Let’s talk about heritage – our top ten Heritage Week talks
Heritage Week is all about getting involved, but sometimes, you just want to sit back and listen. There are talks on a whole range of topics this National Heritage Week: from beekeeping, to historical cures, to fairies. Attend with the whole family or take some time to yourself and become fully immersed in a topic of your choice.
Here are just some of the picks from the hundreds of Heritage Week talks happening across Ireland between 17 – 25 August.
1. Crime and Punishment, Co Cork
Join Ronnie Herlihy for a talk on crime and punishment in Victorian Cork at Cork City Library on Saturday, 24th August from 2pm – 2.45pm. Delve into the darker side of Cork’s history and discover the realisation of true crime in the city. More information is available here.
2. Fairy Folklore at Dún na Sí, Co Westmeath
Did you know that Dún na Sí translates to Fort of the Fairies? Why not get the little ones out and about and spend a fun afternoon learning about fairy folklore at this storytelling event. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a wander through this beautiful heritage park. This event will take place on Sunday, 25th August from 12pm to 2pm. More information is available here.
3. Afternoon Talk: Rebecca’s Closet, Co Kerry
Can you believe that the Rose of Tralee is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the competition? Join Rebecca Kemp from the Rose of Tralee International Festival Office for a lively afternoon chat on the challenges and excitement of collecting and minding the Rose of Tralee winners' dresses. This event takes place on Sunday, 18th and Sunday, 25th August from 3pm to 3.30pm at Kerry County Museum. More information is available here.
4. Coal in the Blood, Co Kilkenny
Join Seamus Walsh, the author of two books on the coal mines of Castlecomer, in Graiguenamanagh Library on Tuesday, 20th August from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. On the evening, Seamus will share tales about the mining community and their families. More information is available here.
5. Beneath the Soil at Brú na Bóinne, Co Meath
Come along to the stunning setting of Brú na Bóinne and hear how, in the last three years, surveys have continued on the site, which demonstrate its international significance. Hear from experts on these surveys, take the opportunity to discuss the findings and learn how the work is planned. This event will take place on Wednesday, 21st August from 7pm to 8.30pm. More information is available here.
6. Beekeeping: Medieval to Modern, Co Clare
Join Banner Beekeepers as they give a fascinating talk on the early friars in Ennis, who are believed to have been beekeepers themselves. Learn about this ancient practice and how beekeeping was so important that there was a complete list of Brehon laws dedicated to it. Set against the backdrop of the 13th century Friary in Ennis, this talk on Wednesday, 21st August is one not to be missed. More information is available here.
7. Pastimes and Past Times in Waterford
Join members of the Waterford Archaeological and Historical Society, who will present a host of short talks about Waterford pastimes and past times. This is a great opportunity to take in past tales of Waterford for any history buffs out there. This event will take place on Thursday, 22nd August at St. Patrick’s Gateway Centre from 6pm to 8pm. More information is available here.
8. Our Irish Women Talk, Co Galway
On loan from the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life: this is an exhibition which celebrates the women of Ireland. Enjoy a series of talks about Irish women who have contributed to Irish society and are often overlooked, on Saturday, 17th August from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. More information is available here.
9. Cures Talk with a Difference, Co Monaghan
Join Lora O'Brien at Carrickmacross Library on Friday, 23rd August from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for an unusual talk involving the old Irish tradition of cures and how many people believed illness was caused by the supernatural. This is not an event for the faint hearted but will prove to be fascinating for those brave enough to attend. More information is available here.
10. The Happy Hedgehog, Co Kildare
Come along to the Broadfield View Biodiversity Garden on Thursday, 22nd August from 7pm to 8pm and hear about what the team is doing to protect hedgehogs. See their hedgehog houses, built deep in the hedges of their biodiversity garden, and hear about the constant challenges hedgehogs face as they navigate and adapt to a changing world. More information is available here.
National Heritage Week will take place from 17th – 25th August 2019 with a wide array of events happening across Ireland, come and see what's on near you.
Cover photo courtesy of Moycullen Heritage.
