Loughrea will host a feast of free events this weekend as part of the Loughrea Medieval Festival, taking place from Friday, August 25 to Sunday, August 27.
The festival, which celebrates the town's medieval past, is organised by Loughrea Medieval Festival in conjunction with the Heritage Office of Galway County Council.
The festival starts tomorrow (Friday ) with Music through the Ages: From Medieval to Modern, taking place in the Loughrea Hotel & Spa from 7pm to 9pm. This free event will be a mesmerizing fusion of traditional and modern music performed by Carmel Dempsey, Mike Stewart, Brenda Curtin (formerly of Lord of the Dance ) and Joe Higgins, with special guests Padraig Connaughton and Ali Fleming. Prepare to be amazed by the dexterity, grace and intricate footwork of world champions Evan O'Brien and Owen Gaughan from the Hession School Galway. Food and refreshments will be served after this event. There will also be spot prizes for the best dressed medieval lord or lady.
Saturday will see Loughrea Medieval Walking Tours provide an immersive experience with a walk through the town's history with expert local guides Colman Shaughnessy and Joe Loughnane. Refreshments will be provided after the walks. The walks take place at 11am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 4pm, and the starting point is outside St Brendan’s Cathedral in Barrack Street.
Also, on Saturday, a Medieval Loughrea bi-lingual workbook for children will be launched in Loughrea Library at 12.30pm. This promises a day of magical medieval fun for little ones. The workbook is perfect for children aged six to 12, and the launch event promises excitement for all ages. The workbook has been produced by Loughrea Medieval Heritage Committee, the Heritage Office of Galway County Council and Gaeilge Locha Riach.
Loughrea Library will also host a series of short vidoes on the town's medieval past from 1pm, featuring the Deerpark, Our Lady of Gyór, the windows of the Carmelite Abbey and St Brendan’s Cathedral, the history of St Brigid’s shoe, The Walks, St Mary’s Abbey and Clonfert Diocesan Museum.
On Sunday, Loughrea Hotel & Spa will host a medieval craft fair and workshops from 1pm to 5pm. This is a chance to unleash your creativity with interactive workshops and learn medieval craft techniques from experienced artisans. You can also gain insight into the rich artistic traditions of the medieval period by watching the experts weave, carve and sculpt, transforming raw materials into works of art.
This event is funded by the Heritage Council and Galway County Council. For further information see https://tinyurl.com/mrr359zr.
