National Heritage Week 2012 - Don't forget to register by 31st May!
People are being encouraged by the Heritage Council to get involved in National Heritage Week by organising an event in their community. National Heritage Week 2012 takes place nationwide from 18th – 26th August. This year the Heritage Council is focusing on promoting Ireland's wonderful built heritage and are encouraging owners of historic properties to open their doors as part of the celebrations.
Online registration is now open and all events must be registered by the 31st of May for inclusion in the National Heritage Week Event Guide.
Speaking about the week, Isabell Smyth, Head of Communications & Education at the Heritage Council said,
“Every year people’s involvement in National Heritage Week continues to grow. Last year we saw 1,500 events take place nationwide and we expect to see an increase on that number again this year. For 2012 we are focusing on promoting Ireland’s wonderful built heritage. Our feedback tells us that there is a huge demand to access historic buildings not usually open to the public. We hope that all owners and managers of historic buildings will take part in the week’s events and make them accessible to the public. It doesn’t matter whether your building is in public or private use or if it is a stately home, medieval castle, Norman tower or vernacular cottage - take part and contribute to the success of the week!"
To register your event log on to www.heritageweek.ie. All events registered by 31st May 2012 will be listed in the National Heritage Week Event Guide which will be available free at OPW Sites, Heritage Centres & Historical Societies, Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, CNCI Members, NPWS Sites, Heritage Officers and County Councils, An Óige Hostels, Various Individual Museums (MSPI Participants), Bus Eireann Stations and some Hotels across the country.
Each year events range from medieval fairs, night-time bat walks, wildlife walks and lectures, classical music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments, and local history walks and talks. Many events organised are free of charge and National Heritage sites also offer concession rates during the week itself.
For further information, log on to www.heritageweek.ie, email heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie or CallSave 1850 200 878
Heritage Week is co-ordinated by The Heritage Council with support from Fáilte Ireland and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 40 countries across Europe.