Local events to mark Heritage Week

HERITAGE Week is just around the corner! There are 2,000 events taking place across the country during the event which runs from August 18 - 26. Here's a selection of the local offerings:

Explore Westmeath's karst geology at Dún na Sí

On Saturday, August 25 you can investigate the karst geology at Dún na Sí Heritage and Amenity Park in Moate between 11am and 12.45pm. 
Geologist Robbie Meehan will be on hand to explore the karst geology that is unique to the area along with other geological aspects of the region. 
Dr. Meehan is currently working on surveying the Geological Heritage of Westmeath and has over 20 years’ experience in groundwater protection, aquifer classification, geoheritage, site investigation. Those attending are asked to dress for an outdoor event. 

Admission is free. For more information contact Dún na Sí on 0906 481183 or email info@dunnasi.ie

Early Christian monastic site at Tyrrellspass 

August 18, 8pm - 9:30pm and August 19, 11am - 3pm

UCD lecturer Paul Stevens will give a lecture on the archaeological finds at the early Christian monastic site at Clonfad. 
This also includes a field trip to Durrow Abbey, Leamonaghan Monastic site and St.Manchan's Shrine. The discovery of the manufacture of the iconic early Christian Hand Bell at Clonfad has had a significant impact on our understanding of Early Christian Ireland.

Booking is required to secure a place and admission for adults is €10. To book, contact ethostp@gmail.com or ring 086 0408847

The Big Dig & Poster exhibition

August 25, 11am - 4.30pm

The Big Dig which will be held in McCormack Square, Athlone, enables children to be an archaeologist for a day on August 25 between 11am and 4.30pm. Meanwhile, an exhibition of children's posters will take place at Athlone library to commemorate the European Year of Cultural Heritage. The exhibition will be open during library hours from August 20-25. Some areas of The Big Dig are designated for selected entrants in the European Year of Cultural Heritage Poster competition while other places will be allocated on the day.

Admission is free for all. For further information see sia.ie/index.php or contact 044 9332098.

Medieval Castletown -Geoghegan Tour

A walking tour conducted by archaeologist Caimin O'Brien will take place around the medieval sites of Castletown-Geoghegan on August 23 between 7pm and and 8.30am. Those interested should meet at the parish hall in Castletown Geoghegan and are asked to wear sturdy footwear and dress for the outdoors. Come and visit the historic church site and see the spectacular motte and bailey nearby. 

Admission is free. For further information ring 044 9332098.

Napoleonic gun batteries of Athlone

A tour of the Napoleonic gun batteries of Athlone will be held on August 22 between 7pm and 8.30pm. Attendees will learn about the conservation and management plan for the sole surviving gun battery. People are advised to meet at the entrance to Athlone castle and wear appropriate footwear and a rain jacket.  

Admission is free for all. For further information contact gortarchaeology@gmail.com or 087 2494596

Special Guided Tours of Athlone Castle 

Athlone Castle will run guided tours on August 18, 20, 21, 23, 24 between 2pm and 3pm. Tour guides will share their favourite stories of the people, places, and objects from Athlone’s history which are housed in the visitor centre. 
Free guided tour with paid admission. The tour is free with paid admission. Booking in advance is required. Admission for adults is €8 and €4 for children. Family tickets can be purchased for €20

In order to book contact info@athlonecastle.ie or 090 64 42130.

Athlone Whiskey Walking Tour

Delve into the delights of locally produced whiskey with the Athlone Whiskey Walking Tour on August 25 and 26 between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Along with getting a chance to sample a range of the whiskeys adults will learn all about the town's 270 year history of producing the finest whiskey. 
The distilling industry in Athlone dates back as far as 1740. As part of the tour you will visit three local whiskey bars and enjoy locally produced chocolate with two whiskey samples. 
Admission costs €35 and booking is required.

To book email info@midlandswhiskeyexperiences.ie or ring 085 2380023.

Roscommon

Traditional thatched cottage

The public are invited to enter a traditional thatched cottage on August 19 between 12pm and 5pm. Teach Luinín is located in Moyvannion, Kiltoom on the L7553 road. The cottage was re-thatched a few years ago to ensure that it remains a testament to Irish design heritage. 

Admission is free for all. For further information contact bfeeney66@gmail.com or 086 1223787.

Biodiversity walk in St John's Wood

Enjoy a scenic walk through the magical woodlands of St. John's Wood along the shores of Lough Ree on August 24 between 11am and 12.30pm. Those interested in the tour should meet in the carpark at St John's Wood at 11am and are advised to wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing. Admission is free. 

For more information contact 085 8074591 or laura.gallagher@chg.gov.ie

Guided tour of Castlecoote House

All are welcome to take in the sights of Castlecoote House which is built on the grounds of a ruined 16th century castle between August 19-26 starting at 3pm. Refreshments will be provided afterwards with tea and home baking. Castlecoote House was restored by local craftsmen over the past 20 years. 

Adult admission costs €5. For further information contact 090 666 3794 or info@castlecootehouse.com

Visit Drum Heritage Visitor Centre

Drum Heritage Centre will show a working medieval model of a corn mill and photos of old homesteads etc from August 20-23 between 10am and 2.30pm. Drum Heritage Centre is located beside Drum Monastic Site and St Brigid's Holy Well. 

Admission is free. For more info contact drumheritage@gmail.com or ring 085 2094555.

Monksland and France 1000 Years Ago

Athlone Springs Hotel in Monksland will host a conference on the link between Monksland and France on August 21 between 8pm and 9.30pm. 1,000 years ago monks from Cluny, France had an Irish Priory in Athlone. King Turlough wished to make Athlone the Capital of Ireland and asked them for land to build Athlone Castle/Bridge. He gave them Monksland in trade. 
The Director of European Cultural Walks has encouraged Monksland to link with the Cluny Camino which covers sites in France. 

Admission is free for all, For more info email fredcarney2@gmail.com or contact 0872128842.

Offaly

Open day at Charleville Castle

Explore everything that Charleville Castle has to offer at their open day on August 23 between 12pm and 4pm. Visitors will get the opportunity to view the finest neo-gothic design and construction in Ireland and scout out the beautiful woodlands. 

Admission is free. For further info contact info@charlevillecastle.com or ring 0579323039

 

Mushroom Stones near Clonmacnois

An introductory lecture on the mushroom stones near Clonmacnois will take place on Friday, August 17 at 8pm. John Feehan will explain these geological features which inform us about the post glacial landscape.

Admission is free for all. Booking is required. To book contact heritage@offalycoco.ie or ring 057 9346839

Guided Tour of Birr Castle

Guided tours will take place in Birr Castle from August 18-26 between 10am and 3pm. 
The tour will take in the main reception rooms of the Castle which has been the home of the Parsons family since 1620. The tour also gives access to the Science Centre, the Great Telescope and 120 acres of exquisite gardens and parklands. Visitors will view the tapestries, paintings and antique furniture while learning about the history of the Parsons family. 
They can also visit the viewing platform for the newly built I-LOFAR radio telescope. Tours are suitable for age 12 upwards. Pre-booking is required for guided tours. 

Admission for adults costs €18
To book contact 057 9120336 or email:reception@birrcastle.com

The Wildlife of Ferbane Bog

Enjoy all that Ferbane Bog has to offer on August 23 from 5pm to 7pm. Nature enthusiasts will get to observe insects, rare birds, animals, magical mosses and flesh-eating plants. The Living Bog tour begins at 5pm. Ferbane Bog SAC is one of 12 bogs being restored by The Living Bog project. 

Admission is free for all. For more info contact life@raisedbogs.ie or 076 1002627.

Medieval dancing with horses

A very unique day of Medieval dancing with horses will be held at Clonony Castle on August 26 staring at 2pm. Celestially attired girls will dance traditional steps to historic music while a horse and rider perform the same steps.
The show at 2pm is free to all while the evening show at 7pm invites people to dress in Medieval costume. 
An authentic roasted dinner requires reservation and a fee of €12 euro in the evening. 

Admission is free for all and booking is required in advance. To book contact clononycastle@gmail.com or 087 7614034.