National Heritage Week 2014 is coming to Westmeath this summer from August 23-31. Coordinated by the Heritage Council, over 1,500 events are scheduled to take place during the week nationwide, the majority of which will be free to attend.
This year is the UN 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family and to celebrate, the theme for National Heritage Week is ‘Family... generations exploring heritage together’.
There are a wide range of events taking place in Westmeath including a tour of Athlone’s masonic hall, a chance to explore wetland wildflowers, walking the walls of Athlone Castle, and an exhibition of the Big Houses of Mullingar.
Some 50,000 copies of the National Heritage Week Event Guide will be available in the coming weeks free throughout the country in Fáilte Ireland tourist offices, libraries, OPW sites, Bus Eireann stations, county council offices, etc. Complete event listings are also available on the National Heritage Week website, www.heritageweek.ie
