Events, Festivals and News

National Heritage Week 2011 20th to 28th August

Heritage Week 2011 20th to 28th Augustof August 2011. In Ireland, Heritage Week is co-ordinated by the Heritage Council with support from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Fáilte Ireland.

What is Heritage Week?
Each year many national and hundreds of local community organisations participate by organising events throughout the country. There is something to appeal to almost everyone and the main aim is to build awareness of our built, natural and cultural heritage thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation.

What's On?
There is something taking place in every county and most activities are free of charge or offer great value for money. Everyone is encouraged to get involved and activities range from fairs, night-time bat walks, wildlife tours and lectures to music recitals, historical re-enactments, and outdoor activities. Many heritage sites and stately homes will offer free admission or special concessions.

Events taking place include living history displays at the Battle of the Boyne Site; woodland walk and willow sculpturing at Balrath Wood; free guided tours of OPW sites; an exhibition on the history of Hilltown House and the Boylan family, Bellewstown; and talks on Meath’s woodlands and hedgerows and the architectural heritage of Dunboyne, to mention but a few. Almost every day there will be something happening somewhere in Meath and, indeed, across the country.  

Most of these events are free and many are suitable for children including a family nature activity day at Dalgan Park on Saturday August 20th from 11am to lunchtime; a falconry display at the Hill of Tara featuring falcons, hawks and owls on Sunday August 21st at 12.30pm to 4.30pm and story-telling at Brú na Bóinne on Saturday August 20th from 2pm to 3pm.

To celebrate Irish Walled Town Day on August 21st 2011 a family festival is planned for Trim organised by Trim Town Council and Trim and District Chamber of Commerce Ltd in association with the Meath Heritage Centre and Heritage Office, Meath County Council.  Activities will include archery, bouncing castles, fencing, jousting, jester, face painting, canoeing, guided walks, antiques fair and a pig on a spit.

For updates on events throughout the week and complete event listings, log on to www.heritageweek.ie become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @heritageweek.


What's On in Meath during Heritage Week 2011