Free entry to Athlone Castle today among heritage week attractions

An attractive programme of events is underway in Athlone, Moate and South Roscommon to mark National Heritage Week, which continues up to this Sunday, August 27. 

One of the local events is an Open Day at Athlone Castle which is taking place today (Wednesday) up to 4.30pm and offers free entry to the popular visitor centre. 

Other events taking place between now and Sunday include: 

* Tom Kelly Memorial Lecture

A lecture in memory of historian Tom Kelly on Lough Croan takes place on Thursday, August 24 at 7.30pm in the Handball Complex, Curraghboy. Any access to this site with permission of landowners. Call 0906630252 for more information.

* Rindoon Loop/Castle Nature Walk.

Rindoon looped walk is a historical, cultural and habitat walk taking place on Saturday, August 26 from 3pm - 5.30pm.

The event is organised by St John's Parish Heritage Group. Lecarrow. For more information, call 087 9842047.

* Tour a traditional thatched cottage

Visitors are welcome to explore a traditional thatched cottage - Teach Luinín, Moyvannion, Kiltoom on Sunday, August 27 from 12pm to 5pm. The cottage was carefully re-thatched a few years ago to ensure that it remains a testament to Irish design heritage.

For information, call Bridie Leonard Feeney 086 1223787.

* A walk through Moore's past

Members of Moore History Group will lead a walk around some archaeological/cultural heritage sites in the parish on Sunday, August 27 at 2.30pm meeting at Moore Church. The walk is approximately 10kms. Terrain varied. Walking boots and waterproof clothing essential.

The group will be visiting an early ecclesiastical site at Moore South, medieval sites in Clonburren and if time permits, Dromalagagh and walking in the footsteps of pilgrims past along the Slí Mhór. 

Admission free. For further information, call 089 2259563.

* Nature Walk

Come Explore Dun na Sí, Moate on a special nature walk. Join us for a special nature walk through the amenity park on August 24 from 3pm to 4pm.

Learn about our turlough, observe, explore & investigate the flora and fauna of this unique and precious habitat.

For more information, call 090 6481183.

* Heritage Trail

Come along and experience Dún na Sí and all it has to offer on Thursday, August 24 from 2pm to 4pm. Learn about the heritage trail, scéal exhibition, Rural Museum, fairy garden, pet farm and much more...

For more information about this free event, call 090 6481183.

* Moate Courthouse: A history

A pictorial history of Moate Courthouse, from its time as a jail and a session house to a dance and recreation hall and on to its current use as a museum and public library. The exhibit runs from August 21 to 25 in Moate Library.

For more information, call 090 648 1888.

* Archaeology Tour

Archaeology Tour of the Hill of Uisneach with guide Justin Moffatt on August 26 from 1pm to 4pm.

Approx 5km walking at easy pace. Followed by tea and coffee in the visitor centre. Suggested donation of €10. Call 087 7189550.

* Mythology of Uisneach

A look at the myths surrounding the Hill of Uisneach. The tour is followed by a storytelling session in the visitors centre with tea/coffee. Event takes place on August 27 from 1pm to 4pm.

Adult: €10 Children free. For further information, call 087 7189550.

* The Deserted Village of Carn

Free talk by Seamus O'Brien on the deserted village of Carn at Uisneach on August 27 from 7pm - 8.30pm

Call 087 7189550 for more information.

* Talk by Séamus McGinley

Takes place on Saturday, August 26 from 4pm - 5pm on the Hill of Uisneach. Seamus McGinley from NUIG will speak on: Uisneach: From a natural lake to an archaeological monument? Admission free. Call 087 7189550 for more information

* Tour of the Night Sky

Join Midlands Astronomy Club at Athlone Castle for a lecture and a tour of the night sky on Friday, August 25 at 8pm - 11pm. This is a family friendly event and telescopes will be on-site. This event will be weather dependent.

Call 09064 42130 for more.

* Storytelling with Aideen McBride

Come along and enjoy mystical storytelling by Aideen McBride at Athlone Castle on Thursday, August 24 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm. This is a family friendly event suitable for all ages. 24 August, 11am - 12pm.

Booking required. Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult. Admission free. To book contact 09064 42130.

* Poetry in Athlone Castle

Come along and enjoy a recital of sonnets, prose, limericks and song performed by local award winning poetry group Poetry in the Park in the Athlone Castle Courtyard on Sunday, August 27 from 2pm - 3.30pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission free.

* Walk the Walls

Come and follow in the footsteps of Kings and soldiers on this guided tour of the Athlone Castle exterior on Friday, August 25 from 2pm - 3pm. Admission free.

* Mount Temple Heritage Day

As part of celebrating National Heritage week an event is being organised in Mount Temple village on Saturday next, August from 2pm to 4pm by the Mount Temple Holy Trinity Graveyard group to facilitate and showcase local heritage through the valued work being carried out by local  communities groups in Mount Temple and Baylin. 

There is a fantastic buzz in the area in preparation for this event with local musicians and artists carrying out regular rehearsals and groups organising their members to be present with their respective banners and flags. 

The event starts at 2pm with a parade through the village and ends in the local community hall with light refreshments. 

* The use of sphagnum moss during WWI

Athlone Military Historical Society host an event in Athlone Library on Thursday, August 24 from 5pm to 6pm. Admission free. Call 087 6890161 .

* Boat trip and local history

Coosan Community Development Group hosts this event on Saturday, August 26 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm as patrons enjoy a boat trip from Coosan Point to Hare Island and learn about the surrounding areas. Booking is required.

Adult: €10. To book contact 086 8423272.

* Visit Belmont Mill

Visit the restored 18th century oat mill in Belmont on Thursday and Friday, August 24 and 25 from 1pm to 5pm each day.

Guided tour and the history of this once very important oat and flour mill in Belmont. Admission free. Call 087989380 for more information.

* Craftsman's exhibition

Exhibition of the work of Dan Edwards, craftsman and artist. This exhibition will take place in Temple Connor, the last original church still in use in Clonmacnoise from August 23 to 27 from 11am - 4.30pm each day. Free admission on Sunday, August 27.

* Moate Museum and Historical Society 

Moate Museum will be open from 3pm to 6pm each day from Sunday, August 20, to Saturday, August 26.