A demonstration of military history from 1690, a guided tour of the archaeology and mythology of Knockastia and a talk on the Birds of Lough Ree and the Mid-Shannon Callows - this is just a flavour of the wide-ranging events taking place across Westmeath that will allow people to get hands-on with heritage as part of National Heritage Week 2022, which starts this Saturday, August 13 and runs until Sunday, August 21.
In-person event and digital project organisers have responded with enthusiasm to this year’s theme of sustainability and biodiversity, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds from across Westmeath 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.
The Heritage Council is encouraging people to visit www.heritageweek.ie to see what events are taking place in their locality or across the country. Participants can browse the website and create a bespoke National Heritage Week ‘Events Trail’ to help them plan their week according to their location, their particular heritage interests and their preferred event type, such as a festival, performance, exhibition or re-enactment.
Some local highlights from this year's National Heritage Week programme include:
A Revolution in Arms-Matchlocks, and Muskets in the Williamite War: A demonstration by military historian, Tóla Collier who will talk about the uniforms, equipment, and weapons of the infantry soldiers of 1690. More…
Exploring the Archaeology and Mythology of Knockastia (Cnoc Aiste ): A guided a tour of the Bronze Age site of Knockastia, which was excavated by the Harvard Expedition in the early 1930s. More…
The Birds of Lough Ree and the Mid-Shannon Callows: A talk on the Birds of Lough Ree and the Mid-Shannon Callows, learn tips for birdwatching and the about birds that call this river home. More…
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 National Heritage Week events that celebrate water and our connections with it.
Co-ordinated 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
