Make a Splash this Water Heritage Day – Sunday, 25th August
With Water Heritage Day taking place this Sunday, 25th August, here is a spotlight on some of the many events that are taking place across the country as part of the National Heritage Week programme.
This year’s National Heritage Week theme Pastimes | Past Times offers a great opportunity to learn all about your local river, lake, canal or coastline. So why not take a guided walk along Dublin’s waterways, go kayaking in Cork or if you want to stay dry why not attend a talk all about Sligo’s rich shipping history.
Here are just some of our events happening across the country as part of Water Heritage Day this Sunday.
1. Insect Life of the Bunowen River, Co Mayo
Call down to the Bunowen riverbank and join freshwater scientist Elizabeth Ryder’s talk about the insect life of the river. Liz will demonstrate how samples are taken from the river and you will have an opportunity to sort through trays of samples and learn why the Bunowen River is classified as 'moderate' ecological status. This event will take place from 2.15pm to 4.15pm. More information is available here.
2. Water Heritage Open Day, Cork City
Bring the whole family along for this fun day themed on the industrial heritage of Cork’s Victorian Waterworks. Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive engine and boiler rooms, get an insight into the working day of a waterworks employee and map the role of water supply with the growth of Cork City. In addition, there will be a range of engaging and educational activities available throughout the day including a puppet show, marine science, giant bubbles as well as a water science zone. This event will run from 11am to 4pm. More information is available here.
3. Guided Walk on Dublin’s Waterways, Dublin
Join the Royal Canal Amenity Group and hear the stories of the people who built and inhabited the banks of the Royal Canal over a 200-year period on this guided walk from Drumcondra to the Blessington Street Basin. Walks will take place from 2pm to 3.30pm and 7pm to 8.30pm. More information is available here.
4. Kayaking Trip, Co Cork
Why not spend the afternoon on a kayaking trip from Aghada to Rostellan. Breathe in the fresh air and learn all about the fascinating history of the surrounding area. This event will take place from 1pm to 3pm. More information is available here.
5. Wildlife and Stories of the River Suir, Co Tipperary
Join Bansha Tidy Towns on a walk along the banks of the River Suir and explore its wildlife, stories and hidden past. There will also be pond dipping for all those mini water enthusiasts. This event will take place from 2pm to 3.30pm starting from the car park at Bansha National School. More information is available here.
6. Steamers and Merchants, Co Sligo
If you would rather stay indoors this Water Heritage Day, why not come along to a talk by local historian Adrian O’Neill and learn all about Sligo's rich 19th Century shipping history. This event will take place in the Yeats Society Building in Sligo Town from 6pm to 7pm. More information is available here.
7. Guided Walk Along the Boyne Canal, Co Meath
Spend the afternoon on a guided walk along the Oldbridge section of the Boyne Canal. Learn about the restored locks, former army pillboxes, and obelisk remains. The walk will end in the historic Battle of the Boyne grounds. This event will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm starting at the meeting point at the Oldbridge sea lock. More information is available here.
8. Santry River: Changes and the Future, Dublin City
Join this walk and talk along the Santry River and learn more about the river as it meanders its course into Dublin Bay. Learn how the rivers water quality can be improved by working together as well as the environmental and community benefits the river offers. Registration is required for this event which starts in Coolock Lane Park at 11am and finishes at 1pm. More information is available here.
9. Take a Splash in the Mountain Water, Co Monaghan
Join Emyvale Tidy Towns and learn all about mountain water and what we need to do to care for it. Discover the wildlife local to the area, take a splash, and maybe try catching some small creatures. Make sure to pack the wellies for this event which runs from 2pm to 4pm. More information is available here.
10. Discover the Heritage of the Clare River, Co Galway
Call down to the Milltown Heritage Park to celebrate this Water Heritage Day. Discover the natural and cultural significance of the Clare River in Milltown and find out why it is worth conserving. Find out about the deep-rooted local traditions and connections with the river and learn how Milltown got its name. This event will take place from 3pm to 5pm. More information is available here.
National Heritage Week takes 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 Old Cork Waterworks Experience.
