to life. The utterance of a place name makes us think of all kinds of memories – the feel of the neighbourhood; gangs of kids playing, different characters, smells. All of those things are intangible and there is no record of them except in your head and in the heads of all the people that were there too. Telling stories about places is a remarkable tradition in Ireland. We have an amazing archive of stories which are better and more complete than any other country in the world. We are encouraging people to get involved in National Tell Tale Day and take the opportunity to tell a story that has a particular meaning to them. There are a diverse range of storytelling themed events taking place on Saturday to celebrate National Tell Tale Day”.  

A full list of events taking place this Saturday and throughout National Heritage Week which is available free throughout the country in Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, OPW Sites, Bus Eireann Stations, County Council Offices etc. 

A snapshot of the storytelling events taking place this Saturday for National Tell Tale Day:

• Cavan – Celebrating Our Landscapes (Free) Saturday 20^th August 2- 5pm. Join local poets, seanchaithe and musicians for a family friendly afternoon of storytelling and puppetry to celebrate the landscapes of West Cavan. This event includes refreshments. Event Organiser/Organisation: Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark in association with Cavan County Heritage Office. Venue: The Old Railway Station, Belturbet,Railway Road, Belturbet, Co. Cavan.
• Cork – Hill Walk with Tall Tales (Free) 12 – 2pm. A hill walk with local stories. Views of west cork and beyond. Event Organiser/Organisation: Reenascreena Community Action Group.  Venue: Carrigfadda Hill, Carrigfadda Reenascreena, Rosscarbery, Cork-County. Organiser Name: Tedd Coakley, Contact Address: Reenascreena Co Cork Email: tacoakley@eircom.net Telephone: 0868757341.
• Dublin – Magic Lantern Show with Readings of the Short Stories of Patrick Pearse by Cois Tine (Free) Saturday 20^th August 7 – 8.30pm.  Readings of some of the short stories of P. H. Pearse accompanied by magic lantern             illuminations and live fiddle music. NOTE: Admission is free but places must be booked on 01 4934208. Event Organiser/Organisation: Pearse Museum/ St. Enda’s Park. Venue: Pearse Museum / St. Enda’s Park, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 Organiser Name: Brian Crowley Email: brian.crowley@opw.ie Telephone: 01 4934208.
• Dublin – The Casino Tails of Marino Mice with the 18th century Mouse Master (Free) Saturday 20^th August 3- 4.30pm. Join an exciting tour with the18th century Mouse Master to hear the story of the famous White Mice of the Casino Marino. Event Organiser/Organisation: Casino Marino, Venue:        Casino Marino, Cherrymount Crescent, Malahide Road, Marino, Dublin 3. Organiser Name: Michael Doyle. Email: casinomarino@opw.ie Telephone: 01-8331618.
• Dublin – Reading With Author Tom McCaughren (Free) Saturday 20^th August 12 – 1pm. Author Tom McCaughren reads from his award winning fox books including Run with the Wind and Run Swift, Run Free. Suitable for children 9 – 12 years. Admission is free but booking is required. To book please call 01 603 0317. Event Organiser/Organisation: National Library Of Ireland Venue: National Library of Ireland, Kildare St, Dublin 2, Dublin City. Organiser Name: Sarah O`Connor Email: soconnor@nli.ie Telephone: 01 603 0317.
• Donegal – Tell Tale (Free) Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> August  11am – 1pm. Storytelling tales, pavement art and a nature treasure hunt – what more could a child under 12 years old want? Tales of faeries, giants and much more brought to life by library staff and children sharing together. Event Organiser/Organisation: Milford Community Library, Venue: Milford Community Library, Main Street, Milford, Donegal. Organiser Name: Karen Sheehy. Email: milford@donegallibrary.ie Telephone: 074 9153927.
• Galway – Storytime at Athenry Castle in Conjunction with National Tell Tale Day (Free) Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> August 3 – 4pm. Storytime for children under 8 yrs. in conjunction with National Tell Tale Day. Event Organiser/Organisation: The Office of Public Works, Venue: Athenry Castle, Athenry Town, Galway. Organiser Name: Fiona Cannon. Email: athenrycastle@opw.ie Telephone: 091-844797.
• Kerry – Of Sea-dragons, Mermaids And Hermit Kings: Hear The Tales Of St. Brendan The Navigator (Free) Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> August  3- 4pm. Hear the tales of Kerry’s favourite Saint who is credited with the discovery of America 1000 years before Columbus. This story telling event is organized by the Saint Brendan Heritage Committee. NOTE: Follow us on Facebook via The St. Brendan Visitor Centre or Twitter (StBrendan1). Event Organiser/Organisation: Cumann Bhreanainn, Venue: St. Brendan Heritage Park Fenit, Kerry. Email: gearoidod@eircom.net Telephone: 087 2522902.
• Limerick – Myths And Legends Of The Hunt Museum Tour (Free) Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> August  2.15 – 3.15 pm. Discover the myths and legends of The Hunt Museum. Join us as we unlock the stories behind the stories and explain the inexplicable! Event Organiser/Organisation: The Hunt Museum, Venue: The Hunt Museum, Customs House, Rutland Street, Limerick. Organiser Name: Dr Dominique Bouchard Email: education@huntmuseum.com Telephone: 061 312833.
• Longford - Tell A Tale Day: The Magic Story Bag (Free) Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> August  3- 4pm. Celebrate Tell a Tale Day with the guides. Can you create your own story? Enter Tallest Tale Competition and win a prize. For 7-12 years. Storytelling fun and games with the guides. Create stories and a prize for the ‘Tallest Tale’. 7 – 12 years. Adult Supervision required. Event Organiser/Organisation: Corlea Trackway/OPW Venue: Corlea Trackway, Keenagh, Longford, Organiser Name: Mary Forbes Contact Address: Corlea Trackway, Keenagh, Co. Longford. Email: corlea@opw.ie Telephone: 043 33 22386
• Roscommon - Storytelling: Your Memories of Strokestown Park House (Free) Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> August  2 – 3pm. Share a memory of a visit to Strokestown. Relax on the grass and listen to experiences, memories, secrets, and yarns, then tell your own! Part of National Tell Tale Day. Meet at Woodland Walk Café in the park. Event Organiser/Organisation: Strokestown Park, Venue: Strokestown Park, Strokestown, Roscommon. Organiser Name: John O`Driscoll. Email:  HeritageWeekStrokestown@gmail.com Telephone: 071 963 3013.
• Wexford – Launch of Oral History Interviews (Free) Saturday 20^th August  2.30 – 3.30 County Wexford Oral History Programme launch of Poulpeasty people talking about their lives, stories and aspects of local life which are quickly disappearing. Hear about school and childhood, work, trades and crafts, fairs and festivals, shopping and lots more. Venue: New Ross Library Barrack Lane, New Ross, Wexford Organiser Name: Dearbhla Ní Laighin Contact Address: New Ross Library, Barrack Lane New Ross, Co. Wexford. Email:  newrosslib@wexfordcoco.ie Telephone: 051 421 877.
• Laois – To BEE or Not to BEE Natural Heritage Event (Free) Saturday 20^th August  2 – 4pm. This interactive theatre game ‘To BEE or not to BEE’ is a riddle set by carnival characters, Shaky and Spear. What is the best way to mind the earth? Evolution or Revolution? Enter the carnival game and spin the Wheel of Fortune, open the Book of the Future and see what challenges face you. Event Organiser/Organisation: Portarlington Community Development Association – Art and Heritage Venue: Derryounce Woods- Beside Spa Bridge, Portarlington, Laois Organiser Name: Celia Deverell. Contact Address: Portarlington Community Centre, Email: sandracarrpcda@gmail.com Telephone: 057 864 5728.
• Mayo - National Tell Tale Day: A Tales Of Wildlife (Free) Saturday 20^th August  2 – 3pm. Listen to tales of wildlife from near and far. Feel free to come and tell your own tales of wildlife during the story telling. Event Organiser/Organisation: Ballycroy National Park. Venue: Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre, Ballycroy, Mayo. Organiser Name: Mags Flaherty. Email: ballycroyvisitorcentre@environ.ie Telephone: 098 49888.
• Waterford - Storytelling with Neil de Búrca (Free) Saturday 20^th August  11am – 12.30pm. Storytelling with Neil de Búrca who captivates his audiences with his range of tales from the lively and funny to the ghoulish and absurd! Event Organiser/Organisation: Waterford County Council Venue: Central Library, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, Waterford. Organiser Name: Bernadette Guest Contact Address: Waterford County Council, Civic Offices, Dungarvan. Email: bguest@waterfordcoco.ie Telephone: 058 22000.
• Westmeath - The Tale Of The Wicked Earl (Free) Saturday 20^th August  2 – 4pm. Hear the Tale of The Wicked Earl, Robert Rochfort who imprisoned his young wife Mary Molesworth for 31 years for an alleged infidelity. A guided tour by Bartle D’Arcy Belvedere General Manager, explaining the series of tragic events that shaped the destiny of the estate forever. Event Organiser/Organisation: Belvedere House Gardens & Park, Venue: Belvedere House Gardens and Park, Mullingar, Westmeath. Organiser Name: Bartle D`Arcy Contact Address: Belvedere House Gardens and Park, Mullingar, Westmeath. Email: bdarcy@westmeathcoco.ie Telephone: 044 9349060.

 “In addition to these storytelling events, there are a wide range of other events taking place nationwide during National Heritage Week. It is the diversity of these events that makes the week so unique. 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 is over double the size and this is a direct result of the increasing levels of community involvement we are seeing nationwide, in particular among volunteer groups. Last year, over 370,000 people attended events throughout the week, with over 1300 events already registered for 2011 we expect this year to be the biggest National Heritage Week to date”, added Ms. Smyth.  

To enter the National Heritage Week Tell Tale Storytelling Competition simply record your tale and email an audio / video file of your story to heritageweektelltale@gmail.com. Don’t forget to give your story a title and state which age group you are entering. The competition is open to those 15 years and older.  Tales should be no more than 3-5 minutes in length. Stories may be in the public domain and posted on the National Heritage Week Facebook page. The winning story in each category will be decided by a panel of heritage experts. Prizes include a weekend for two in Kinnity Castle and €300 shopping voucher. The competition will open on Saturday 20^th August and close on Tuesday 13^th September. 

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

ENDS

Further information:

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630 

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 49 countries across Europe.

Finding out what’s happening near you for National Heritage Week has been made easier with the launch today of the first National Heritage Week iPhone app – Heritage Week Events 2011. Available to download free, the app allows you to search for events by location, date and category.

As you browse through the events you can bookmark the events you want to attend by using the app’s ‘favourite’ feature, ensuring that all your chosen events are listed in one place. The app allows you to share events you are going to or your experiences with your friends via your Facebook page. If you fancy inviting your friends along to any of your favourite events you can also create a Facebook Event page. Detailed within each event listing are all the details you need for a great day out including whether the event is outdoors, timings, booking requirements if necessary, accessibility, suitability for children etc.

National Heritage Week takes place nationwide from Saturday 20^th – Sunday 28^th August 2011. There are over 1300 events due to take place across the country, the majority of which are free of charge. If you feel like experiencing Irish folklore, visiting a walled town, exploring the Irish landscape or just need an event to entertain the under 12’s in your family, the app’s category search will help you find the perfect event for you. 

Speaking about the iPhone app Michael Starrett, CEO of the Heritage Council said, “we are seeing a true meeting of the old and the new with the launch today of this National Heritage Week iPhone app. A key element of National Heritage Week is its accessibility and inclusion of all, young and old. In addition to the dedicated Heritage Week website and Event Guide, production of this iPhone app is the next step in our commitment to promoting the diverse range of events taking place nationwide throughout the week”.

The app which is available to download free from the Apple App Store was commissioned by the Heritage Council and developed by Arekibo.

ENDS

Further information:

Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications, 01 7038604 / 086 3846630

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 49 countries across Europe.