This year's National Heritage Week goes back into the past in order to shape the future.
Taking place from Saturday August 13 to Sunday August 21, National Heritage Week's theme 2022 is biodiversity and sustainability
Events in Galway include medieval re-enactments at the Hall of the Red Earl, a talk on gardening for biodiversity with special attention regarding birds and bees, and an exhibition of Carrickmacross lace.
Organisers say the events will give opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn more about the county’s built, cultural and natural heritage, helping to ensure its preservation and protection into the future.
The Heritage Council is calling on heritage newcomers, enthusiasts and experts alike to consider how they might encourage and promote sustainability in their own lives during National Heritage Week and beyond.
Participants can browse the website. www.heritageweek.ie, and create a bespoke events trail to help them plan their week according to location, heritage interests and event type, such as a festival, performance, exhibition or re-enactment.
Events in Galway include medieval re-enactments providing an accurate depiction of medieval life as experienced by Anglo-Normans at the Hall of the Red Earl, Druid Lane, the birds and the bees biodiversity talk with an optional walk around the 17th Century walled kitchen garden, and Léargas ar Ghaillimh trí Chró na Snáthaide - an exhibition of Carrickmacross lacemaking and how this craft is being preserved for future generations.
Heritage Council chief executive Virginia Teehan says this year National Heritage Week looks to the past to create a better future.
"The theme of sustainable heritage and biodiversity encourages us all to reflect on how our history and heritage can play a part in protecting our planet. Whether it’s learning a new skill like embroidery, blacksmithing or pottery making; better understanding how to prevent biodiversity loss in our own back gardens or country lanes; or gaining fresh insight into the history of our art, music or the Irish language and sharing this knowledge among friends and family, there are endless ways to get involved.
"I would encourage people to visit the National Heritage Week website and browse the vast array of events and projects taking place and plan their week."
Two themed days will take place during National Heritage Week. On Saturday, August 20 Wild Child Day invites children to go outside and explore Ireland’s natural heritage and biodiversity in a fun and enjoyable way. The Heritage Council is encouraging children to look at the world around them differently, to open their eyes to the diverse beauty of the landscape in their area and to explore their locality or even further afield.
On Sunday August 21, as part of Water Heritage Day, the Heritage Council and the Local Authority Waters Programme invite people to participate in events that celebrate water and our connections with it.
Coordinated by the Heritage Council since 2005, National Heritage Week has become one of Ireland's largest cultural events. It is supported by the Local Authority Heritage Officer network and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
For more information, visit www.heritageweek.ie
