National Heritage Week, coordinated by the Heritage Council, runs from August 21-29. With just a few weeks to go, people are reminded to pick up a copy of the event guide or log on to www.heritageweek.ie to check out what events are happening in their area
A snapshot of just some of the events taking place in County Westmeath include:
Musical Moments: A celebration of Westmeath's Musical Heritage, Mullingar Public Library (free ): August 21 and 28, 10am-1.30pm; August 23 and 25, 10am-5.30pm; August 24 and 26, 10 am-8pm. A multi-media exhibition highlighting the history of music and its importance in Westmeath throughout the early 20th century. Organiser: Westmeath Libraries, Cailin Gallagher. Email [email protected], tel (044 ) 9332185.
Bio Blitz with Dale Treadwell from The Naturally Wild Roadshow, Belvedere House Gardens and Park, Mullingar (free ): Saturday August 21, 2-4pm. RTE’s Dale Treadwell organises a ‘bio blitz’ where children hunt for insects and plants. Discover a whole new world under your feet. Organiser: Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Bartle D’Arcy. Email: bdarcy@westmeath coco.ie, tel (044 ) 9349060.
Abbey outing - A visit to Multyfarnham Franciscan Abbey and Fore Abbey, Castlepollard (free ): Sunday August 29, 2-5.30pm. Fr John Kealy OFM will speak at Multyfarnham and Miceal O’Conlain will be guide at Fore. Organiser: Westmeath Archaeological & Historical Society, Rosemary Cassidy. Email [email protected], tel (044 ) 9340810.
History Live in Moate Library (free ): Tuesday August 24, 2.30-4.30pm. Michael Moylan of Irish History Live will bring the Vikings to life in Moate Library, with the aid of costumes and weaponry. Organiser: Moate Library, Lorna Farrel. Email: [email protected], tel (090 ) 6481888.
The Normans: Irish History Live Workshop, Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone (free ): Tuesday August 24, 10.30-11.30am. Learn about life in the time of the Normans. Programmed to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the building of Athlone Castle. Organiser: Westmeath County Library, Gearoid O’Brien. Email [email protected], tel (090 ) 6442157.
‘Is your name Fagan?’ Exhibition based on Micheál Conlon’s studies of the Fagan Dynasty, Castlepollard Library (free ): August 23, 25 and 27,10.30am-5.30pm, August 24 and 26, 12-8pm. In the 1800s, the Fagan Dynasty boasted over 1,000 families in the Barony of Fore. Exhibition will consist of items from church records, letters, family trees, newspaper reports. Organiser: Castlepollard Library. Email [email protected], tel (044 ) 9332199.
Heritage on your Doorstep: a walking tour showcasing the rich heritage and architectural gems of Athlone town, Athlone Castle, St Peter’s Square (free ): Tuesday August 24, 6.30-8.15pm. Organiser: Athlone Community Radio, Mary Lennon. Email [email protected], tel (087 ) 2029925, (090 ) 6490722.
Discover 7,000 years of Mullingar: Talk and Walking Tour of Mullingar Town, Mullingar Tourist Office, Market Square (free ): August 23, 25 and 27, 2-3.30pm. Enjoy a talk at Mullingar Discover Ireland centre followed by a historic walking tour with Ruth Illingworth. Organiser: Ruth Illingworth. Email [email protected], tel (044 ) 9348650.
Tour of the Cathedral of Christ the King and Cathedral Museum, Mullingar (free ): Tuesday and Thursday August 24 and 26, 2-3pm. Guided tour of Cathedral and museum by local historian Ruth Illingworth. Tours start from Cathedral main entrance door. Organiser: Ruth Illingworth. Tel (087 ) 9472583.
This year will see over 1,100 events taking place across the country. Speaking about events taking place in Westmeath, Michael Starrett, CEO of the Heritage Council, said, “It is fantastic to see the people of Westmeath embracing National Heritage Week once again this year..National Heritage Week is an opportunity for Westmeath to showcase the heritage of their county to both visitors and locals.”
Complete event listings are available on the National Heritage Week website, www.heritageweek.ie
