National Heritage Week kicks off in Clare this weekend
Events will take place all across Clare and the rest of the country from Saturday, August 17 to Sunday, August 25
A bladesmithing workshop in Milltown Malbay, a traditional shopfront heritage walk in Ennistymon, whale watching at Loop Head Lighthouse and a monastic tour along the Wild Atlantic Way are among the many free events taking place across Clare during National Heritage Week 2024, from Saturday August 17th to Sunday August 25th.
Local heritage groups and organisers, families, communities and individuals in Clare have responded to this year’s theme of ‘Connections, Routes and Networks’ by organising events showcasing the best of what Clare’s local heritage has to offer. Well over 2,000 events will take place nationwide with a full list available on the National Heritage Week website.
Coordinated by the Heritage Council, some other highlights from this year’s National Heritage Week programme in Clare also include:
Willow Weaving Workshop at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park (17 – 25 August, 10.30 – 5pm) - Tom Delaney, the talented craftsman behind Ould Crafty, will be sharing his knowledge in this delightful Willow Weaving Workshop for children. Children will explore their creativity, learn the basics of willow weaving and take home a handmade treasure.
Connecting Labasheeda by Water, Main Street, Kilrush (17 August, 1pm – 2.30pm) - This event is a journey back in time to explore the tradition of boating on the Shannon estuary. Labasheeda is a peninsula and before modern transportation methods, the people of the area used boats to cross the Shannon estuary to Co. Limerick and Co. Kerry to shop, trade and socialise.
Unique Sounds of the Medieval Bagpipes at Craggaunowen, Kilmurry (21 – 23 August, 2pm to 5pm) - Step back in time with a demonstration of the medieval bagpipes, one of the most ancient instruments in the world. Listen to the unique sounds and discover the historical significance of this instrument which spans back to the beginning of civilisation.
Stories Through Generations with Ciara Carew, Arthur’s Row, Ennis Co. Clare (20 August, 3.30pm to 4.30pm) - Ciara Carew, a storyteller with an MA in History, invites you to an enchanting afternoon of stories, folklore, and legends passed down through generations.
Ciara will delve into old Irish mythology, beliefs, and customs specific to County Clare, exploring characters like Máire Rua, the legendary warrior Cú Chulainn, and the mystical Irish fairies.
Commenting, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “Browsing through the over 2,000 events taking place during National Heritage Week this year gives a sense of the shear variety and colour of our nation’s heritage – they cover nature, culture, music, traditions, folklore, writing, history, architecture, archaeology, archives and so much more.
"It is also a sign of the strength of the sector, the depth of knowledge people have and their generosity in sharing that knowledge.
"Many of the events are volunteer led, organised by dedicated people who seek no recompense or adulation.
"We must never take these people for granted and I will continue unapologetically to mention them at every opportunity, such is their importance not only to National Hertiage Week, but to the preservation of Irish heritage in general.”