Picnic in the Park - River Past - River Future

National Heritage Week’s theme ‘Exploring Our Foundations’, invites us “to learn about the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.”
Expanding on this theme and on Water Heritage Day, Solstice Arts Centre presents a day of 'Take Me to the River 2025' engagements, workshops and walks exploring the grounds of the future Brú na Bóinne National Park.
A day of celebration and hands-on exploration of this Boyne Valley site, we will walk the multi-layered landscape through field, reed bed and rivers edge. Located in the Chapel Field, Picnic in the Park presents an opportunity to discuss the past, present and future of the site. Looking back through 5,000 years of exceptional cultural and historical significance, we will explore archaeological remains, architectural heritage and hear about the future of the new Brú na Bóinne National Park within the Boyne Valley.
Creative workshops will engage large scale drawing, biodiversity data collection, weaving and sculpture, kick-sampling and guided walks journeying through the ecological narratives of the river landscape.
Free event, booking essential

Engagement, workshops and walks throughout the day:
01. Geology _Sound _Meander Geologist Robert Meehan, Sarah Doheny (Cineal) + Brú na Bóinne Ecologist
02. Weave_Landscape_Respond artists Breda Marron, Anna McLeod + Brú na Bóinne Ecologist
03. Heritage _Beneath _Beyond a collaborative walk-through time with Dr Livia Hurley + Archaeologist Dr Clíodhna Ní Lionáin
04. Hidden Worlds _Invertebrates Brú na Bóinne Ecologist + Ruth Gaj-McKeever (LAWPRO)
05. Mapping: River_Banks_Trees with Pheobe Brady (Cineál)

Structured Actions: The picnic presents an opportunity for dialogue, exchange, and skill sharing, with artistic, scientific and ecological expertise, bringing together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions, academics and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage, cultural and ecological, and support its conservation.

Accessibility: The location of this event is on uneven grass and semi-rough terrain. Some workshops on the day require walking distances around the site. Please contact Solstice before booking so we can assist you with any mobility requirements.

Image credit: ©Photographic Archive, National Monuments Service, Government of Ireland

This event is supported by Meath County Council, National Parks & Wildlife Service, National Monuments Service, LAWPRO, The Heritage Council, Creative Ireland, The Arts Council.