Inchcleraun: Explore an island of ancient natural and water heritage*SOLD OUT*

Sold Out,. Waiting List in operation via email address below

The event involves building on last year’s heritage day exploration of the Island of Inchcleraun during National Heritage Week 2023. This event involved local Islander Herbert Farrell displaying the island for the first time as a public event. The island has unique significance as the site of St. Diarmuids Monastery and folklore links to Queen Maebh’s last dwelling as well as historic links to the religious society of friends (Quakers) whose representatives returned to the Island for the event last year. Herberts work in promoting biodiversity and sustainable farming as well his water quality testing was also discussed on the day.

This year’s event will focus on a scientific academic tour hosted by LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme) with Herbert Farrell on the island looking at key aspects across its built, natural and water environments. The farm walk style event is insured by the Leitrim organic farmers co-operative in Drumshanbo. Community water officers, Cathal Flood and Eanna Hyland from LAWPRO will discuss the Lough Ree SAC/SPAs and its context in term of water quality and biodiversity. NPWS ranger Susan Moles will attend on the day and will present with Herbert on his NPWS farm plan. Tim Coughlan from the Religious society of friends will speak on the influential presence of the quaker society throughout our history as this is the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Quaker Society. Elaine Conroy, local archaeologist will speak on the importance of the monastic site and development of early Christianity from pagan Ireland. Herbert will discuss the sustainable practices he operates as the tour progresses and will speak at the Farrell home place on the Island. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the oldest Irish native breeds in the country; Droimeann cattle and the old Lough Ree Irish Goat. Eanna Hyland will conclude the tour at Meadbh's well to close the event.

Attendees will gain an appreciation and understanding of the incredible heritage and vital presence of biodiversity on our waterways, the context of that to local water quality and a future for our precious past. The theme of National Heritage Week this year is "Routes, Connections and Networks". The event aims to contribute to the increased awareness of the already in place infrastructure between Lecarrow, River Inny, Lanesborough, Tarmonbarry, Barley Harbour etc and how waterways were vital arteries to our developing nation. A core part of the event will be how attendees can learn on sustainable approaches to maintaining precious unique habitats, biodiversity, water quality and our heritage. We hope the project will continue to lead to greater collaboration with local stakeholders, state bodies and local communities that there will be a future to our ancient past going forward to preserve our vital natural resources.

Boats for attendees will be departing on the day from Lough Ree Access For All at Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon with boarding times provided to those registered with all personnel on the island for event commencement at 3pm . More event specifics to come such as health and safety, insurance, agenda, waiting lists etc. will be provided via email to attendees via event organisers. By attending event it is noted you grant permission to film, photograph or record your likeness and voice for such footage from event which will be recorded live on the day from filmmaker Lee Williamsons of Shuttermaniac productions who recorded last year’s event. This includes use on our website, social media channels or other forms of media utilised by the local authority waters programme and event stakeholders, etc.

Please Register to ensure your space and contact event organisers as there may be a waiting list and a position might become available on a boat before the event if tickets are sold out on site here.