Heritage Council

Week to celebrate old Irish tradition of storytelling

Press Release: Monday 25th July 2011

National Heritage Week 2011 looks set to be the biggest yet with over 1300 events due to take place nationwide from Saturday 20th – Sunday 28th August and we are still counting! This year will see the old Irish tradition of storytelling being celebrated as the first day of National Heritage Week (Saturday 20th August) designated National Tell Tale Day. Whilst Heritage Week in itself tells the rich and diverse story of our Heritage over 100 specific storytelling themed events for children and adults will take place across the country during the week.
 
Speaking about the week, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan T.D. said, “the range of events taking place during National Heritage Week demonstrates the diversity of our heritage that is very much part of us both individually and as a nation.  We must never take our heritage for granted; our heritage can play a central role in shaping and contributing to the future of Ireland. Now, more than ever before the employment it provides and the opportunities it presents for sustainable economic development are being recognised by all sectors of society.  This year there is a nine-day programme of nationwide activities scheduled for National Heritage Week. I am very much looking forward to participating in many of the events taking place across the country during Heritage week.  It is fantastic to see Ireland embracing the opportunity to promote and celebrate our uniquely Irish heritage”.
 
National Heritage Week is coordinated by the Heritage Council, the agency tasked with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage.  Speaking at the launch Michael Starrett, CEO of the Heritage Council said, “the diversity of events taking place during National Heritage Week is what makes it unique. When the Heritage Council first took over the running of National Heritage Week in 2005 there were just 500 events taking place during the week. Today the week is over double the size and this is a direct result of the increasing levels of community involvement we are seeing nationwide, in particular among volunteer groups. Last year, over 370,000 people attended events throughout the week, with over 1300 events already registered for 2011 we expect this year to be the biggest National Heritage Week to date”.
 
The majority of events throughout the week are FREE to attend and there is something for everyone…You can catch a glance of the bats of Killaloe, trace your ancestors in County Cork, hear the untold stories of Huntington Castle in Carlow, explore lightkeepers’ houses along the coast, see a medieval weapons display in County Donegal, hear author Tom McCaughren read from his award winning fox books in the National Library, listen to a traditional music session with Mick O’Brien & family in the Botanical Gardens Glasnevin, tour the tower and ringing room of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, hear the tales of the famous White Mice of the Casino Mario, view a classical dingy boat race in Dun Laoghaire, make your very own wrenboy costume and hat in Fermanagh, bring your teddy for a picnic at Connemara National Park, dig up some bones at an archaeological dig for children in Tralee, attend demonstrations of making stained glass and stone cutting in Kilkenny, take an evening chorus walk on Abbeyleix Bog, listen to stories of the sea in Waterford, attend a poetry reading by Paul Muldoon in Carrick-on-Shannon, bring your precious treasures to a conservation workshop and tell the story of your keepsakes in Ballina, explore the mystery of Tara in Meath, follow Obama’s tour of Offaly, take a guided tour of Coopershill House in Sligo, hear the tale of the wicked Earl in Mullingar and take part in a traditional boat building workshop in Wexford.
 
Ireland’s heritage is a key attraction for overseas visitors each year. Recognising the opportunity to engage with tourists while they are here on holidays, the Heritage Council has developed a County Ambassador Volunteer Programme to run during National Heritage Week. Recruited volunteers will become County Ambassadors, located in the local Tourism Information Office for the week. Their role will be to provide tourists with information on what is happening in the local area as part of National Heritage Week. Training and support will be provided to by the Council and Fáilte Ireland to all volunteers. To find out more or get involved log on to www.heritageweek.ie

50,000 copies of the National Heritage Week Event Guide, launched today are now available free throughout the country in Fáilte Ireland Tourist Offices, Libraries, OPW Sites, Bus Eireann Stations, County Council Offices etc. Complete event listings are also available on the National Heritage Week website, www.heritageweek.ie

For updates on events throughout the week, log on to www.heritageweek.ie

or follow us on Twitter@heritageweek or the Heritage Week Facebook page.
 
[ENDS]

Further Information

Michelle Tritschler
MKC Communications
T. 01 703 8604 / 086 384 6630

Isabell Smyth
Heritage Council Communications Manager
T. 087 967 6889
 
Note to Editor

The Heritage Council is the statutory body charged with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage. National heritage includes Monuments, Archaeological objects, Heritage objects, Architectural heritage, Flora, Fauna, Wildlife habitats, Landscapes, Seascapes, Wrecks, Geology, Heritage gardens and parks, and Inland waterways.

Established under the Heritage Act 1995, and operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Heritage Council provides advice to the Minister, and partners and networks with Local Authorities and a wide range of other organisations and individuals to promote Ireland’s heritage.

National Heritage Week is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Heritage Council in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 49 countries across Europe.

A snapshot of some of the events taking place during National Heritage Week 2011

Clare - Bat Walk (Free), 25th August 21:00 – 22:30. Between-the-waters Car Park, Killaloe, Clare. A chance to see and hear bats with a guided stroll around Killaloe. Weather dependant. Bring a torch! Event Organizer: Clare Bat Group, David Lyons, clarebatgroup@gmail.com, 087 2867079.
 
Cork - Ancestry Search: One-to-One (Free), 22nd- 26th August 15:00–16:30. Cork County library, Reference & Local Studies Cork County library Carrigrohane Road Cork, Cork-City. A one-to-one family history session designed to help you begin your researching or assist with problems you have encountered. Pre booking essential. Event Organizer: Cork County Library, Richard Forrest, richard.forrest@corkcoco.ie, 021 4285645.
 
Carlow - Hidden History Story Telling: The People And Stories Of Huntington Castle (Free) 20th August 14:00 – 18:00. Huntington Castle (NOTE: Stories trail starts in Castle Courtyard), Clonegal, Hear the untold stories of Huntington Castle - about the way of life, people and ghosts which make up the fascinating history of this hidden gem. Garden tours also available as well as gift shop and tea room - free parking for cars and coaches available. Event Organizer: Huntington Castle and Gardens, Alex Durdin-Robertson, info@huntingtoncastle.com, 05393 77160.

Clare - Open Day At Loop Head Lightkeepers’ House (Free), 28th August 10:00 – 16:00. Loop Head Lightkeepers' House, Kilbaha, Clare. The Irish Landmark Trust rescues and restores Ireland's built heritage. Come and experience an authentically restored C19th lightkeepers' house. Self-guided tour of this restored property now available as a holiday home. Child supervision is required due to coastal location. Event Organizer: The Irish Landmark Trust, Caroline Crowley, caroline@irishlandmark.com, 01 6704733.
 
Cork - Open Day At Galley Head Lightkeepers' Houses (Free), 28th August 10:00 – 16:00. Galley Head Lightkeepers' Houses, Clonakilty, Cork-County. The Irish Landmark Trust rescues and restores Ireland's built heritage. Come and experience two authentically restored C19th lightkeepers' houses. Self-guided tour of these restored properties now available as holiday homes. Child supervision is required due to coastal location. Event Organizer: The Irish Landmark Trust, Caroline Crowley, caroline@irishlandmark.com, 01 6704733.
 
Donegal - Medieval Weapons and Medieval Magic Displays (Free), 28th August 14:00 – 17:00. Donegal Castle, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal. Medieval weaponry display, talk and magic show. Event Organizer: Donegal Castle, Sean McLoone, donegalcastle@opw.ie, 074 9722405.
 
Dublin - Concert 'Traditional Irish Music In The Gardens With Mick O'Brien, Family & Friends' (Free), 28th August 15:00 – 17:00. National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.  Mick O'Brien and his entourage will play a selection of music on banjo, fiddle, harp, uilleann pipes and whistle. This 'seisiún' will be held outdoors weather permitting. Event Organizer: National Botanic Garden, Felicity Gaffney, botanicgardens@opw.ie, 01 8570909.

Dublin – Reading With Author Tom McCaughren (Free) 20th August 12:00 - 13:00 National Library of Ireland. Author Tom McCaughren reads from his award winning fox books including Run with the Wind and Run Swift, Run Free. Suitable for children 9 - 12 years. Admission is free but booking is required. To book please call 01 603 0317. Event Organiser: National Library Of Ireland, Sarah O`Connor, Email: soconnor@nli.ie Telephone: 01 603 0317
 
Dublin - Tour of  St. Patrick’s Cathedral tower and ringing room (Free) 22nd – 26th August 16.00 – 16.45. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin 8.  Not suitable for those afraid of heights or confined spaces. Event Organiser: St. Patrick's Cathedral, Andrew Smith, Email: education@stpatrickscathedral.ie, Telephone: 01 4539472
Dublin - The Casino Tails of Marino Mice with the 18th century Mouse Master (Free) 3-4.30 pm. Casino Marino, Cherrymount Crescent, Malahide Road, Marino, Dublin 3. Join an exciting tour with the18th century Mouse Master to hear the story of the famous White Mice of the Casino Marino. Event Organiser: Michael Doyle. Email: casinomarino@opw.ie, Telephone: 01-8331618.

Dublin - Yacht Racing In Classic Dinghies for 'The Jacqueline Trophy' (Free), 22nd August 18:45 – 20:00. Dun Laoghaire Harbour- race can be viewed from West and East piers. Water Wags are classic wooden boats designed in Kingstown ( Dun Laoghaire) by Maimie Doyle in 1900. Event Organizer: The Water Wags, Vincent Delany, vdelany@rkd.ie, 0868575374.

Fermanagh - Mad Hatter Days (Free), 24th and 25th August 10:00 – 16:00. Aughakillymaude Mummer's Centre, Knockninny Rock, Derrylin, BT 929 JT, Fermanagh. Enjoy Ireland's permanent exhibition on mumming, strawboy and wrenboy costumes. Join strawcrafts men in making the iconic straw hats, masks and skirts. Event Organizer: The Mummers Foundation, jim.ledwith@btconnect.com, 0044 797 107 5955.

Galway - Teddy Bears Picnic (Free), 20th and 27th August 14:00 – 16:00. Connemara National Park, Letterfrack. Bring along your teddy, a light lunch, coat and wellies and join in the fun in the park. Booking essential. Event Organizer: Connemara National Park, Siobhan Geoghegan Krone, siobhan.geoghegan@environ.ie, 095 41323 / 41054.

Kerry - Bone Investigators: An Archaeological Dig for Children! (Free), 20th – 26th August 10:00 – 16:00. Kerry County Museum, Ashe Memorial Hall, Denny Street, Tralee. Dig up a skeleton and investigate a medieval murder. A fascinating dig-workshop with our bone archaeologist! Suitable for children of all ages. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Event Organizer: Kerry County Museum, education@kerrymuseum.ie, 066 7127777.

Kilkenny - Demonstration on Making Stained Glass (Free), 27th August 10:30 – 12:00. Workshop of Joe Sheridan, Newtown, Kells. Demonstration on the making of stained glass. Event Organizer: Callan Heritage Societ, Philip Lynch, joekennedy@esatclear.ie, 056 7725309.

Kilkenny - Demonstration of Stone Cutting (normal admission rates), Wednesday 24th August, 10am – 3pm. Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Demonstration of stone cutting in the grounds of the 12th century Cistercian monastery renowned for its stone carving.. Booking essential. Event Organiser: Jerpoint Abbey OPW
Email: jerpointabbey@opw.ie, Telephone: 056 7724623
 
Laois - Evening Chorus Walk on the Bog (Free) Wednesday 24th August 645pm – 945pm. Abbeyleix Bog, Killamuck, Abbeyleix. Walk led by Dr Mark McCorry, to hear & learn the songs & calls of the birds on Abbeyleix bog. Meet at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel Car Park. Walk will go off the beaten track, suitable footwear required. Event Organiser: Abbeyleix Bog Committee, Clare Coffey. Email: clarecoffey@eircom.net, Telephone: 087 2817183

Waterford - Stories From The Sea (Free) Thursday 25th August 8-10pm. Sea Safety Centre, Boatstrand. An evening of storytelling with a sea faring theme. Light Refreshment provided. Event Organiser: Copper Coast Geopark, Tina Keating, Email: tinakea@eircom.net, Telephone: 087 6552256
 
Leitrim - Reading By Alice Lyons (Free) Saturday 27th August 1 – 2pm. The Dock, St George's Terrace, Carrick on Shannon. Alice Lyons poet and visual arts curator at The Dock will read from Paul Muldoons work prior to his reading in the gallery. Event Organiser Paul Cunningham, Email: pcunningham@leitrimcoco.ie, Telephone: 071 9650828
 
Mayo - Treasure your Treasures Conservation Workshop, Talks and Instruction (Free) Saturday 20th August 12-3pm. Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina Library, Pearse Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Come along with your stories and precious objects and meet with conservators, historians and archivists. There will also be an open mic session for story telling of your keepsakes, your connection to your home place and your county. Meet conservator Benjamin Van der Wetering of the Ox Bindery, Archivist Killian Downing, International expert Vincent Virga and Historian Sinead McCoole. Event Organiser: Mayo County Council - Jackie Clarke Collection, Sinead McCoole, Email: smccoole@mayococo.ie, Telephone: 096 70833
 
Meath - Mystery Tour of Tara (Free) Wednesday 24th August 7-9pm. Hill of Tara. Outdoor walking tour exploring archaeological interpretation, anthropology, folklore and legends with a metaphysical flavour exploring the mystery of Tara. Please wear suitable shoes and clothing.  Meet at the entrance gate onto the Hill. Event Organiser: Native Spirit Tours, Nora Judge, Email: nora@taracelebrations.org, Telephone: 085 1261154
 
Sligo - Coopershill 1774 (Free) Tuesday 23rd August 1- 3pm. Coopershill House, Riverstown. A guided tour of Coopershill, an 18th century Manor House, now one of Ireland's finest Country House Hotels. Suitable for well behaved children. Event Organiser: Coopershill House, Simon O`Hara, Email: ohara@coopershill.com, Telephone: 071 9165108
 
Westmeath - The Tale of the Wicked Earl (Free) Saturday 20th August 2-4pm. Belvedere House Gardens and Park, Mullingar. Hear the Tale of The Wicked Earl, Robert Rochfort who imprisoned his young wife Mary Molesworth for 31 years for an alleged infidelity. A guided tour by Bartle D'Arcy Belvedere General Manager, explaining the series of tragic events that shaped the destiny of the estate forever. Event Organiser: Belvedere House Gardens & Park, Bartle D’Arcy, Email: bdarcy@westmeathcoco.ie, Telephone: 044 9349060
 
Wexford - Traditional Boat Building Workshop (Free) Saturday 27th August 2.30 – 5.30.  Boat Building Shed, Seaview House, Hantoon Rd., Maudlintown, Wexford. A hands on workshop in how to build a Wexford Cot, a traditional wooden clinker built boat. Including: hands on experience, videos of boats being built and a demonstration of sailing. Very suitable for children. Event Organiser: Southend Family Resource Centre, Murt Flynn, Email: southend1@eircom.net, Telephone: 053 9126027