Would you like to get outdoors and visit some local sites in the Bekan area? If so you might be interested in a tour taking place on Saturday September 4.
Mayo County Council and artist Aileen Lambert, along with residents in Bekan, are extending an invitation to members of the public to join them in a bus and walking tour of sites related to old routes.
Bog roads, old routes to school through the fields, an old path connecting neighbouring houses, and routes to local wells are just some of the sites which will be visited on the day-long tour in the parish of Bekan.
The tour has been devised by Wexford artist Ms Lambert as part of a public art project commissioned by Mayo County Council. The scheme is funded via the Percent for Art Scheme associated with the development of the Lough Mask Regional Water Scheme.
According to the artist there is a history of experience in every turn in the road in rural Ireland. In the recent past each bend in the road was known intimately, and neighbours shared a common experience of local routes. However, the advent of water on tap made the route to the local well redundant, while use of the car to get around has left many pathways untrodden for years. These changes have brought about a loss of touch with the local landscape around us. It is intended that the En Route project will reignite interest and experience of local places by exploring personal associations, stories and memories of local routes.
Over the past year Ms Lambert has been introduced to many old routes in the Bekan area, from Larganboy to Tulrahan. She has amassed a collection of audio recordings and images of sites, and is co-ordinating the tour along with local residents. The tour will be guided by a number of local guides who will relate various stories, histories, and anecdotes concerning the different routes.
The tour, which takes in sites from Larganboy to Tulrahan, takes place on Saturday September 4th from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm, starting from Bekan Community Centre. The event is free of charge and lunch will be provided. Places are limited so early booking is advised.
For more information contact Gaynor Seville, public art co-ordinator, Mayo County Council on 094 904 7561, or email [email protected]
