‘Pastimes. Past Times’ is the main theme of Heritage Week 2019 with 65 events so far confirmed to take place around County Clare from 17 August to 25 August.
Clare County Council and The Heritage Council, with support from Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht are co-ordinating the seventeenth annual celebration of the county’s built, natural and cultural heritage.
Now Ireland’s most popular cultural event, the annual initiative is expected to have over 450,000 people participating in more than 2,000 events aimed aimed at encouraging people to take an interest in their local heritage.
In Clare, the local authority has confirmed that local events taking place include field trips, film screenings, workshops, exhibitions, maritime excursions, historical re-enactments, and local history walks and talks.
Among the events and activities is whale watching at Black Head Lighthouse; “The Story of a Cave Rescue” at Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee; a talk on Cahiracon House at Kildysart Community Centre; “Bugs, Blooms and the Burren” at the UCG Research Station in Carran; and “Life on the Seashore” at Bishop’s Quarter beach.
Meanwhile, the Heritage Council is once again hosting the National Heritage Week Awards recognising the work of event organisers and volunteers taking part during Heritage Week 2019. Recipients will be honoured at a Heritage Council Awards Day. Visit www.heritageweek.ie or contact 1850-200878 for more details on events happening in Clare.
Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS BY AREA, HERITAGE WEEK 2019
WEST CLARE
All Week:
– Museum of Irish Rural Life. Old Creamery, Cooraclare Rd., Kilrush (9am-7:15pm): Free.
Tel. 087 1735333.
– Guided Tours of Scattery Island. Kilrush (10am-5pm): Free (Ferry Boat Charge does apply;info@scatteryislandtours.com, scatteryislandtours.com
Saturday 17 August:
– Geology Walk: Loop Head through Time. Loop Head Lighthouse, Kilbaha (11am-12pm): Free.Anthea.lacchia@icrag-centre.org, icrag-centre.org/
– A Heritage Walk of Kilkee. Starts Stella Maris Hotel (11am-1pm): Free. martin@loopheadwalkingtours.ie
– Ceramics and Geology Workshop. Elliot Centre, Smths Gardens, Kilkee (2.30pm-5pm): Free.Anthea.lacchia@icrag-centre.org, icrag-centre.org/
Sunday 18 August
– Nature Walk on Scattery Island. Kilrush (12pm-3pm): Free (Ferry Boat charge does apply).info@scatteryislandtours.com, scatteryislandtours.com
–
Monday 19 August
– Dr Ignatius Murphy Exhibition. Culturlann Sweeney, Kilkee (10am-5:30pm): Free. cst@clarelibrary.ie
Tuesday 20 August
– A Look Back at Local Heritage. Miltown Malbay Resource Centre, Ballard Road (11am-3pm): Free. Tel. 065 7084774
Wednesday 21 August
– Jackie Daly Remembers, Aras OaC, Flag Road, Miltown Malbay (4pm-5pm): Free. eolas@oac.ie, oac.ie
– The Story of a Cave Rescue. Culturlann Sweeney, Kilkee (8pm-9pm): Free. secretary@kilkeecivictrust.org
– Turret Lodge: Understanding the Challenges of Historic Buildings. Teach Cheoil, Kilrush (7pm-8:30pm): Free. nancy@acpgroup.ie, acpgroup.ie
Thursday 22August
– Michael Meade Remembers. Aras OaC, Flag Road, Miltown Malbay (4pm-5:45pm): Free. eolas@oac.ie, oac.ie
– Cahiracon House: Back to its Future. Kildysart Community Centre (7:30pm-9pm): Free.cmurphy@clarecoco.ie
– Susan Crawford Remembers. Aras OaC, Flag Road, Miltown Malbay (8pm-9:45pm): Free eolas@oac.ie, oac.ie
Friday 23 August
– PJ Murrihy Remembers. Aras OaC, Flag Road, Miltown Malbay (4pm-5pm): Free. eolas@oac.ie, oac.ie
– Bog Walk, Clontabonniv, Connolly. Start Carney’s Bar, Connolly (7pm-9pm): Free.connollytidyvillages@gmail.com
– Canon Michael McLaughlin Remembers. Aras OaC, Flag Road, Miltown Malbay (8pm-10:15pm): Free.eolas@oac.ie, oac.ie
Saturday 24 August
– Labasheeda – The Shannon Estuary Way. St Kieran’s Community Centre, Labasheeda (10:30am-4pm): Free. mcdonaghst@hotmail.com
– Whale Watch Ireland 2019 – Loop Head. Lighthouse, Loop Head (2pm-5pm): Free.Simon.berrow@iwdg.ie, iwdg.ie
– Nell Gleeson Remembers. Aras OaC, Flag Road, Miltown Malbay (4pm-5pm): Free. eolas@oac.ie, oac.ie
– Memories of Football in Miltown. Aras OaC, Flag Road, Miltown Malbay (8pm-9:45pm): Free.eolas@oac.ie, oac.ie
– A Heritage Walk of Kilkee. Starts Stella Maris Hotel (11am-1pm): Free. martin@loopheadwalkingtours.ie
Sunday 25 August
– Open Day at Loop Head House. Lightkeeper’s House (10am-4pm): Free. caroline@irishlandmark.com, irishlandmark.com
– House Dance on Scattery Island. Kilrush (1pm-4pm). Free (Ferry Boat Charge does apply).info@scatteryislandtours.com, scatteryislandtours.com
– Memories & Memorabilia in Kilrush. Teach Cheoil, Kilrush (4pm-7pm). Free.kilrushhistoricalsociety@gmail.com , kdhs.ie
NORTH CLARE
Saturday 17 August
– On Your Bike: Selfie Treasure Hunt. Dysart O’Dea Castle (11am-12:30pm): Family €10. info@clarewalks.ie, clarewalks.ie
Sunday 18 August
– Oughtmama and Corcomroe Abbey. Corcomroe Abbey (1:30pm-5pm): Free. shannonsociety@gmail.com
Wednesday 21 August
– Bugs, Blooms and the Burren. UCG Research Station, Carron (11am-1pm): Free. info@burrenbeo.com, burrenbeo.com
– Life on the Seashore. Bishop’s Quarter beach car park, near Ballyvaughan (2pm-4pm): Free.burrenoec@lcetb.ie, burrenoec.com
Saturday 24 August
– Whale Watch Ireland 2019 – Black Head. Lighthouse, Black Head (2pm-5pm): Free. sanod2@gmail.com, iwdg.ie
Sunday 25 August
– Open Day at Inchiquin House, Corofin (10am-4pm): Free. caroline@irishlandmark.com, irishlandmark.com
SHANNON & ENVIRONS
Saturday 17 August
– Shannon Town Community Wetlands. Meet at carpark between Gaelscoil Donncha Rua and Tir na nOg playground (2pm-4pm): Free. shannonwetlands@gmail.com
Wednesday 21 August
– Hastings Farmhouse (between Crematorium and Illaunamanagh Graveyard), Shannon (7.30pm-8:30pm): Free. Duchasnasionna22@gmail.com, duchasnasionna.eu
Thursday 22 August
– Tour of Ballintlea Mill. Assemble in the Square, Sixmilebridge (6.15pm-7.30pm): Free.deighande@eircom.net
EAST CLARE
Monday 19 August
– In the remote Irish woods, Cellach (Brendan Gleeson) prepares a fortress for an impending attack by a Viking war party. Unbeknown to Cellach, his young nephew Brendan (Evan McGuire) — who has no taste for battle — works secretly as an apprentice in the scriptorium of the local monastery, learning the ancient art of calligraphy. As the Vikings approach, revered illuminator Aidan (Mick Lally) arrives at the monastery and recruits Brendan to complete a series of dangerous, magical tasks. Cert G. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call Scariff Public Library on 061 922893.
Thursday 22 August
– Famine Walk in Tulla Village. Tulla Library, Old Market House, Tulla (7pm-8:30pm): Free.tulla@irelandxo.com, irelandxo.com/Ireland/clare/tulla-clare
– Film screening ‘Waveriders’ Scariff Public Library at 6.30pm
Documenting the rise of surfing as one of Ireland’s fastest growing sports, Waveriders explores the unique attractions the country offers to the sport. Set primarily on Ireland’s west coast some of world’s most passionate and talented surfers are interviewed to explain their feelings about their sport and why Ireland, so at odds with the tropic beaches usually home to surfers, has proven such a draw for them. Intercut with this is a study of George Freeth, the man often regarded as the ‘father of modern surfing’, and his links to Ireland through his Irish father. Building to the awe-inspiring conclusion of surfers riding some of the largest waves to ever reach the Irish coast, Waveriders mixes stunning visuals with insights into the minds and attitudes of the people who make up this community. Cert G. Free event and all are welcome. Call Scariff Library on 061 922893 for more information.
Saturday 24 August
– Tracing your Family Tree. Backroom of Minogue’s Bar, Tulla (10am-12pm): Free. tulla@irelandxo.com, irelandxo.com/Ireland/clare/tulla-clare
– Guided Walk to Bohatch Dolmen. Start Mountshannon Harbour (10am-1:30pm): Free.info@clarewalks.ie, clarewalks.ie
Sunday 25 August
– Mass Rock Celebration: Tulla. Loughaun Mass Rock, Tulla (2pm-3.15pm): Free. tulla@irelandxo.com, irelandxo.com/Ireland/clare/tulla-clare
ENNIS & ENVIRONS
Saturday 17 August
– Launch of ‘Clare and its People’. OPW Heritage Site, Ennis Friary, Abbey St., Ennis (2pm-4pm): Free.ennisfriary@opw.ie, heritageireland.ie
Sunday 18 August
– Visit Ennis Friary. OPW Heritage Site, Ennis Friary, Abbey St., Ennis (10am-5pm): Free.ennisfriary@opw.ie, heritageireland.ie
– Kids Tours of Ennis Friary. OPW Heritage Site, Ennis Friary, Abbey St., Ennis (12pm-1pm): Free.ennisfriary@opw.ie, heritageireland.ie
Tuesday 20 August
– A Clare Land War Incident. DeValera Public Library, Harmony Row, Ennis (6pm-7pm): Free.mailbox@clarelibrary.ie, clarelibrary.ie
Wednesday 21 August
– Beekeeping: Medieval to Modern. OPW Heritage Site, Ennis Friary, Abbey St., Ennis (12pm-1pm): Free.ennisfriary@opw.ie, heritageireland.ie
– Clare Annual Bat Meeting. The Inn at Dromoland, Latoon North, Newmarket on Fergus (7:30pm-10pm): Free. Clare.antaisce@gmail.com
– Civil War Graffiti Rediscovered. County Museum, Arthur’s Row, Ennis (8pm-9:15pm): Free.claremuseum@clarecoco.ie, clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum
Thursday 22 August
– Eighteenth Century Clare News. Ennis Library, Ennis (11:30am-12:30pm): Free.info@irishworkhousecentre.ie, irishworkhousecentre.ie
– The Magpies Hall of Fame Exhibition. GAA Clubhouse, Clarecastle (7pm-9pm): Free.barntickfarm@yahoo.ie, clarecastlegaa.ie
Saturday 24 August
– Scribes Through the Ages – Ennis. OPW Heritage Site, Ennis Friary, Abbey St., Ennis (2pm-3pm): Free.ennisfriary@opw.ie, heritageireland.ie
Sunday 25 August
– Visit Ennis Friary. OPW Heritage Site, Ennis Friary, Abbey St., Ennis (10am-5pm): Free.ennisfriary@opw.ie, heritageireland.ie
– The Magpies Hall of Fame Exhibition. GAA Clubhouse, Clarecastle (1pm-3pm): Free.barntickfarm@yahoo.ie, clarecastlegaa.ie
– Kids Tours of Ennis Friary. OPW Heritage Site, Ennis Friary, Abbey St., Ennis (12pm-1pm): Free.ennisfriary@opw.ie, heritageireland.ie
