Seven exciting Heritage Week options in this region

National Heritage Week gets underway on Saturday, August 17 and runs until Sunday, August 25. There are over 2,000 events nationally.

Here's seven of the best events happening in this region. To see full list, check out Pages 12 and 13 of this week's print edition.

 

 

 

 

1

Athlone Town v AC Milan
August 18, 7-8pm, Athlone Castle

Author and Sunday Independent journalist Declan Lynch talks about the famous 1975 Athlone Town vs AC Milan match. Declan will share his own memories of following Athlone Town with his father, Frank Lynch, and of the day of the match itself. He will also explore the reasons why people were so fascinated by the match at the time above so many other such David-and-Goliath games, and why that fascination still endures.
Admission fee. Pre-booking essential. To book contact info@athlonecastle.ie

 

2

Light Tales, Photography History
August 20: 5-6pm, Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone

Explore the history of photography with renowned photographer Veronica Nicholson. Please bring old photographs and cameras so we can explore photography and how it relates to our lives.
Email: jgorman@midlandsscience.ie ph: 057 9323902. Admission free. Suitable for children under 12.

 

3

Uisneach Walking Tour
August 17, 18, 24 and 25: 1-3pm

Learn about the Ringforts of Uisneach from Justin Moffatt. The enigmatic hill is one of the most sacred and historic sanctuaries in the world. With remarkable history and standing 596 ft above sea level, the summit of Uisneach commands extensive panoramic views, with no less than twenty counties visible on the horizon. Turn up 15 minutes in advance - dress for the weather. Uisneach is a working farm - dogs not allowed - on/off a leash. Approx 3km - 2 hour walk. 
Website: uisneach.ie Email: tours@uisneach.ie ph: 0877189550
Admission: Adult: €10, Children free.

4

Heritage Live
August 20: 12-3pm, Dún na Sí Heritage and Amenity Park, Moate

Visitors can enjoy guided tours and interact with people living and working as they would have in rural Ireland.
Leave the modern world behind and join us at Dún na Sí as we bring our Heritage buildings and attractions to life with real people living and working as they would have in Rural Ireland. Watch as we recreate some of the forgotten skills of the Ireland of long ago. A fantastic family friendly day that everyone is sure to enjoy. Website: dunnasi.ie. Email: dunnasimoate@eircom.net ph: 0906481183.

 

5

Carn Park Bog Wetland Walk
August 17: 3pm-4.30pm, at Carn Park Bog, Mount Temple

Join Ecologist George Smith on a guided nature walk in Carn Park Bog. Please dress for the outdoors, wellies recommended. Free. Suitable for children under 12. ph: 0861736075

 

6

Bat Talk & Walk in St John's Wood
August 24: 8pm-10pm

Hosted by the National Parks & Wildlife Service and St John's Parish Heritage Group, this event will take place in St John's Community Centre, Lecarrow
Come along and learn about Ireland's bats. Conservation Ranger Laura Gallagher will be giving a bat talk followed by a guided walk in St John's Wood to see the acro-bats in action!
Meeting at St John's community center Lecarrow at 8pm. Carpool down to St. John's Wood to see the local Soprano pipistrelle maternity roost. Some bat detectors will be provided to help hear the bats communicating and navigating. Please bring a torch. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Children most welcome. Bat activity is highly weather dependent - they do not like strong wind or rain.
Admission Free
Further Information: 0858074591 or email laura.gallagher@chg.gov.ie

 

7

Rambling House: Tradition in Drum
August 19: 8pm-9:30pm, Drum Heritage Centre

The Rambling House tradition is remembered in rural Ireland as a gathering of local people in a country kitchen, after the day's work was done, to converse and reminisce on local topics and lore.
This event gives an insight into the Rambling house tradition of the early to mid 1900's in the Drum area of South Roscommon. For many (mostly men) this was a common pastime/considered to be a convivial gathering of neighbours and acquaintances, which was both informative and interactive. Reference will be made to the writings of local authors on the topic. The presentation will finish with a short nostalgic recreation of a typical Rambling House of the mid 1900s in Drum. Admission free. Booking required. To book contact 0852094555
Further information: drumheritage@gmail.com; drumheritage.ie

See Pages 12 and 13 of this week's print edition of the Westmeath Independent for full coverage.