Athlone Castle Visitor Centre is presently celebrating all matters ‘Heritage and Education: Learning from our Heritage' for Heritage Week 2020.
National Heritage Week concludes on Sunday, August 23, and accordingly, the team at Athlone Castle has programmed numerous exciting events to cater for all ages as the weekend approaches.
The tutorial to make a Medieval shield and helmet will be broadcast on on Friday, August 21, at 1pm.
Athlone Castle will also host the ’Bloodsports and Boozing in the Barracks’ talk on site, today, Thursday, August 20. Consultant Archaeologist and owner of Atlantic Archaeology, Angela Wallace will present a talk based on the finds uncovered during recent excavations at the Garda Station, Barrack Street in Athlone. This will be a fascinating glimpse in to the everyday life of the first soldiers stationed in Athlone around 1690. The finds excavated by Angela and her team suggest that the soldiers’ rowdy ways included drinking, smoking, and gambling on blood sports at the barracks site.
On Saturday, August 22, there will be an opportunity to see a Castle Desk Organiser being made. This will be a fun and creative task for all young medievalists. Young and old can follow this tutorial at 5pm on the Castle’s social channels. Another highlight of the day will be a podcast presented by a member of The Society for Creative Anachronism, Susannah of York, who will discuss what the Irish eat before potatoes; an intriguing look into the food and diets of the Middle Ages. This podcast will premiere at pm on Saturday, August 22.
All the week’s events culminate in another craft workshop on the final day of Heritage Week, Sunday, August 23. Join Cultural Officer Joanna Grobosz once again for a tutorial on how to ‘Make Your Own Hennin – Medieval Princess Hat’. This was the typical European women’s headdress that was the height of fashion in the 15th Century. This tutorial will be available on the Castle’s social channels at 5pm. All of the free virtual events are supported by The Heritage Council under The Irish Walled Town Network 2020 Interpretation Fund.
Pre-booking is advised for the on-site talk, as places will be limited, and strict social distancing rules will apply. Online events will be broadcast on our social media channels. A full schedule of events with further details, times, and booking information is available to view on Athlone Castle’s website: www.athlonecastle.ie/events Queries and requests for further information should be addressed to Athlone Castle on 090 6442130 or [email protected]
Demonstrations and workshops provide the focus for staff and heritage professionals to showcase Ireland’s rich medieval history.
Workshops include the ever popular ‘Dig it with David’, an archaeological excavation that can be replicated at home, medieval themed arts and crafts videos where people of all ages can make their own suit of armour for instance. There will be demonstrations live streamed to everyone at home of bow making, wool spinning and healthcare from the Medieval era.
Athlone Castle will also host the ’Bloodsports and Boozing in the Barracks’ talk on site. Consultant Archaeologist and owner of Atlantic Archaeology, Angela Wallace, will present a talk based on the finds uncovered during recent excavations at the Garda Station, Barrack Street in Athlone.
Pre-booking is advised for the on-site talk, as places will be limited, and strict social distancing rules will apply. Online events will be broadcast on our social media channels. A full schedule of events with further details, times, and booking information is available to view on Athlone Castle’s website, www.athlonecastle.ie Queries and requests for further information should be addressed to Athlone Castle on 090 6442130 or [email protected].
