COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE ENCOURAGED TO BE PART OF NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK 2012
COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE ENCOURAGED TO BE PART OF NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK 2012
HERITAGE COUNCIL CALLING ON OWNERS OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS TO MAKE THEM ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
Communities nationwide are today being encouraged by the Heritage Council to get involved in National Heritage Week by organising an event in their town or village. National Heritage Week 2012 takes place nationwide from 18th – 26th 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.
Speaking about the week, Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education at the Heritage Council said, “Every year people’s involvement National Heritage Week continues to grow. Last year we saw 1500 events take place nationwide and we expect to see an increase on that number again this year. This year we are focusing on promoting Ireland’s wonderful built heritage. Our feedback tells us that there is a huge demand to access historic buildings not usually open to the public. We hope that all owners and managers of historic buildings will take part in the week’s events and make them accessible to the public. It doesn’t matter whether your building is in public or private use or if it is a stately home, medieval castle, Norman tower or vernacular cottage- take part and contribute to the success of the week!
The majority of the events that take place during the week are community based. Many people that organise events do so out of passion and enthusiasm for their local heritage. The week is one of community participation, engagement and most importantly fun. The week is open to everyone; you can get involved by organising your own event, attending events or volunteering with local groups in your area”.
To register your event log on to www.heritageweek.ie . All events registered by 31st May 2012 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.
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. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself.
For further information, log on to www.heritageweek.ie, email heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie or CallSave 1850 200 878
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:
Rebecca Reynolds, National Heritage Week Coordinator, 0861719467
Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education, The Heritage Council, 056 7770777 / 087 967 6889
Michelle Tritschler, MKC Communications 01 703 8604 / 086 3846630
